The complete 2026 FAQ for diving across the whole of Flores, Indonesia — Komodo National Park, the Maumere Sea Gardens, Alor and the Riung 17 Islands. Regions and difficulty, currents and certification, best season, water and marine life, PADI courses, costs and booking. Operated by Komodo Luxury.
Diving Flores: the regions
Where can you dive in Flores?
Dive sites in Flores include Komodo National Park, Maumere, Alor, and Riung 17 Islands. Each region offers unique underwater experiences, from high-current pelagic zones to calm reef and macro diving.
How do Komodo, Maumere, Alor and Riung diving differ?
Komodo and Alor feature strong currents and are suited for advanced divers seeking pelagics. Maumere offers moderate currents, focusing on macro and reef gardens for intermediate divers. Riung provides calm, beginner-friendly diving with less crowding.
Is Flores diving better than the Maldives or Raja Ampat?
Flores offers a diverse diving experience with strong currents and pelagic life in Komodo and Alor, and calm, macro-rich sites in Maumere and Riung. While it differs from the Maldives and Raja Ampat, each location has unique attractions.
Can I dive several Flores regions in one trip?
Yes, you can dive multiple regions in Flores during one trip. Planning and time management are essential due to the distances between sites like Komodo, Maumere, Alor, and Riung.
Skill, safety & currents
Do I need to be an advanced diver to dive Flores?
Advanced Open Water certification is recommended for Komodo and Alor due to strong currents. Maumere and Riung offer sites suitable for Open Water divers and beginners.
How strong are the currents in Komodo and Alor?
Komodo experiences extreme drift currents, especially during new/full moons. Alor also has very strong currents, requiring experienced divers. Both regions are best suited for advanced divers.
Which Flores dive sites suit beginners or Open Water divers?
Riung 17 Islands is ideal for beginners and Open Water divers due to its calm conditions. Maumere also offers intermediate sites suitable for less experienced divers.
Is diving in Flores safe?
Diving in Flores is generally safe with proper precautions. Strong currents in Komodo and Alor require experience. Always dive with a certified operator and adhere to safety guidelines.
Season, water & marine life
When is the best time to dive Flores?
The best diving season in Flores is from April to October, offering calm seas and good visibility. Manta season in Komodo is from November to April.
What is the water temperature and visibility?
Water temperatures range from 26-29°C across Flores. Visibility varies: Komodo 15-40m, Alor >30m, Maumere 15-30m, and Riung 15-25m, generally best in the dry season.
Are manta rays guaranteed in Komodo?
While manta rays are commonly seen in Komodo, sightings cannot be guaranteed. November to April is the best time for encounters.
What marine life will I see across Flores?
Flores offers diverse marine life: Komodo and Alor feature pelagics like mantas and sharks, while Maumere and Riung focus on macro life, reef gardens, and occasional sharks.
Courses, costs & booking
Can I learn to dive in Flores and do a PADI course?
Yes, Flores offers PADI courses, including Open Water (USD 350–450) and Advanced Open Water (USD 400–500), allowing you to learn and dive in diverse conditions.
How much does diving in Flores cost?
A 2-tank day dive costs USD 100–150. PADI Open Water courses range from USD 350–450, Advanced courses from USD 400–500, and liveaboards from USD 250–500 per night.
Should I choose a day-dive trip or a liveaboard?
Choose based on preference and budget. Day-dive trips offer flexibility, while liveaboards provide comprehensive access to remote sites. Both options offer unique experiences.
How much is the Komodo National Park fee?
The Komodo National Park fee is approximately USD 10–20. From February 2026, a visitor limit of 1,000 per day will be enforced, requiring advance booking.
Who operates Flores Diving and how do I book?
Flores Diving is operated by Komodo Luxury. Book via WhatsApp at +62 811-3823-875 or email sales@komodoluxury.com for inquiries and reservations.
Plan your Flores diving with one team
From Komodo and the Maumere Sea Gardens to Alor and the Riung 17 Islands, we match every diver to the right region, sites and season. See the Flores diving guide or plan your dives on WhatsApp.
Diving Certification Requirements for Flores
Before planning your dive trip to Flores, it’s essential to understand the diving certification requirements across the region. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant sites of Komodo National Park or the lesser-known spots in Alor, having the right certification ensures your safety and enjoyment.
Beginner Dive Package: If you’re new to diving, you’ll need to complete a PADI Open Water Diver course, available for USD 350–450. This certification allows you to dive up to 18 meters and is a prerequisite for progressing to advanced levels.
Advanced Dive Package: For more experienced divers, the Advanced Open Water Diver course costs between USD 400–500, enabling you to dive up to 30 meters. This course is recommended for those looking to explore sites with stronger currents, such as Batu Bolong.
Dive Sites: Some sites, like Manta Point, may require advanced skills due to variable currents. Always check with your chosen dive center in Labuan Bajo or other locations in Flores.
Explore Alor Diving Options for detailed guidance on certification needs in the region.
Best Diving Seasons in Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers some of the best diving conditions in the world. Understanding the seasonal variations can enhance your diving experience.
May to September: This is the best season for diving in Komodo National Park, with water temperatures ranging from 26–29°C and generally calm seas. Visibility is excellent, making it the prime time for spotting the park’s rich marine life.
October to April: During this period, the region experiences the wet season, leading to rougher seas and reduced visibility. However, fewer visitors can mean more intimate encounters with marine life.
- Komodo NP Fee: ~USD 10–20
- Visitor Limit: 1,000 per day starting February 2026
- Advance Booking Required
Plan your next adventure by preparing for the diving conditions in Komodo and ensuring your trip aligns with the best seasonal window.
Safety Protocols and Emergency Procedures
At Flores Diving Centre, the safety of our divers is our top priority. Understanding and adhering to safety protocols and emergency procedures are vital aspects of responsible diving.
Pre-Dive Briefing: Every dive begins with a thorough briefing, covering the dive plan, potential hazards, and procedures specific to sites like Kalong Island.
Emergency Procedures: In the event of an incident, our PADI Dive Centers are equipped with oxygen kits and first aid. All guides are trained in CPR and emergency response.
Equipment Rental: Well-maintained equipment is available for hire, and Nitrox is offered for those with the proper certification, enhancing safety during extended bottom times.
| Course | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Open Water Diver | 350–450 |
| Rescue Diver | 600 |
For a safe and enjoyable diving experience, consider a tailored 6-week itinerary that includes both beginner and advanced packages. Ensure your 2027 plans accommodate the necessary safety measures.
Plan your 2027 Flores dive trip on WhatsApp.
Equipment Rental and Nitrox Availability
When diving in Flores, ensuring you have the right equipment is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. At Flores Diving Centre, we offer comprehensive equipment rental services to cater to divers of all levels. Our rental selection includes high-quality regulators, BCDs, wetsuits, masks, fins, and dive computers. We understand the importance of reliable gear, especially when navigating the dynamic currents of Komodo National Park.
For divers certified to use Nitrox, we provide enriched air fills to extend your bottom time, especially valuable when exploring deeper sites like Manta Point or Batu Bolong. Please note, Nitrox certification is required, and it’s advisable to book in advance due to high demand during peak seasons.
- Standard Equipment Set: ~USD 25 per day
- Nitrox Fill: ~USD 10 per tank
- Ensure certification proof is available for Nitrox rental.
For a smooth experience, consider planning your dives and equipment needs well ahead of your trip. If you’re planning for 2027, early bookings are recommended due to the increased visitor limit restrictions.
Plan your 2027 Flores dive trip on WhatsApp.
Dive Site Highlights: Manta Point, Batu Bolong, and Kalong Island
Flores is home to some of the most renowned dive sites in Indonesia. Manta Point in Komodo National Park offers the thrilling opportunity to observe manta rays in their natural cleaning stations. While sightings cannot be guaranteed, the experience is unforgettable. Currents here can be strong, so this site is recommended for advanced divers.
Batu Bolong is another site not to be missed, famous for its vibrant coral gardens and abundant marine life, including sharks, turtles, and schools of fish. Currents can be unpredictable, making it suitable for divers with experience in similar conditions.
Kalong Island, while lesser-known, offers unique night diving experiences where you can witness the magnificent sight of flying foxes at sunset before diving beneath the surface to explore the nocturnal marine life.
- Manta Point: Best for Advanced Divers
- Batu Bolong: Intermediate to Advanced
- Kalong Island: Suitable for Night Diving
For more information on diving in Flores, visit our dive sites page. Early planning for 2027 is advised due to new visitor limits.
Plan your 2027 Flores dive trip on WhatsApp.
Beginner vs. Advanced Dive Packages
At Flores Diving, we offer tailored dive packages for both beginner and advanced divers. Our Beginner Dive Package is perfect for those new to diving, including a PADI Open Water Diver course, priced at approximately USD 350–450. This package covers fundamental skills, safety protocols, and emergency procedures, ensuring a solid foundation for new divers.
For those looking to enhance their skills, our Advanced Dive Package includes the PADI Advanced Open Water course, priced at USD 400–500. This package provides opportunities to explore deeper diving, navigation, and other specialized skills under the guidance of a certified instructor.
| Package | Price (USD) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 350–450 | Open Water Course, Equipment Rental |
| Advanced | 400–500 | Advanced Course, Specialized Dives |
Both packages emphasize safety and are conducted by experienced instructors. For those looking to dive extensively across Flores, consider our 6-week itinerary that covers various regions, including Maumere and Alor. Early planning for 2027 is recommended to secure your spot in these popular packages.