Riung 17 Islands: Easy Diving & Snorkelling in Flores

Riung 17 Islands Diving

The Riung 17 Islands Marine Park, located on the northern coast of Flores, is a haven for those seeking a more tranquil diving experience. With its calm waters and vibrant reefs, Riung is ideally suited for beginners and snorkelers. This area offers a wealth of marine life, with a focus on colorful coral gardens and small reef fish.

What to Expect

Riung’s dive sites are predominantly shallow, with minimal currents, making them accessible to all skill levels. The waters are warm, ranging from 26–29°C, ensuring comfortable dives year-round. While the marine life here may not include the larger pelagics found in Komodo, the diversity of coral species and smaller reef inhabitants is sure to delight.

• Depth: Most sites range from 5 to 20 meters.
• Visibility: Typically 15 to 25 meters, depending on the season.
• Marine Life: Expect to see vibrant corals, schools of small reef fish, nudibranchs, and occasionally turtles.

Best Time to Dive

The best time to dive in Riung aligns with the broader Flores diving season, from May to September. During these months, you can expect optimal conditions with calm seas and excellent visibility. While diving is possible year-round, the wet season from December to March may bring increased rainfall and slightly reduced visibility.

Seasonal Highlights

While Riung doesn’t have a specific manta season like Komodo, the calmer waters are perfect for relaxed diving and snorkeling experiences throughout the year. Planning your trip during the dry season ensures the best possible conditions.

Certification Requirements

Riung is perfect for those just starting their diving journey. An Open Water Diver certification is sufficient to explore the majority of sites here. The gentle conditions also make it an excellent location for snorkelers and those taking their first PADI courses.

Courses and Training

If you’re new to diving or looking to advance your skills, Riung offers a perfect setting for training. Consider starting with a PADI Open Water course, which typically ranges from USD 350–450. This provides a solid foundation for exploring more challenging sites across Flores.

Riung vs. Other Flores Regions

Compared to other regions like Komodo, Maumere, and Alor, Riung offers a unique experience. Unlike Komodo’s high-current sites requiring Advanced Open Water certification, Riung’s calmer environment caters to a broader range of divers.

Key Comparisons

Planning for 2027

Given the popularity of Flores as a diving destination, particularly Riung, it’s wise to plan your 2027 trip well in advance. Peak weeks from April to October, especially during the best diving season, can book out months ahead. For the best experience, secure your accommodation and dive slots early.

Booking Tips

Consider booking liveaboard trips or dive packages well in advance to secure your spot. Always verify park fees and regulations with your operator as these can vary seasonally. For assistance, plan your 2027 Flores dive trip on WhatsApp with us.

Komodo Dive Sites: Navigating the Currents

Diving in Komodo National Park is a captivating mix of strong currents and rich marine biodiversity. The park, accessible from Labuan Bajo, features sites like Padar, Pink Beach, Manta Point, and Rinca. These locations are renowned for diverse fish species, vibrant corals, and exciting drift dives. Strong currents, often present, enhance the diving experience but require at least an Advanced Open Water certification. Dive operators offer guidance on Komodo diving, ensuring that dives are conducted with safety at the forefront.

Komodo’s best diving season stretches from May to September, when waters are calmest and visibility peaks. Entry to the park costs around USD 10-20, with a visitor limit of 1,000 per day starting February 2026. Advance booking is essential to secure your diving plans.

• Two-tank day dive: USD 100–150
• PADI Open Water course: USD 350–450
• Liveaboard trips: USD 250–500 per day

These options provide flexibility whether you’re planning a 2027 trip or diving today. It’s advisable to book well in advance, particularly for liveaboards, as demand is high.

Alor: Diving the Walls and Currents

Alor offers dramatic wall dives and challenging currents. Known for its pristine conditions and low traffic, Alor is an excellent choice for experienced divers seeking adventure. The walls are teeming with life, including vibrant soft corals and pelagic species.

Divers should be comfortable with strong currents to make the most of Alor’s offerings. Advanced certification is recommended, and local dive operators often require it. The best time to visit Alor aligns with the broader Flores diving season, from May to September, when currents are manageable and visibility is at its best.

For more details, visit our Alor diving guide.

Consider planning your 2027 dive holiday in advance to secure spots during the best season.

Liveaboard and Day-Dive Options Across Flores

Flores offers diverse diving experiences, whether through liveaboard adventures or day dives. Liveaboards provide access to remote sites like Kanawa and Wae Rebo, where day trips might not reach. These trips typically cost between USD 250–500 per day and are ideal for divers wanting extensive exploration.

Day dives are perfect for shorter visits or those preferring land-based accommodations. Expect to pay around USD 100–150 for a 2-tank day dive, with operators available in regions like Maumere and Riung. Each area offers unique underwater features, from Maumere’s Sea Gardens to the gentle currents of Riung’s 17 Islands.

• PADI Divemaster: USD 800–1000
• Day dive (2 tanks): USD 100–150

Check our Flores diving guide for an overview of all regional offerings. Whether planning now or for 2027, divers will find suitable options across Flores.

Plan your 2027 Komodo trip on WhatsApp

Exploring Maumere & the Sea Gardens in 2027

Diving in Maumere offers a unique blend of vibrant marine life and accessible dive sites suitable for various skill levels. Known for its rich coral gardens, Maumere is an excellent spot for both beginners and experienced divers looking to explore colorful reefs and diverse underwater ecosystems.

The best time to dive in Maumere is between May and September, when the seas are calm and visibility is optimal. Planning for 2027, divers should consider booking early, especially if aiming to visit during peak months. Courses are available, including PADI Open Water and Advanced courses, priced between USD 350–500.

• Best Dive Sites: Pangabatang Island, Koka Beach
• Visibility: 15-30 meters
• Water Temperature: 26-29°C

Maumere also serves as an excellent starting point for dive safaris across the region. For more information, visit our Maumere diving guide.

Komodo Dive Sites: Navigating the Currents

The Komodo region is a prime destination for thrill-seeking divers, with strong currents and diverse marine life. Key sites include Padar, Pink Beach, Manta Point, Rinca, Kanawa, and Wae Rebo. The best time to dive here is from May to September.

Entry to Komodo National Park requires a fee of around USD 10–20 with a visitor limit of 1,000 per day starting February 2026. Booking in advance is essential to secure a spot. For 2027, ensure you plan your itinerary early.

• Highlights: Manta Rays at Manta Point, macro life at Kanawa
• Recommended Certification: Advanced Open Water or higher
• Day Dive Cost: USD 100–150 for a 2-tank dive

For detailed site descriptions and tips, check our Komodo diving guide.

Liveaboard and Day-Dive Options Across Flores

Flores offers a range of diving options, from day dives to liveaboard experiences. Liveaboards allow divers to access remote sites over several days, with prices ranging from USD 250–500. These trips often cover multiple regions, including Komodo, Maumere, and Alor.

Day dives are perfect for those with limited time or specific site interests. Prices for a 2-tank day dive typically range between USD 100–150. Some boats offer flexible schedules to accommodate various preferences and dive goals.

Whether choosing a liveaboard or day dive, planning for 2027 includes securing bookings early to avoid disappointment. Prepare your diving adventure by exploring our Flores diving guide.

For personalized assistance, plan your 2027 Komodo trip on WhatsApp.

Filed under: Dive Regions