Diving in Alor

Loggerhead Turtle

General species description, not specific to this destination

The Loggerhead Turtle is the largest hard-shelled sea turtle, named for its massive head. While less common than Green and Hawksbill turtles on Caribbean reefs, they can be spotted at deeper reef sites.

Bull Shark

General species description, not specific to this destination

Bull sharks are one of the most impressive predators divers can encounter in warm coastal waters. These robust sharks are easily recognized by their broad, blunt snout, stocky build, and grey coloration with a white underside. Growing up to 11 feet long, they have a powerful, muscular appearance that commands respect underwater. Bull sharks are known for their curious nature and may approach divers, maintaining a confident but generally non-aggressive demeanor. They're often seen cruising along reef walls or in open water, sometimes in small groups. Their ability to tolerate both saltwater and freshwater makes them unique among sharks, and they're excellent hunters with a varied diet including fish, rays, and other marine life.

Great Hammerhead

General species description, not specific to this destination

The Great Hammerhead is the largest of all hammerhead species, instantly recognizable by its massive, flattened head extension called a cephalofoil. This prehistoric-looking predator can reach lengths of up to 20 feet, with a distinctive tall, sickle-shaped dorsal fin. Their unique head shape houses electroreceptors that help them hunt stingrays buried in sand. Great Hammerheads are solitary hunters, often seen cruising along reef walls and sandy bottoms. Despite their intimidating size, they're generally shy around divers and will often move away when approached. Their powerful swimming style and graceful movements make encounters truly memorable for fortunate divers.

Green Sea Turtle

Destination note

Year-round resident across all reef and wall sites. Commonly seen at house reefs, coral gardens, and seagrass areas in Kalabahi Bay.

Hawksbill Turtle

Destination note

Year-round resident across all reef and wall sites in Pantar Strait and Kalabahi Bay. Commonly seen at coral reef sites, especially Bama Wall and Alcatraz. Peak during calm dry season.

Spotted Eagle Ray

Destination note

Occasional at Current Alley, Kal's Dream, and Pantar Strait wall sites. More frequently seen during peak dry season and pelagic season (Apr-Jun and Sep-Nov). Often solitary or in small groups.

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin

Destination note

Year-round resident in Pantar Strait waters. Frequently sighted during boat transfers between dive sites, often riding bow waves. Pods of 10-30 individuals common. Also associates with spinner dolphins in mixed pods.

Irrawaddy Dolphin

General species description, not specific to this destination

A small, charismatic dolphin with a rounded forehead, no distinct beak, and a flexible neck that allows head movement. Grey to dark blue-grey in color, it typically reaches 2-2.5 meters in length. Found in coastal waters, estuaries, and river systems of Southeast Asia, including the waters around Alor.

Chameleon Parrotfish

General species description, not specific to this destination

A medium-sized parrotfish that undergoes dramatic color changes throughout its life. Adults display a vibrant mix of green, blue, and pink scales with distinctive markings. This species plays a critical role in reef health by grazing algae and producing sand. Found throughout the Coral Triangle.

Spotted Parrotfish

General species description, not specific to this destination

One of the largest parrotfish species, reaching up to 80 cm. Juveniles are dark with large white spots, while terminal phase males are brilliant green with pink and orange accents and a prominent hump on the forehead. A key bioeroder on Coral Triangle reefs.

Common Lionfish

Destination note

Year-round resident in reef crevices and under overhangs at Bama Wall, Babylon, Alcatraz, and Kalabahi Bay walls. Multiple individuals at every site. Most active at dawn and dusk.

Great Barracuda

Destination note

Common at Kal's Dream, Current Alley, and all Pantar Strait pinnacle drift sites. Often seen in small groups or solitary, hovering in the current above reef crests. Peak during dry and pelagic seasons.