If you’re planning a dive trip to Maumere starting in April, you’re in for a treat. This is when the dry season begins, bringing calm seas, excellent visibility, and some of the most incredible marine life sightings of the year. From leatherback turtles to whale sharks and everything in between, here’s what you can expect to encounter beneath the surface.
The Ocean Wakes Up in April
In our experience, April is when the underwater world around Maumere truly starts to come alive. We’ve had some unforgettable sightings at this time of year. One of them happened just recently, in April 2025. It’s a magical month to explore Maumere Bay, with its mix of rare megafauna, vibrant coral reefs, and tiny critters hiding in the muck. Here’s what to look out for.
Whale Sharks. The Spotted Giants of the Sea
April also kicks off whale shark season in Maumere Bay. These enormous, polka-dotted filter feeders can grow up to 12 metres long and drift gracefully just beneath the surface. Despite their size, they are completely harmless. They feed only on plankton.
We’ve seen them most often around nutrient-rich upwellings between April and May, especially on calm mornings. Swimming next to one is surreal. It feels like floating alongside a slow-moving submarine with a smile.
Each whale shark has a unique pattern of spots. Many of the ones spotted here are known individuals that migrate through regularly.
Dolphins and Pilot Whales. The Ocean’s Performers
Whether you’re diving or just cruising on the boat, dolphins are your likely companions in Maumere Bay. Spinner and bottlenose dolphins often play in our bow waves, launching into acrobatic spins or racing the current.
Pilot whales, which are technically a large dolphin species, travel in tightly bonded family pods. They are sometimes seen farther offshore. Their calm, gliding presence contrasts with the energetic playfulness of dolphins. Both are unforgettable to witness.
Leatherback Turtle. The Ocean’s Gentle Giant
The highlight of April 2025 so far. A leatherback turtle sighting. We spotted this massive sea turtle surfacing just briefly before diving back into the deep. It was one of those rare, silent moments that stay with you long after the dive ends.
Leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) are the largest turtles on Earth. They can reach up to 2.5 metres in length and weigh over 600 kilograms. Unlike other sea turtles, they don’t have a hard shell. Their backs are soft, ridged, and leathery, making them perfectly adapted for deep diving. They can descend to depths over 1,200 metres in search of jellyfish.
They are critically endangered. The main threats include plastic pollution, habitat loss, and fishing bycatch. So when one appears in Maumere Bay, it’s not just special. It’s a reminder of the wild ocean we’re lucky to share.
Manta Rays. The Gliders of the Reef
There’s something hypnotic about manta rays. Their wide wingspans and slow, ballet-like motion make every encounter feel cinematic. In Flores, you’ll often find them at cleaning stations where tiny fish remove parasites from their skin.
Mantas in Maumere can grow up to 7 metres wide. They are often seen looping and feeding in gentle currents. April marks the start of more consistent sightings, especially in reef areas with strong flow.
Reef Sharks. The Guardians of the Drop-Off
White-tip, black-tip, and grey reef sharks are a common part of the Maumere dive scene. They are often found near drop-offs and reef edges.
They are usually shy and non-aggressive, cruising confidently through the water. If you’re lucky, you might spot them hunting, resting under ledges, or circling just beyond the reef wall.
Sharks are a sign of a healthy reef. Their presence here speaks volumes about the state of Maumere’s marine ecosystems.
Macro Marine Life. Tiny Creatures, Big Wonder
It’s not all about the giants. April also brings clearer water and better visibility, which is great news for macro lovers.
If you love spotting rare and tiny creatures, we’ve got good news. Starting this month, it’s easier to find:
- Pygmy seahorses, no larger than a grain of rice
- Ghost pipefish, which blend into seaweed
- Nudibranchs, brightly coloured and endlessly varied
- Mimic octopus, famous for impersonating other animals
You’ll find them in muck sites, coral gardens, and under the piers. Just ask our dive team where to look. We love pointing out the weird and wonderful things most people swim right past.
April in Maumere. The Best of Both Worlds
So whether you’re drawn to giants like the leatherback turtle, iconic creatures like whale sharks, or the hidden world of macro life, April is one of the best times to dive in Maumere. The conditions are calm, the sightings are incredible, and the underwater energy is just starting to build.
Ready to Dive Into Maumere’s Marine Magic?
At Happy Dive Retreat, we dive these waters every day and know exactly where the action is. Whether you’re chasing your first manta or hoping for a chance encounter with a leatherback, we’d love to show you around.
Book your dive trip with us today and experience Maumere like never before.
Visit happydiveretreat.com to get started.
