Dive Alor Dive
Dive Alor Dive
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Welcome to Dive Alor Dive, the website of the original founders and developers of Alor diving. We hope you enjoy your visit. We have been running a land based diving operation in Alor for more than 22 years and logged more than 4,500 dives in the Alor islands alone.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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Saanthi
133 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
We made a dive trip to Alor in Aug 2022 and could not possibly have done better with anyone else.
Flights were postponed from the expected arrival date so we arrived a day late and close to 11AM, fully expecting to lose the diving day. This was not the case, as Donovan was so well organised. We got picked up, checked in to our hotel(best in Kalabahi no doubt) and on the boat managing to squeeze in two dives before the sun set.
Now here’s the thing all dive sites in Alor seem to be in a sheltered bay and look deceptively calm and manageable when you look at the map and the pictures. This is not the case. All sites even the ones right in front of villages and in shallow water under 5m in depth have ripping currents and cold waters. We experienced 22C and were told it could get to 17C and this, on days with clear sunny skies overhead in tropical waters. The combination of very deep water with shallow sections side by side in narrow channels result in fast currents, up currents, down currents and cold water in the most unexpected places. In addition some sites had really fast currents at the bottom and no currents on the surface, all in all bizarre conditions. Donovan has, we now know unmatched experience and understanding of the local diving environment and quite possibly is the only guide capable of handling all sites in Alor. There is no substitute for the experience of the local diving expert at sites like these if one wants to dive safely.
Our best sites were Kal’s Dream and The Cathedral.
Alor is as good as the more popular sites in Komodo if not better given the excellent coral cover and civic mindedness of the local population. There is hardly any rubbish on land or in the water and reefs undamaged even right in front of villages.
Please do visit Alor, with Donovan as your guide to fully appreciate and enjoy it.
Lastly a big thank you to Donovan and his crew(Ben included) for making this a great trip for us.
Lots of love.
Saanthi and Gou
Flights were postponed from the expected arrival date so we arrived a day late and close to 11AM, fully expecting to lose the diving day. This was not the case, as Donovan was so well organised. We got picked up, checked in to our hotel(best in Kalabahi no doubt) and on the boat managing to squeeze in two dives before the sun set.
Now here’s the thing all dive sites in Alor seem to be in a sheltered bay and look deceptively calm and manageable when you look at the map and the pictures. This is not the case. All sites even the ones right in front of villages and in shallow water under 5m in depth have ripping currents and cold waters. We experienced 22C and were told it could get to 17C and this, on days with clear sunny skies overhead in tropical waters. The combination of very deep water with shallow sections side by side in narrow channels result in fast currents, up currents, down currents and cold water in the most unexpected places. In addition some sites had really fast currents at the bottom and no currents on the surface, all in all bizarre conditions. Donovan has, we now know unmatched experience and understanding of the local diving environment and quite possibly is the only guide capable of handling all sites in Alor. There is no substitute for the experience of the local diving expert at sites like these if one wants to dive safely.
Our best sites were Kal’s Dream and The Cathedral.
Alor is as good as the more popular sites in Komodo if not better given the excellent coral cover and civic mindedness of the local population. There is hardly any rubbish on land or in the water and reefs undamaged even right in front of villages.
Please do visit Alor, with Donovan as your guide to fully appreciate and enjoy it.
Lastly a big thank you to Donovan and his crew(Ben included) for making this a great trip for us.
Lots of love.
Saanthi and Gou
Written September 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hidesert47
Colorado11 contributions
Aug 2022
Come to Alor expecting pristine Indonesian dive sites, 30m visibility or more, dive depths from 5m to the deep blue, water temps from 17-29C, currents from zero to ripping, from any direction at any time. Worth it? Yes indeed! I dived it first in 2012 and again three weeks ago. Both times I chose Donovan Whitford for his knowledge, expertise, and organization, and I'd do it again.When you can do these gorgeous dives with someone who actually pioneered Alor diving 30 years ago, named many (most) of the dive sites, and can shepherd you through these currents likely better and safer than anyone else, why would you do otherwise?
Written September 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pamela
Bali, Indonesia5 contributions
Sep 2019 • Solo
This is my second time diving with Donovan and I have no doubt on choosing him again because my previous experience left me with feeling of warm and satisfaction. The first one was in Kupang. Donovan is for sure a great and knowledgeable dive leader, as well as an amusing friend too. A wise teacher that taught me many things about diving and underwater life. I’ve learnt a lot.
Alor itself is like a charming hidden jewel. So captivating! The underwater view even just as beautiful yet dangerous at the same time.
Before coming to Alor, make sure to bring more layers because I can say the water is pretty cold. And make sure you’re not a baby diver (that’s what Donovan said haha), at least you have minimum of 50 dives. I personally believe when you’re already a certified scuba diver, your safety underwater is your own responsibility. Aside from choosing a trusted and reliable dive operator, your diving skill is also important.
Above all, my dive experience in Alor was extraordinary. From staying at Pulo Alor Hotel, abundant breakfast by Donovan (I can’t believe he has so many spreads, even got my favorite ovomaltine), tasty lunch, snacks and various beverages served onboard, to a feast dinner at Om Chris’s, I was greatly satisfied. And to Pak Benjamin who’s extremely handy and the boat crew, thank you so much. And to Donovan, if I come to dive again, I won’t be coming alone! :p
Alor itself is like a charming hidden jewel. So captivating! The underwater view even just as beautiful yet dangerous at the same time.
Before coming to Alor, make sure to bring more layers because I can say the water is pretty cold. And make sure you’re not a baby diver (that’s what Donovan said haha), at least you have minimum of 50 dives. I personally believe when you’re already a certified scuba diver, your safety underwater is your own responsibility. Aside from choosing a trusted and reliable dive operator, your diving skill is also important.
Above all, my dive experience in Alor was extraordinary. From staying at Pulo Alor Hotel, abundant breakfast by Donovan (I can’t believe he has so many spreads, even got my favorite ovomaltine), tasty lunch, snacks and various beverages served onboard, to a feast dinner at Om Chris’s, I was greatly satisfied. And to Pak Benjamin who’s extremely handy and the boat crew, thank you so much. And to Donovan, if I come to dive again, I won’t be coming alone! :p
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andie A
20 contributions
Sep 2017 • Friends
This operator is strongly not recommended. There was only 1 Divemaster guiding all divers.
On 1st & 2nd day there were 15 divers and on the 3rd day there were 8 divers. Ideally, every 3 divers is guided by 1 divemaster. It’s very dangerous when 1 divemaster guided 15 divers at once.
Besides, we felt that the dive sites were not vary, dull except the current on the 3rd day site was a bit challenging.
On 1st & 2nd day there were 15 divers and on the 3rd day there were 8 divers. Ideally, every 3 divers is guided by 1 divemaster. It’s very dangerous when 1 divemaster guided 15 divers at once.
Besides, we felt that the dive sites were not vary, dull except the current on the 3rd day site was a bit challenging.
Written October 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ampung
Jakarta, Indonesia40 contributions
Jun 2012 • Friends
My first dive trip after I got my license. My experienced diving buddies told me not to go there on my first trip because he said it's like driving a Ferrari immediately after you got your driver's licence. It would be difficult for me to appreciate the less beautiful places. Well, he was right, I tell you.
The underwater world is simply heaven. 11 dives in the 5-day-4-night were totally awesome. The view was incredible. This place is a must for any divers.
For the best diving experience, I recommend to dive with Donovan Whitford, checkout his website at www.DiveAlorDive.com. With his 20 years of experience of diving the Alor waters, he surely knows the territory very well.
The underwater world is simply heaven. 11 dives in the 5-day-4-night were totally awesome. The view was incredible. This place is a must for any divers.
For the best diving experience, I recommend to dive with Donovan Whitford, checkout his website at www.DiveAlorDive.com. With his 20 years of experience of diving the Alor waters, he surely knows the territory very well.
Written February 26, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RiaQorinaLubis
Jakarta, Indonesia3 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
The underwater world in Alor has anesthetized me, the natural condition is really unbelievable beautiful and perfect!.
My dive experience with Dive Alor Dive/Donovan Whitford Fantastic, excellent service from beginning to end, excellent diving & he really knows the dive sites very well, his experience more than 20 years and excellent food. Definitely I recommend to dive with him.
My dive experience with Dive Alor Dive/Donovan Whitford Fantastic, excellent service from beginning to end, excellent diving & he really knows the dive sites very well, his experience more than 20 years and excellent food. Definitely I recommend to dive with him.
Written February 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fearlessandfar
Fredericton, Canada15 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
After diving throughout Indonesia, I have to say that this diving experience was one of my favourites. We had the sites to ourselves (well except the local kids who would swim down and try to reach us) and the sea life was incredible. You won't regret this experience.
Written September 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeaDweller02
Boston, MA14 contributions
May 2015 • Friends
For the most part Dive Alor Dive is a one man operation (Donovan), but it is one well oiled machine. From the booking, day-1 greetings & settling in, all dives and everything in between, everything is as smooth as can be. The boats and crew that he hires are all great, the select crew that works for him are all top notch. Special mention to Benjamin who meticulously takes care of your dive gear, Pak Chris who handles logistics, as well as Pak Chris’ wife who cooks lunch & dinner (dinner is at Pak Chris’ home every evening). Unlike a typical DiveOp, with Donovan you feel like you’re welcomed into a nice big family. Great home-cooked meals, excellent hospitality and service all around…you’re definitely well taken care of.
As for the diving, Donovan knows his stuff. He reads the currents and always makes sure that it’s manageable enough for you to dive in. Strong enough to bring the big fish out, yet always remaining safe. This isn’t for novices in the sense that you gotta know your skills. Whether your group is small or big (max 14 divers), Donovan will always be the only guide. If you’re the type of diver that expects to be hand-held, this ain’t for you. Having said that the dives were always fun. Kal’s Dream and Mike’s Delight were our favorites (currents & big fish). Water temp was a bit nippy during our stay, our dives averaging 25-26C in May.
As for the diving, Donovan knows his stuff. He reads the currents and always makes sure that it’s manageable enough for you to dive in. Strong enough to bring the big fish out, yet always remaining safe. This isn’t for novices in the sense that you gotta know your skills. Whether your group is small or big (max 14 divers), Donovan will always be the only guide. If you’re the type of diver that expects to be hand-held, this ain’t for you. Having said that the dives were always fun. Kal’s Dream and Mike’s Delight were our favorites (currents & big fish). Water temp was a bit nippy during our stay, our dives averaging 25-26C in May.
Written June 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dewi w
10 contributions
My love for my country(Indonesia), scuba diving and photography has led me all over our great country in search of the best of the best...
For richness of coral variety, exceptional colors, water clarity and variety of fish life, I must confess that Alor has topped my list so far...
Donovan Whitford has pioneered the Alor diving scene for the past 23 years and his knowledge and experience is invaluable...
I had the diving “time of my life” and can all I can say is that I highly recommend that you dive Alor and if all possible make sure that Donovan is your operator as his attention to your every need is his first priority...
Enough said... Dive Alor Dive with Donovan.
For richness of coral variety, exceptional colors, water clarity and variety of fish life, I must confess that Alor has topped my list so far...
Donovan Whitford has pioneered the Alor diving scene for the past 23 years and his knowledge and experience is invaluable...
I had the diving “time of my life” and can all I can say is that I highly recommend that you dive Alor and if all possible make sure that Donovan is your operator as his attention to your every need is his first priority...
Enough said... Dive Alor Dive with Donovan.
Written February 14, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your appreciated comments...
It was my pleasure to guide you both above and below the water while in Alor...
We had a great time and I look forward to diving with you and your friends in Alor sometime in the near future...
Love from all of us here in Kupang and Alor...
Donovan and family.
Written May 14, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
James F
6 contributions
Oct 2019 • Solo
I dove with Donovan in 2003 in Pulau Alor, and after traveling and diving via a liveboard through the area in May 2018, I decided to look Donovan up again and book a trip with him through one of his open trips (1 to 6 October, 2019). It’s a bit of a pain to get to Alor via Jakarta or Bali, but the gain is worth the pain. The diving and water conditions are excellent as the water is refreshed daily as water from the Banda Sea flows to the South and through the channels between the local islands. It is an interesting phenomenon to see from the surface with a river current traveling through the ocean. The soft and hard corals are beautiful, and the marine life is in abundance (a few thresher sharks, trevally, tuna, barracuda, turtles, 3 eagle rays, dophins from the surface, lionfish, eels, snappers, nudibranch, and numerous other species).
Apart from the diving, Donovan has an excellent set up with a local boat (easily handling 12 divers), a very reasonable local hotel named Pulo Alor, and the provision of local transport. While onshore, Donovan’s team provided hearty breakfasts at the hotel and dinners with a local chef at Cantik Homestay. While on the boat, Donovan’s team provided an excellent soup each day after the first dive, a nice Indonesian lunch after the 2nd dive, and snacks, fruits, and coffee as needed by the divers throughout the day. Donovan’s team includes a well-run boat and experienced dive assistants to help divers get ready and to help manage their gear after the dive. On our trip, we easily managed 4 dives a day with the group opting for late afternoon dives and foregoing a night dive. However, previously my best night dive ever was in Alor in 2003 in the Kalabahi Bay, so if you like night dives, you should plan ahead to schedule one.
For those wanting a little extra onshore experience, there is a local trip to see a traditional village and one to see a local Dugong. With a little more effort, one could include a separate backpacking excursion in the area.
If you plan ahead, you can dive with Donovan in Kupang before or after the Pulau Alor trip. I would plan to do this next time.
Apart from the diving, Donovan has an excellent set up with a local boat (easily handling 12 divers), a very reasonable local hotel named Pulo Alor, and the provision of local transport. While onshore, Donovan’s team provided hearty breakfasts at the hotel and dinners with a local chef at Cantik Homestay. While on the boat, Donovan’s team provided an excellent soup each day after the first dive, a nice Indonesian lunch after the 2nd dive, and snacks, fruits, and coffee as needed by the divers throughout the day. Donovan’s team includes a well-run boat and experienced dive assistants to help divers get ready and to help manage their gear after the dive. On our trip, we easily managed 4 dives a day with the group opting for late afternoon dives and foregoing a night dive. However, previously my best night dive ever was in Alor in 2003 in the Kalabahi Bay, so if you like night dives, you should plan ahead to schedule one.
For those wanting a little extra onshore experience, there is a local trip to see a traditional village and one to see a local Dugong. With a little more effort, one could include a separate backpacking excursion in the area.
If you plan ahead, you can dive with Donovan in Kupang before or after the Pulau Alor trip. I would plan to do this next time.
Written October 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Dive Alor Dive (Alor Island) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
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