Talking about Maumere, Flores island's main town, the name might rather ring one's bell for the earthquake and the consequent tsunami that killed more than 1.500 people and destroyed its coral gardens on a grim day of 1992.

However, underwater life blossomed in the meantime : consequently the only two operating centers take their divers on pristine bottoms and may assume that the coral abundance on Maumere bay islands can compete with Komodo's. The volcano ash bottoms may also reveal surprising macro critters if you're on the right locations, buddying with the right guide.

Maumere definitely deserves more than the meek record of 4 dives I had in august 2010, diving with Seaworld dive centre.

A big thank to Alex, the most experienced diver in Maumere and surroundings.
Check by yourself.