Dive Maumere - Flores

Maumere is one of nature’s true wonders. Located on the north coast of Flores, in Indonesia, this small town is the main city of the island, although one would never know when you visit the sleepy beaches around the island.

Right off the beaten track, the reefs surrounding Maumere were once considered some of the world’s finest diving. On December the 12th 1992, Maumere was sadly one of the areas affected by a 7.8 level earthquake and following tsunami. Incredibly, there is very little evidence of those affects these days other than a dive site aptly named "The Crack", a large crevice running through Babi Island which is now a natural habitat for an abundance of marine life. In actual fact, over the years the cleared area has allowed a wide variety of corals to flourish in area’s previously occupied by more dominant corals.

Maumere is truly breathtaking at every turn. Slowly making your way to the dive sites you will notice the volcanoes looming over the horizon, keep one eye on the surface here though as anything is possible as dolphins and even a whale shark may pass beneath your boat.

Below the surface the first thing you notice is the sea of colors; soft corals and giant gorgonian sea fans of every color imaginable. Be sure to watch for eagle rays circling off the reef and reef sharks weaving through the corals. The walls here are a living mosaic of leafy scorpionfish, frogfish, and pygmy seahorse. Be sure to explore the muck as Maumere is home to some of the finest black sand diving around and even home to the elusive mandarin fish.

Just a short swim from shore and you will find yourself searching the cracks and crevices of a Japanese World War freighter. Ghost pipefish, peacock mantis shrimp and an abundance of Nudibranch are waiting to be discovered; even the most seasoned diver is left with a real sense of adventure here.

With all that Maumere has to offer, it’s easy to see why it’s once again regarded as one of the world’s top diving locations. And the best part: you’ll have the dive site all to yourself!

Experience Level: Beginner - Advanced
Season: April – December
Visibility: 10 – 35 meters
Water Temp.: 26 – 28 Celsius
Surface Conditions: Calm
# Dive Sites: 18+

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