Alor · Indonesia · Reef · Coral garden
Half Moon Bay
Hard coral gardens from 5 to 30 metres, out of the strait's flow
Area photo: Sims8899 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Half Moon Bay is a hard coral reef dive sheltered from the Pantar Strait's flow, with coral gardens running from 5 metres down to 30. Sandy bottoms and coral formations hold parrotfish and butterflyfish, and the source calls it the gentler alternative to Alor's current-swept walls, suitable for divers with less drift experience.
Where it is and how deep
8.2900° S, 124.3500° EApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
The reef is a run of hard coral gardens over sandy bottom, beginning at around 5 metres and stepping down to 30. There is no single feature to find and no fixed route to run, so the profile stays flexible: work the shallow gardens for the whole dive, or follow the formations down towards 30 metres if the group wants the depth. Either way you are over coral rather than open sand for most of it.
Parrotfish and butterflyfish work the coral heads, and reef sharks show along the site on better days. The current here is mild compared with the walls a short run away in the strait, which is what makes this a gentler alternative for divers with less drift experience. It also means you can turn the dive around and swim back over ground you have already covered, which is not an option on the channel sites.
Marine life and season
- Reef sharks
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Good | Good | Fair |
Season follows Alor: April–November dry season gives the most reliable liveaboard access and calmer crossings.
Questions divers ask
How deep is Half Moon Bay?+
The hard coral gardens run from about 5 metres down to 30, so the profile is yours to set. Staying shallow keeps you over the gardens for the whole dive.
Is Half Moon Bay suitable for less experienced divers?+
Yes. It sits out of the strait's stronger flow and is described as a gentler alternative to Alor's current-swept walls, suitable for divers with less drift experience.
Sources
- Alor Dive Sites — Dive The World
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