Wakatobi Dive Resort

Overview

Wakatobi is one of the most famous diving and snorkelling resorts in the world, and for good reason! Not only are the reefs pristine, but the diving service is exceptional and the resort itself is incredibly comfortable and in the most jaw-dropping location. This is a resort we receive nothing but the best of feedback from, time and time again.

In Depth

The 30 rooms and villas, dotted along the beachfront or tucked into the jungle, are designed in a typical Balinese fashion with dark woods and clean lines. For something really special, opt for a hillside villa with a private pool and views over the sparkling Indonesian waters. The newest additions, the Turtle Bungalows, offer more space than the Ocean Bungalows and on their own secluded beach, known as Turtle Beach. The dive-centric resort is peaceful with the main restaurant and bar area allowing a chance to socialise with other guests to chat about the day’s diving. Given its remote location, guests are often pleasantly surprised by the high quality of food served at the main dining area which showcases Indonesian and Pan-Asian fare.  

The Diving

Divers and snorkellers staying at Wakatobi can pick from a ‘lite’ or an ‘unlimited’ package in line with their schedule preferences. With up to 3 guided boat dives per day and unlimited shore diving with shore supervision, guests can spend virtually all day in the water if they wish! Each of the dive guides and instructors have an average of 3000 dives logged so divers and snorkellers will be in the best of hands. The guides also know the local reefs like the back of their hands. Private guides can be arranged and ratios are small and tailored to experience, to make sure guests dives are not cut short. Diving is from traditional Indonesian boats, built to Wakatobi standards, of which there is a large fleet so no crowded boats here! Fluo and night diving is possible on the house reef, which can also be accessed during the day by shuttle ‘taxi boats’ to enter at different points. 

There is a fully equipped camera room on site, and tech divers can dive on a rebreather. Nitrox is avialable for certified divers as well as top of the range rental equipment. A full range of PADI, SDI and TDI courses are available.

Beyond the Reef

Most visitors to Wakatobi are there for the diving, but if guests fancy a dry afternoon, we recommend heading along the Onemobaa nature trail which takes guests through lush jungle to a local village. Monitor lizards and various bird species can be spotted on this trail. A village tour can also be arranged for guests to immerse themselves in local culture. On the water, from June to September the conditions are great for kite surfing whether you are a novice or more experienced. For a more sedate afternoon, grab a SUP and glide over the kaleidoscopic reefs beneath the surface. Wakatobi does important work when it comes to conservation in this area. They founded the Wakatobi Collaborative Reef Conservation Programme which is now one of the word’s largest privately-funded marine protection areas (MPAs). Guests can learn more about the resort’s commitment to sustainable practices whilst in resort and donate to the cause if they wish.