Alor Diving - La P'tite Kepa

Located on the small island of Kepa, just five minutes by boat from the village of Alor Kecil on the main island, La P'tite Kepa offers a quiet, remote base for divers. The centre has been operating for over 25 years, providing a small-scale, personal experience for those looking to explore the waters of East Indonesia.

The setting is deeply integrated with the local environment, using traditional building materials like bamboo, local wood, and thatch for its accommodation. This commitment to sustainability extends to the water, with the centre working to minimise its ecological footprint through responsible resource management.

Managed by Tom and Yle, the centre operates with a family-run ethos that ensures a personal touch for every guest. The team provides instruction in English, making it easy to coordinate dive plans and briefings.

Beyond standard scuba diving, the centre also offers freediving coaching, catering to those looking to improve their breath-hold capabilities in these tropical waters. The focus remains on a tailored experience, whether you are here for a few dives or an extended stay.

The centre provides training in freediving coaching for those interested in breath-hold diving. While the primary focus is on exploration and guided dives, the staff is equipped to support your progression in the water.

The centre operates a wooden motor speed boat powered by four Honda 4-stroke engines, chosen specifically to limit carbon emissions and oil discharge into the sea. This vessel is used for daily trips, typically including two morning dives, with afternoon and night dives available upon request.

Onboard, the boat uses solar energy to power the lighting and water pumps. This setup allows for efficient transit to the various sites across the strait while maintaining the centre's eco-friendly principles.

The waters around Alor are renowned for their high level of biodiversity. You will regularly encounter vibrant coral gardens and sea anemones, which provide the habitat for a wide array of reef fish and reef sharks.

For those interested in larger animals, the area is a frequent haunt for pelagic fish. The currents in the strait often bring these larger species close to the walls and slopes, offering sightings that are a highlight of the region.

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to investigate, with a diverse range of specialised life including frogfish, scorpionfish, pipefish, and seahorses. You may also encounter Rhinopias during your explorations.

The reef is also home to various other fascinating creatures, such as batfish, which add to the complexity of the underwater ecosystem.

The diving in this area is influenced by the local currents of the Alor-Pantar Strait. The centre provides clear, detailed briefings on the specific conditions and current patterns for every site to ensure safe dive planning.

When planning your visit, note that September and October are periods when the natural ventilation of the island is less effective, which may impact comfort levels on land.