Alor and Wetar
On land, the area is mountainous as a result of volcanic activity, which makes for stunning scenery. The waters around the islands are known for their strong currents, particularly in the narrow strait between Pantar and Alor and also between Lembata and Pantar. The straits in the area play an important role in the exchange of marine life between the Indian and Pacific Ocean. Each year whales and dolphins travel from the Pacific and Indian Oceans through the deep but narrow Nusa Tenggara island chain, which has been identified as an important migration route for numerous whale species as well and great schools of tuna.
"Such a great Holiday! We all had an absolutely fabulous time. As usual full of incident and laughter. Thank you to Mark, the captain and the crew. Big thanks to Sulman the crocodile hunter, sorry he didn't find the three-headed crocodile!"
The Dennings
Flores and Alor are rich in large marine life, especially whales and dolphins. Coastal communities living along eastern Indonesia's marine migratory routes, especially in the villages of Lamalera and Lamakera, have been hunting whales for centuries. Equipped with simple spears, they take only what their village needs to eat and barter in return for vegetables and rice.The Dennings
Coral reefs are mostly found along the northern coast of the Solor and Alor island group with some coral reefs lining the channels in between major islands. The southern coastline of the islands, particularly on the island of Lembata, is lined with rocks and only little coral. The reefs also include rocky bottoms along the northwest tip of Alor starting in the strait between Alor and Pantar.
The small limestone island of Reong lies off the northwest coast of Wetar. Spectacular walls and an interesting critter dive are on the agenda and, if you're adventurous, you have a good chance to see resident saltwater crocodiles. Blue whales also frequently visit here.
Climate information
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Dry season: Rainy season: Air temperature: Water temperature: Best time to dive: |
May - October November - April 27 - 32C 27C on average but often colder in the south All year round, best is May - October |
Activities
- Whale & large marine life watching
- Spot whales surfacing & slip into the tenders to take a closer look (seasonal)
- Visit traditional whale hunters
- Option to go with whale hunters on a trip (plan in advance)
- Land trips including:
- Visits to traditional weaving villages
- Option to see crocodiles on Wetar Island
- Spectacular diving especially for experienced divers
- Fishing for Spanish mackerel, dogtooth and yellowfin tuna
How to get there
Flights: From Bali to MaumereFlights also available to Kalabahi, via Kupang but less frequent
