Flores is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for divers looking to explore beyond Bali. From the bustling dive sites of Labuan Bajo to the untouched beauty of Maumere Bay, Flores offers something truly special for those seeking vibrant reefs, rare marine life, and fewer crowds. In our experience, diving in Flores is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
If you’re looking for a diving adventure that goes beyond Bali’s beaten path, Flores should be top of your list. Located just three islands east of Bali (after Lombok and Sumbawa), Flores is a paradise brimming with vibrant coral reefs, rare marine life, and untouched natural beauty. In our experience, travellers who make the journey here are rewarded with some of the most spectacular diving in Indonesia.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the best dive destinations in Flores — based on our first-hand experience living and diving here for over 25 years!
Labuan Bajo – A Gateway to the Komodo Dive Sites
Labuan Bajo has rapidly transformed into a major travel hub for Flores, particularly after COVID-19. Since 2020, the hospitality sector has exploded with several new hotels such as the luxurious Ta’aktana, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, and the upcoming Crowne Plaza Labuan Bajo. Even more exciting, the private boat charter business is booming, making it easier than ever to dive straight into Komodo’s magical waters.
The Best Dive Sites Around Labuan Bajo:
- Manta Point – Famous for unforgettable encounters with majestic manta rays.
- Batu Bolong – A stunning pinnacle teeming with marine life.
- Crystal Rock and Castle Rock – Perfect for thrilling drift dives and big fish sightings.
- Tatawa Besar – Ideal for vibrant soft corals and relaxed drift dives.
Top Dive Resorts in Labuan Bajo:
- Komodo Resort & Diving Club – Private beachfront bungalows and direct dive access.
- Scuba Junkie Komodo – A 5-star PADI resort with a strong conservation focus.
- Dragon Dive Komodo – The only PADI 5-star IDC centre in Labuan Bajo.
- Blue Marlin Dive Komodo – Home of the fastest dive boat in town.
- Sudamala Resort Labuan Bajo – A luxury retreat paired with outstanding diving through Aqura Dive.
In our experience, Labuan Bajo is a fantastic introduction to Flores diving — especially if you love high-energy, big marine life encounters!
Maumere Bay – Flores’ Hidden Diving Gem
If you dream of pristine reefs, untouched sites, and a slower pace, Maumere Bay should absolutely be on your radar. Located in central Flores, Maumere is about a 15-hour scenic drive from Labuan Bajo or a quick domestic flight to Frans Seda Airport.
In our experience, Maumere Bay offers an incredible diving alternative. Unlike Labuan Bajo, you won’t be battling for underwater space — it’s still peaceful, authentic, and full of surprises.
Highlights of Diving in Maumere Bay:
- Island Diving: Neighbouring islands like Pangabatang and Babi Island offer spectacular reef diving.
- Shipwreck Adventures: Dive the WWII Japanese wreck near Wairterang village, sloping from 10m to 30m deep.
- Macro Diving Paradise: From tiny pygmy seahorses to flamboyant cuttlefish, Maumere is a macro lover’s dream!
Marine life you can expect in Maumere includes:
- Frogfish (including warty and hairy varieties)
- Colourful Nudibranchs
- Seahorses and Pygmy Seahorses
- Mimic Octopus and Flamboyant Cuttlefish
- Harlequin Shrimps and Ghost Pipefish
- The rare and exotic Rhinopias Scorpionfish
- Bobtail Squids showing off their bioluminescence at night!
Where to Stay in Maumere Bay
We’re proud to say that Happy Dive Retreat has been part of Maumere Bay’s diving community since 1998. Over the years, we’ve witnessed the beauty of these waters and guided countless divers through Flores’ best-kept secrets.
When you stay with us at Happy Dive Retreat, you’ll experience:
- Intimate dive groups
- Experienced local dive guides
- Unspoiled dive sites, just minutes from our beach
- A relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where you can truly switch off
Other dive operators in the area include Santai Divers and Sea World Club, but in our experience, nowhere feels quite as personal and authentic as Happy Dive Retreat.
Ready to Dive Flores?
In our experience, Flores offers the kind of diving that stays with you long after you surface. Whether you start in lively Labuan Bajo or head straight to tranquil Maumere Bay, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable underwater journey.
If you’re ready to dive in Flores and experience Maumere’s untouched magic, book your stay with Happy Dive Retreat today! We can’t wait to welcome you.
