By Walter Mosley
In May 2024 I enjoyed an incredible marine adventure snorkeling in Southern Indonesia, and the trip perfectly highlighted why the country is a world-class destination for snorkeling and diving. My journey took me to some of the healthiest coral reefs on the planet, placing me right at the heart of the Coral Triangle‘s unparalleled biodiversity.
Places I Went Snorkeling in Southern Indonesia
Bali
My adventure started in Bali, where I stayed at the Blue Karma Seminyak and took day trips to the Nusa Penida and Lembongan islands. While these spots were a bit touristy, they offered a great initial exploration of the local marine life.
Wakatobi
Next, I experienced a 5-star stay at the Wakatobi Dive Resort. The water was pristine and clear, the coral exceptionally healthy, and the resort’s amenities were top-notch. Highlights there included spotting sea krait snakes and various mushroom corals.
Komodo
In Komodo, I stayed at the Komodo Resort and Diving Club, which had an excellent house reef. The marine life encounters were spectacular, particularly the massive manta rays at Mawan. I also made sure to visit the famous Komodo dragons on land. Encounters with moray eels, turtles, and clownfish were common.
Alor
The small, boutique Alami Alor Dive and Snorkel Resort in Alor was a fantastic experience. With less than a dozen guests and family-style dining, it felt very intimate. The sites were varied, featuring crystal clear waters, significant drift snorkeling, and fascinating muck snorkeling where I found frogfish, scorpionfish, blue-ring octopus, and cuttlefish.
Raja Ampat
Finally, at The Cove Eco Resort in Raja Ampat, the glassy waters and phenomenal colors at Melissa’s Garden near the Fam Islands were a true highlight. I spotted wobbegong sharks, lionfish, and giant clams, confirming that Raja Ampat and Alor are truly top spots for marine health.
Travel Tips for Snorkeling in Southern Indonesia
Logistically, I learned that island hopping can be cumbersome. Flying between locations, using Bali or Jakarta as hubs, is definitely the most efficient way to travel to these remote areas.
I also highly recommend wearing a 2/3mm neoprene wetsuit to protect against sea lice, jellyfish larvae, and plankton, as it made the experience much more comfortable.
Stay tuned – in the spring of 2026 I’m headed back to do a snorkeling trip through Northern Indonesia including Menjangan Island, East Kalimantan, Gorontalo, North Sulawesi, North Maluku and back to Raja Ampat.