MV Cheng Ho - Dive Trip Itinerary - 12 Days - 11 Nights

Including: Kawula, Alor, Biana Bang, Reta, Pura South, Pertamina Pier, Pura North, Ternate, Kawula, Lamalera, Maumere.

The Flores to Alor and return cruise is an eleven night voyage to Alor beginning and ending at the port of Maumere on the island of Flores.
       
Please note that these itineraries are subject to change depending on local weather and diving conditions and that all times are approximate.

Day One: Maumere
Your flight will depart early morning from Bali to Maumere’s domestic airport. The MV Cheng Ho's crew will be standing by to welcome you on board. A full orientation of the Cheng Ho will then take place as you settle in for the diving expedition of a lifetime.

Day Two: Kawula
This will be a fantastic day of muck diving locating various critters. Expect to see nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, frog fish and all the amazing critters rolled into one dive!

Days Three and Four: Alor
The famed Alor Strait is another landmark on the Indonesian diving map. Sitting dramatically in the strait between the two large islands of Pantar to the west and Alor to the east are three small volcanoes that have long been extinct.

Our first stop will be in the area of Biana Bang. Because of the black sand and near by hot springs jetting out into the sea, this area is full of all the Indonesian marine life you ever wanted to see. It is quite normal to see two of the mystic Rhinopias on one dive at this site. A fantastic introduction to this stunning region.

Day Five: Reta
The pinnacles of Reta will amaze you with the amazingly healthy reefs and usually clear waters. Stunning coral growth with fish life surrounding, day five will be a real treat!

Day Six: Pura South
The largest of the Alor region island chain is the verdant Pura. This is another centre for traditional weaving and the islanders here are Melanesian in ethnicity with dark skin and tight curly hair. One of our favorite places on the south side is Clownfish Alley. Incredibly, the only such place in Indonesia so far known in existence, this entire site is a plethora of clownfish species and their host anemones. Miles and miles of these cute little Nemos will delight you by darting in and out of your view. A site not to be missed!

Day Seven: Alor Island - Pertamina Pier
For the die hard diver, up to 5 dives will be offered at the famed Pertamina Pier. Mimic octopus, wonderpus, harlequin shrimp and so many other incredible critters have all shown there faces at this great stop. For guests interested in a true cultural experience, a trip to the traditional market will be made on this day.

Days Eight and Nine: Pura North
Not only does Pura Island offer pristine reefs, each village protects the reef on its shores and practices a sustainable fishing system of traditional fish traps and spear fishing, but also the opportunity to see the spear fishermen carrying out their trade.

The men and kids are a delight, diving down to 20 metres on occasion, to tend the traps or shoot a nearby reef fish. They also make willing underwater photo subjects. There are also great opportunities to take split shots of the small outriggers with the spear fishermen hunting below.

However, when dusk sets, everyone with a camera changes to a macro set-up and prepares for the mandarin fish dive in the shallows in front of the village.

Day Ten: Ternate
The spectacular walls of Ternate will be our last stop in the Alor regency. Jetting down to over 30 meters, these sites will be the perfect end to some of the best diving Indonesia has to offer.

Day Eleven: Kawula - Lamalera
This will be a fantastic day of muck diving for critters. Expect to see nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, and frog fish all in one dive. In the afternoon we will visit the incredible whaling village of Lamalera. Sure to leave a lasting impression, the indigenous people of Lamalera’s annual custom is the whale hunt. Only one whale per village sector is sacrificed and then consumed throughout the year. This custom is performed on very primitive dug out canoes using local spears. A truly unforgettable day!

Day Twelve: Maumere
Departure to your next destination will be from Maumere’s airport with daily service to Bali.

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