The area of Flores in Indonesia offers excellent scuba diving opportunities, and the main reason that large numbers of divers flock to Flores each year is because of the island's excellent dive sites, and superb coral.
One of the most popular dive regions in Indonesia is the Bay of Maumere in the Flores Sea. The underwater geography of this area features all varieties of corals, including hard and soft forms. The frequent tsunamis in the area have created underwater slopes and cliffs that create excellent opportunities for diving. You can explore the unique undersea world created by the joining of the Australian and Asian underwater ridges off the shores of Maumere. The waters off the shores of Flores are teeming with tropical undersea life of every variety.
The two best areas to dive in Flores are the Maumere Bay and the Flores Sea. In the Flores Sea, divers can explore some of the world's oldest coral reefs and a huge line of sea fans living atop the coral. The area also features many shallow areas for those who prefer snorkeling. The Bay of Maumere area has been named one of the world's best dive sites, because it is home to over 850 species of marine life!
The best dive site in the region is the Pangah Batang dive site. It is located three hours off the coast of Maumere Bay, and offers divers an easy, while beautiful, diving experience. Those planning a scuba diving excursion in Flores should plan to charter a trip out to Pangah Batang to experience the most colorful diving in the area. Be prepared to swim against strong currents here.
Pangah Batang is a wall dive that is home to a wide range of undersea life, including hermit crabs and scorpion fish. Do not be surprised if you spot a few sharks and rays spending a lazy day in the current of this site! The coral here is living and quite healthy, and this is also a great place to experience night diving. It is a relatively shallow dive, making it perfect for beginners, yet it is beautiful enough even for the seasoned pro.
Currents in Flores can be strong, but the waters are warm, ranging from 77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The island of Flores itself sports a warm climate year round. The island does, however, experience monsoons. The rainy season is December through April, and then June through October. This is not the best time to plan to visit for a diving vacation, as serious storms can interrupt your plans.
If you are planning to visit Indonesia to experience tropical scuba diving, then make plans to visit Maumere Bay in Flores. You will experience some of the world's most beautiful coral reefs teeming with tropical undersea life. If you are new to the sport, rest assured that there are plenty of scuba diving schools in the area!
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