Underwater World
Superb macro critters life, amazing coral and benthic diversity, huge anemone fields, schooling fish, unmatched jaw-dropping underwater visibility and a resident endangered dugong population as well as Schooling Hammerhead Shark, Thresher Shark, Pod of Melon Headed and Pilot Whales, Pod of Spinner and bottlenose Dolphins as well as Mola Mola are the main marine attractions for scuba divers in Alor.
Underneath Alor
When discussing diving destinations in the Coral Triangle of Indonesia, renowned spots like Raja Ampat, the Banda Sea, Sulawesi, Komodo, and Triton Bay often dominate the conversation. These legendary locations consistently rank high on the bucket lists of scuba divers worldwide, each contributing to the allure of Indonesia's vast archipelago of over 17,000 islands.
However, nestled quietly amidst this renowned array of dive sites lies a hidden gem – the islet of Alor. While lesser-known and more challenging to access due to its remote location, Alor offers an unparalleled underwater experience that rivals even the most famous destinations.
With jaw-dropping visibility exceeding 30 meters, Alor boasts some of the world's most pristine and colorful coral reefs. These vibrant ecosystems teem with a diverse array of marine life, including dense populations of fish and the migratory pathways of majestic marine mammals such as Blue Whales, Fin Whales, Sperm Whales, Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, and various species of Dolphins.
For enthusiasts of macro critters, Alor's extensive black volcanic sand bay is a treasure trove of unique marine creatures. From elusive Rhinopias and tiny Pygmy Seahorses to cryptic Hairy Crabs and vibrant Mandarin Fish, the diversity of species found in Alor's volcanic bay is nothing short of remarkable.
Discover the Most Famous Dive Spots
Dive Season
Diving in Alor is possible throughout the year, but the optimal conditions are typically experienced from April to November. October and November are particularly favored months, although currents may be more prevalent during this time. Outside of this period, surface conditions can be unsettled, with a higher chance of rain and reduced visibility. However, despite the possibility of such disturbances, many scuba divers visit Alor year-round and often encounter favorable conditions.
Water temperatures in Alor vary, ranging from around 25°C in March to April and October to November, to 31/32°C from May to September, which coincides with the southeast monsoon period. During the monsoon period, visibility, which is normally around 25-30 meters, may decrease to 15 meters or less due to plankton blooms. Extreme Upwelling Phenomena in Mulut Kumbang Strait.
At Moko Alor Dive Resort, we occasionally experience a fascinating natural phenomenon known as upwelling. During upwelling events, colder, nutrient-rich waters from the deep ocean rise to the surface, creating unique diving conditions. In the tropical waters surrounding our resort, we can tell that upwelling has occurred when the sea surface temperature drops to 25°–27°C from its usual average of around 28°C.
We recently observed an extraordinary upwelling event right here in the Mulut Kumbang Strait of Alor Kecil. During a spring tide, the surface temperature unexpectedly plummeted by 10°C within just one hour. The temperature reached an unprecedented low of about 12°C, and the cold water rose rapidly to the surface. While such events are rare, they typically occur annually between August and November, providing divers at our resort with an exciting and unique underwater experience.
Dive Overview
- Depth: Typically encountered during dives, ranging from 12 to 30 meters.
- Visibility: up to 30 meters possible.
- Currents: Mild – Very Strong
- Surface conditions: Variable where some days are very calm, where others can be rough.
- Water temperature: Typically ranging from 26 to 30°C. But with stronger upwelling currents it can sometimes get to 14°C.
- Experience level: The sites for more pelagic encounters usually have stronger currents which are more suitable for more experienced divers. Other dive sites can also be good for beginners.
- Number of dive sites: Over 30.
- Distance: Distances to the dive sites vary from 0 to 25 minutes by boat.
- Recommended length of stay: Ranging from 5 to 14 days.
Coral Reef Dive site
“The World Aquarium”
Muck Dive site
"Hidden Gem of The Critter World”
House Reef
"Explore our Unlimited House Reef Dive"
The highlight of Moko Alor Dive Resort is undoubtedly its house reef. Just steps away from the shore, you can immerse yourself in a world of vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life. Snorkelers will be thrilled to explore the crystal-clear waters and encounter various species of fish, turtles, and even dolphins. Experienced divers can join guided tours to explore nearby dive sites and discover hidden gems underwater.
Moko’s House Reef
- Diver Level: Beginner to Advanced
- Entrance:Shore dive
- Depth Max: 30m
- Visibility Mild to strong
- Current Mild to strong
- Landscape: Slope
- Highlights:Coral gardens, blacktip reef sharks, trevallies, sea turtles, scorpionfish, mantis shrimp
Tina’s Wall
- Diver Level: Beginner to Advanced
- Entrance: Shore dive
- Depth Max: 30m
- Visibility Mild to strong
- Current Mild to strong
- Landscape: Slope
- Highlights: Coral gardens, blacktip reef sharks, trevallies, sea turtles, scorpionfish
Dive & Camera Center
Camera Center
Our air-conditioned camera station and photo-video editing center are available for complimentary use by our guests. The center is equipped to accommodate up to 8 seated camera setup stations, each featuring a cleaning air-compressor for added convenience. Additionally, we provide Apple iMac Desktops for photo-video editing purposes. For our eager guests that still want to learn while enjoying their relaxing trip, we also offer our PADI dive course theory classes here and dive plan briefings before each daily dive, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive experience for all our guests.
Dive Center
At Moko Alor Dive, we provide a wide selection of rental equipment suitable for all diving levels. Our gear comes from trusted brands like Scubapro and Tusa, with options ranging from standard BCDs to Hybrid and Wing styles. DIN adaptors are also available on request. Safety and reliability are our top priorities—every piece of equipment follows strict maintenance schedules in line with Indonesian regulations. Tanks and gear are serviced twice a year and tested within hydro-testing requirements, ensuring you can dive with peace of mind and focus on enjoying your underwater experience.
Guest Equipment Room
For guests who bring their own dive equipment, we provide a dedicated storage room designed to ensure the safety and security of your personal gear. Each villa features its own designated equipment rack station within this room, offering convenient access and peace of mind throughout your stay.
Boat
Our custom-designed dive boats are built for comfort and safety, equipped with shaded seating, spacious decks, and easy entry/exit points. Each boat also provides dedicated storage space for personal gear, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable diving experience from start to finish.
The Dive Team
Leonard
PADI OWSI (Instructor/Resort Manager)
Mansyur
PADI Divemaster (Dive Guide)
Sam
PADI Divemaster (Dive Guide)
Langko
PADI Rescue Diver (DC & Compressor Operator)
Ismail
Boat Crew