Alor Snorkeling Resort Trip

9 nights

Duration

March to November

Month

12 People

Max Group Size

Journey to this remote corner of Indonesia and snorkel some of the most pristine reef found anywhere in the world. We have been visiting Alor for many years and it continues to be one of our most exciting and interesting locations. Situated in the heart of the “Coral Triangle” you can expect many hours of snorkeling over incredible hard and soft coral reefs that are just exploding with life big and small.

The excitement doesn’t stop when we exit the water though, as residential pods of dolphins are frequently spotted throughout the snorkeling season, not to mention the fact that several species of whale-including the blue whale, migrate through this area and can be seen from the boats, and even have been known to pass in front of the resort.

We base ourselves on the secluded island of Alor in the far eastern reaches of Indonesia, with very few other resorts in the area, we have almost exclusive access to a vast number of spectacular snorkel sites to explore. As we float over the fields of pristine corals we’re likely to encounter a huge variety of fish-big and small, with endless opportunities to find some of the ocean’s most interesting critters like nudibranchs, octopus, and a variety of scorpionfish.

Private boat trips take you to the most outstanding snorkel spots in the area, exotic marine life is guaranteed with your stay backed up with the comforts of a beautiful resort in complete seclusion.

The resort also has an impressive house reef which is easily accessible and is great for photography.

Marine Life Guide

This tour is partnered with the Manta Trust. Find out how we support the Manta Trust via this tour here.

Day 1 - Arrive in Jakarta

Arrive at Jakarta International Airport (CGK). Make your way to the Jakarta Airport Hotel, located at Terminal 2E International Arrivals terminal. Check in is available from 2pm. Relax and recuperate from your long journey.

Day 2 - Travel to Alami Alor Resort

Check in for your flight to Alor Airport (ARD) where you will be met by an Alami Alor representative and transferred by car to the resort, about 45 – 60 minutes away.

Once at the resort, you will be shown to your room and given an orientation and safety briefing, along with lunch. Alami Alor Resort

Time and interest dependent, you will have an opportunity to have a guided snorkel on the resort’s house reef. The house reef is accessed via Alami’s own private pier which has an easy to climb ladder for easy entry or exit. The house reef is pretty spectacular and usually ends up being one of the highlights of the trip as the reef just in front of the resort is home to juvenile blacktip reef sharks, a school of jacks and spadefish, a colony of mandarine fish, and loads of cool critters. The beauty of the house reef is that it can snorkel at your leisure, any time you want.

Day 3 - 10 - Snorkeling from Alami Alor Resort

The days at the resort will start with breakfast, made to order, served with fresh coffee, coconut water, and hibiscus iced tea. Thereafter the first boat snorkel session of the day, with local guides who will point out and identify interesting marine creatures. The idea is to spend about two hours snorkeling in the morning. This is typically broken up over two 60 minute snorkels on different sites, with some time for a snack and tea/water in between sessions. If guests are just really enjoying themselves on a particular reef we will just remain there until everyone has had their fill. The resort has two fiberglass speedboats, and the group will be split so that there are 6 people per boat. Sites are within 10 – 30 minutes from the resort. It’s not uncommon to come across the residential superpod of dolphins and melon head whales, blue whales, and if you are lucky the ocean sunfish, on the way to and from the snorkeling sites.

Pristine coral reef in Alor

Alor is a very special place for snorkeling as the area offers a huge variety of reefs and interesting marine life. Throughout the week we will be snorkeling over shallow reef tops, sloping reefs, walls, and several piers which act as a safe haven for schools of fish and some really interesting species like frogfish. No two reefs are alike here in Alor so you can expect to float over fields of volcanic rocks completely covered in anemones, swim along walls bursting with orange anthias and carpeted in colorful hard and soft corals and explore expansive hard coral reefs which come right up to the surface. The marine life is equally diverse and offers a bit of everything from schooling fish, reef sharks, endless beautiful reef fish, and with a bit of luck an ocean sunfish or mola-mola.

After the morning snorkel sessions we will return to the resort for lunch, followed by another afternoon boat snorkel session which typically lasts anywhere from 60-90 minutes, after which you will return to the resort. At this point, you may wish to jump in on the house reef which is an amazing place to snorkel right around the time the sun goes down as fish behaviors change and some new reef creatures start to emerge. Night snorkeling will also be available on selected evenings. We highly recommend that you give this a try since the reef transforms into an entirely different place in the dark, and all the nocturnal hunters like octopus, cuttlefish, crabs, shrimps, and squids coming out to feed. The house reef also has a resident population of Mandarin fish in the shallows, which are only really active at dusk and definitely worth a look.

All meals are served at a long table and are served in large bowls-like a mini buffet from which each person dishes their own portion. This is known in Indonesia as “family style” meals. The food is all prepared by excellent local cooks with locally sourced ingredients where you will have the opportunity to experience some of Indonesia’s finest dishes.

Fresh bread, cookies, and an assortment of deserts dessert are baked daily. There is also a tea and coffee-making station with fruits and snacks available throughout the day too.

A selection of soft drinks, wine, beer, and cocktails are available every evening and are charged to your account.

Day 11 - Departure day

After breakfast, you will be driven to the airport for your flight back to Jakarta, where the tour ends. Onward extensions can be arranged with our travel team or international departure. Please check with our travel team before booking any international flights for this tour.

Alami Alor is an intimate resort with 14 guests maximum giving it a very personal feel. It is situated on a remote and quiet bay and combines luxury accommodation with delicious locally inspired food. Your bungalow sits on the waterfront.

Alami Alor Bungalows

The bedroom is air-conditioned, and there is an open-air garden bathroom. There is plenty of outdoor seating, with hammocks and loungers. There is also a dedicated camera room.

Alami Alor Resort Bungalows

Resort Guide

Alami Alor Snorkel Boats

Alami Alor speedboats side by side

Spacious fiberglass speedboats with enough room to easily store snorkeling equipment. The boats do not have a toilet onboard but do offer a full canopy for sun protection and a ladder to help exit the water. Distances from the resort are short, maximum 30 minutes.

On this page you will find our Tour Dates & Pricing (see below contact form), a Booking Form and Details of Payment schedule including deposit and final balance. If you have any further questions please complete the form and we will reply within 24-48hrs.

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Tour Dates 2023

12 – 22 May 2023

Tour Price:

$4,180 USD per person (Twin/Double Share)

How to book your place

Initial deposit to secure your booking is $400 per person

12 months before departure interim payment of $600 per person

6 months before departure interim payment of $1,000 per person

Balance due 3 months before departure

Inclusions:

1 night accommodation at Jakarta Airport Hotel
Round trip domestic flights, transfers, and connections (Jakarta – Alor – Jakarta) with 40 Lbs of luggage
9 nights accommodation at Alami Alor Resort (Twin/Double Share)
Full board (all meals)
2 guided boat snorkels per day (morning & afternoon) for 8 days
Unlimited house reef snorkeling
Snacks, tea, coffee, refill water and Wifi

Exclusions:

International flights & visas (booking available on request)
Snorkeling equipment rental
Tips
Travel and health insurance
Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks, general sundries

Please note our cancelation policy:

1 year or more: 150 USD penalty per person to switch to a credit note for use within 2 years
12 months or less: Loss of deposit and interim payment
90 – 28 days: 25% Refund (includes your final balance payment)
28 – 0 days: No Refund