Booking and Customisation

Our approach to crafting Alor diving expeditions is consultative and detail-oriented. We understand that our guests are discerning travellers, often with specific goals, whether it is photographing the elusive Rhinopias, encountering oceanic sunfish, or simply immersing themselves in the most biodiverse waters on earth. The process begins with a conversation, allowing us to understand your experience level, interests, and expectations. This ensures that every expedition is not just a trip, but a precisely tailored exploration of East Nusa Tenggara’s marine frontier.

From private charters for dedicated photography groups to specific itineraries focusing on the Pantar Strait’s thrilling currents, customisation is at the core of our service. We manage a limited number of departures each season to maintain the highest standards of service and to minimise our environmental footprint. This exclusivity allows for a level of flexibility and personal attention that is difficult to find elsewhere. We aim to make the entire process, from initial contact to your arrival in Kalabahi, seamless and reassuring.

What is the booking process for an expedition?

Our booking process begins with a direct enquiry to establish your interests and preferred dates. We then provide a detailed proposal and itinerary. To confirm your place on one of our Alor diving expeditions, a deposit is required, with the final balance typically due 90 days before departure. We guide you through every step, from international flight advice to pre-trip preparation, ensuring a smooth and transparent journey from the outset. All communications are handled by our experienced expedition planners.

Can I arrange a private charter or customise an itinerary?

Yes, we specialise in private charters and customised itineraries. This is ideal for dive clubs, research groups, or underwater photographers with specific subjects in mind, such as pygmy seahorses or macro life in Beang. We can tailor the route, dive site selection, and daily schedule to your group’s unique objectives. We recommend contacting us well in advance to discuss your requirements and secure vessel availability, particularly during the peak Mola Mola season.

Pricing and Inclusions

We believe in a clear and comprehensive pricing structure that reflects the all-inclusive nature of a true expedition. The costs associated with operating in a remote location like the Alor archipelago, with its limited infrastructure, are significant. Our rates account for first-class vessel maintenance, experienced local crew and dive guides, high-quality provisions, and the complex logistics of ensuring safety and comfort far from the nearest city. The price of our Alor diving expeditions is a direct reflection of the quality, safety, and unique access we provide.

Your expedition fee covers nearly every aspect of your time with us from the moment you land at Mali Airport (ARD) in Kalabahi. This includes all onboard accommodation, meals prepared by our professional chef, diving activities, and any planned shore excursions, such as visits to the traditional Abui villages. We aim to eliminate financial surprises, allowing you to focus entirely on the extraordinary experience of diving in Alor.

What is included in the expedition price?

Our expedition pricing is largely all-inclusive. It covers airport transfers in Kalabahi, full-board accommodation in your selected cabin, all meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages, and a complete diving programme of up to four dives per day. This includes tanks, weights, and the services of our expert dive guides. National park and port fees, along with any scheduled land-based cultural excursions, are also incorporated into the final price, ensuring no hidden costs upon arrival.

What is not included in the price?

The expedition price does not cover international or domestic flights to Alor (Kalabahi), dive equipment rental (which can be pre-booked), or dive and travel insurance, which are mandatory for all guests. Alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine are available for purchase onboard. Gratuities for the crew, while entirely at your discretion, are also not included in the upfront cost. Any personal purchases made on land are the guest’s own responsibility.

Travel Logistics and Onboard Life

The journey to Alor is part of the adventure, a passage to one of Indonesia’s most secluded and pristine marine environments. The primary gateway is Mali Airport (ARD) in Kalabahi, the capital of the Alor Regency in East Nusa Tenggara. Typically, this involves an international flight to a major Indonesian hub like Jakarta (CGK) or Bali (DPS), followed by a domestic flight. We provide detailed guidance to help you navigate the best and most reliable routes. Upon your arrival in Kalabahi, our team will be there to greet you and handle all transfers to the vessel.

Life aboard our vessel is designed for comfort, relaxation, and efficient dive preparation. We cater specifically to the needs of serious divers and photographers, with ample space for equipment, dedicated camera facilities, and a comfortable lounge for briefings and socialising. Our crew, many of whom are from the local communities of Pantar and Alor Kecil, bring an unmatched level of local knowledge and warm Indonesian hospitality, ensuring your time with us is as enriching above the water as it is below.

How do I travel to Alor?

The most common route is to fly into Mali Airport (ARD) in Kalabahi, Alor. This usually requires connecting through a larger Indonesian airport such as Bali (DPS), Jakarta (CGK), or Kupang (KOE). We strongly advise arriving in Indonesia at least one day prior to your expedition start date to account for potential domestic flight delays. Our team can provide recommendations for airlines and routing based on our extensive logistical experience in the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) region.

What level of diving experience is required?

Our Alor diving expeditions are best suited for advanced divers comfortable with currents, drift dives, and varying conditions. A minimum of an Advanced Open Water certification with at least 50 logged dives is required. Experience in deep dives and challenging currents is highly recommended to fully appreciate sites within the Pantar Strait. Our guides always prioritise safety, but the remote and dynamic nature of Alor’s underwater environment demands a solid foundation of diving skill and situational awareness.

What are the onboard accommodation and facilities like?

Our vessel offers comfortable, air-conditioned cabins with private ensuite bathrooms, designed to be a restful sanctuary after a full day of diving. Common areas include a spacious dive deck with individual gear stations, a dedicated camera room with charging points, an indoor salon for dining and briefings, and an outdoor lounge area for enjoying the spectacular archipelago scenery. The onboard experience is one of refined comfort and practicality, tailored for the dedicated diver.

Safety, Sustainability, and Cultural Engagement

Operating in a remote environment carries immense responsibility. Safety is the foundational principle of all our Alor diving expeditions. Our vessel is equipped with modern navigation and safety equipment, including extensive first aid supplies and emergency oxygen. Our crew and dive guides undergo regular, rigorous training in emergency procedures and rescue scenarios. We maintain a strict protocol for all diving operations, ensuring that every exploration is conducted with the utmost regard for the well-being of our guests.

Our commitment extends beyond our guests to the environment and communities of Alor. We operate under a strict no-touch policy, practice responsible waste management, and actively support local conservation initiatives. A key part of the Alor experience is respectful cultural exchange. We have cultivated long-standing relationships with communities, such as the Abui people, facilitating authentic interactions that are beneficial for both our guests and our local hosts. We believe that true expedition travel should enrich the destination, not just the visitor.

What safety measures are in place?

Guest safety is our highest priority. The vessel is equipped with comprehensive safety equipment, including life rafts, EPIRB, satellite phones, first aid kits, and emergency oxygen. Our dive guides are certified emergency first responders, and we conduct thorough safety briefings before the expedition and before every dive. We have established emergency evacuation plans in coordination with facilities in Kalabahi and Kupang, ensuring we are prepared for any eventuality in this remote part of Indonesia.

How does the company support local communities and sustainability?

We are deeply committed to the people and environment of Alor. We employ local crew and guides from villages like Marisa and Beang, providing stable and fair employment. We source fresh produce from local markets in Kalabahi, directly supporting the regional economy. Our cultural visits are conducted in partnership with village elders to ensure they are respectful and economically beneficial. Environmentally, we adhere to a strict code of conduct, minimising our footprint and contributing to local marine conservation data collection.

What are the diving conditions like in Alor?

Diving in Alor is characterised by its variety and dynamism. You will encounter everything from calm, black-sand muck diving sites perfect for macro photography to exhilarating drift dives in the strong currents of the Pantar Strait. Water temperatures typically range from 25-29°C, but can occasionally drop below 20°C in areas of upwelling, especially during the Mola Mola season. Visibility is generally excellent, often exceeding 30 metres, revealing pristine hard and soft coral reefs.

When is the best time to see Mola Mola in Alor?

While sightings are never guaranteed, the peak season for encountering Oceanic Sunfish (Mola Mola) in the Alor archipelago is generally from July to October. During these months, cooler, nutrient-rich waters from deep-sea upwellings attract these magnificent creatures to specific cleaning stations. Our experienced guides know these sites intimately, maximising your chances of a memorable encounter during our scheduled Alor diving expeditions in this period.