Route Description - The Flores Sea: Route I – Maumere Bay, Taka Bonerate, Selayar & South Sulawesi
The adventure begins the moment Dewi Nusantara sets sail, offering immediate access to the stunning dive sites of Maumere Bay. This expedition through the Flores Sea invites divers to explore remote frontiers and extraordinary marine ecosystems, from towering walls draped in vibrant sea fans to bustling seamounts, crystal-clear ledges, colourful coral slopes, and sandy seabeds teeming with elusive macro life.
This expedition departs from Maumere Bay and traverses the Flores Sea towards Makassar, exploring some of Indonesia’s most remote and biodiverse waters.
Highlights of the route:
•Maumere Bay — Immediate access to spectacular dive sites around the bay’s deep walls and coral reefs, offering a dramatic start to the voyage.
•Taka Bonerate Atoll — Part of Taka Bonerate National Park, one of the world’s largest atolls with rich coral gardens, sandy slopes, and abundant reef fish; it’s recognised as a marine biodiversity hotspot.
•Selayar Islands & Strait — Exploring the diverse reef systems and seldom-visited dive spots around the Selayar archipelago, known for its unspoilt underwater landscapes.
•South Sulawesi Coast — As the journey nears Makassar, divers experience additional reefs and marine life before reaching the bustling port city.
Throughout the cruise, divers encounter a wide range of underwater environments — from steep drop-offs and sea mounts to coral slopes and macro-rich sandy seabeds — making this route a rich cross-section of Indonesian marine ecosystems.
This itinerary is more than a dive trip; it’s an invitation to explore remote frontiers, witness extraordinary ecosystems and immerse in Indonesia’s island heritage across the Flores Sea.