Alor or Komodo for my next trip

[Luko]

I've been to both Alor and Komodo at least 3 times each in the past 6 years, I will return in the future to both spots too (Oh wait... I'm going back to Komodo in 3 weeks...).
The only similarity I can find with those locations is that you should not be put off with current and sometimes very chilly waters.

Alor :
Walls, big fish sometimes, flashy blue waters, great coral life but also black sand macro. This destination MUST be dived from local opérations because currents are so tricky that the liveaboards are not necessarilly aware how an dwhen to dive certain dive sites (not even speaking of sites that are only known from local dive centres).
I recommend Alor Divers because of the knowledge of the sites as well for the resort : great beach, good food (french/slovenian owners), comfortable bungalows and great atmosphere. the downside (if that is one) is that they usually dive more blue water corals/bigfish than macro, the advantage is that you may see bigger fish.
If you want to go cheaper and prefer macro dives then La ptite Kepa is where you'd want to go.

Komodo :
Not at all the same configuration : more "channel"/pinnacle diving than deep walls, fewer macro sites than Alor.
There many more boats and divers in Komodo than in Alor, August is a zoo in the central/northern part. Very few serious dive centers operating from LBJ, I've had many disappointements in that respect : they prefer catering to a younger backpack crowd than to experimented divers (read cheap cattleboats over customer tailored diving).
Many fish, maybe more fish schools than Alor, extremely flashy soft corals
Komodo is probably better with a liveaboard you shoud also dive outside june to August to have a chance to go to the southern sites.

Have a look at my Flickr gallery I have quite a lot of images from both, that should give you a rough idea.

 

[borisphotosafari]

I dove Komodo last year and Alor a year before. My vote is for Alor. As mentioned before me, Komodo was crowded and Alor was very peaceful. I did see 5 different rinopias on one dive in Alor.
I did see way more divers in Komodo this time around. To my recollection 6 years ago I had a much better under water expeirence on a boat (Komodo Dancer) that was not as good as last year (Amira).
I used Amira 4 times in the last 3 year and it is excellent. Big beautiful boat, great staff.

 

[Adelaar Cruises]

Hello! The time of year you are visiting could influence your decision. We run trips to both locations and would be glad to help you choose the best option for you. Please feel free to email at info@adelaar-cruises.com

 

[charlier]

As I wait in the harbor in LBJ, I pondered the OP question. For sure, a LOB is the best way to experience Komodo. August can be a zoo at Komodo, but the best boats will try to avoid crowds and dive at the best site at the correct time. Many boats do not strive to take advantage of the daily tidal and lunar cycles. Last week, we departed LBJ for southern Komodo and few boats were present. Water temperature was about 25*C - August is the coldest month for SST. Norhern Komodo is a zoo, but with careful planning, you will be fine.we rarely shared dive sites with other boats, including popular sites such as Batu Belong or Castle Rock.

In contrast, a land-based resort is best way to experience Alor. Alor Eco Divers offer an beautiful beach, excellent food, great ambience, and small dive groups. Local Alor guides know the dive sites and specific conditions way better than even the best LoB guides. Beautiful walls, open blue water dives, deep ridges with schooling tuna, spanish mackerel, etc. Luko gave a fair an honest assessment of both areas.

 

[chillyinCanada]

Alor sounds great. I love a deep ridge with schooling fish. Hmm, or even a not so deep one.

 

[eNyelam]

Hello, everyone


After travelling to Manado, Lembeh, Saparua, Ambon, Raja Ampat and Maratua, I am organizing my next vacation.


I am thinking about Komodo or Alor. Which one do you suggest?

Both are great.
You can dive in Komodo all year while Alor has rainy season between January and March.

However, Alor has pristine water. There are at least 50 dive spots in stretching from Alor Island to Pantar Island (and several islets around them).

Komodo has more than 260 types of coral reefs, 70 different sponges, 2 kinds of sea turtle and 17 varieties of whales and dolphins. Most divers come here to take pics due to its biodiversity. Manta Rays, hammerheads, dugong and whale sharks are the top ones here. The current is quite strong, though.

Enjoy your trip, PPina.

Regards,
Team E-Nyelam

 

[charlier]

Although many dive ops run year round in Komodo, the winter months bring rain and green water in northern Komodo. If you can get to southern Komodo on a LoB, the conditions should be very nice. The coldest month (SST) southern Komodo is August and some LoB’s visit southern Komodo for a few days, before going north. So pick you season, using the lunar cycle to help inform you secession.

On either side of a full or new moon. Alor and Komodo have strong currents and is perhaps the best time to experience Komodo or Alor at its best. For what it’s worth, Alor is one of the few places that strong currents, particular downcurrents kicked us out of the water.