Alor · Indonesia · Reef · Sand slope
Sea Apple Slopes
Sea apples scattered across the reef between 15 and 25 metres
Area photo: Sims8899 · CC BY-SA 4.0
A gentler slope dive on Pantar's northeastern coast, Sea Apple Slopes descends from 8 metres to beyond 30. It takes its name from the abundant sea apples that dot the reef between 15 and 25 metres, and consistent upwelling feeds hard coral gardens along the gradient.
Where it is and how deep
8.2400° S, 124.3200° EApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
The slope begins at 8 metres and runs down past 30 at a gentle gradient, so unlike the strait's walls there is no drop to commit to and the depth is yours to set. Consistent upwelling currents move across the site, and that flow is what supports the hard coral gardens spread along it. Good visibility and moderate conditions make it a site competent Open Water divers can handle.
The sea apples give the site its name and its reason for being dived. The Pseudocolochirus colonies dot the reef between 15 and 25 metres, thick enough in places to read as gardens of their own. Green sea turtles are frequent along the slope, and the shallow end at 8 metres gives you somewhere useful to finish the dive rather than hanging in open water.
Marine life and season
- Sea turtles
- Macro critters
| 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.
Sources
- Alor Dive Sites — Dive The World
More dive sites in Alor
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Reef
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Muck & macro
Black sand to 27 metres, at its best after dark
Wall
A 15 to 40 metre wall with the strait's most consistent pelagics
Similar dives elsewhere
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