Southeast Sulawesi Dive Holidays

Diving in Wakatobi

Wakatobi National Park is home to more than 25 spectacularly scenic coral reefs and at least 900 species of fish. 50+ mapped dive sites offer immense variety from sweeping coral vistas to magical muck diving. The sheer diversity of sites and the quality of the diving within is the main reason why so many underwater photographers visit here.

Visitors can choose from boat diving or shore diving. The park offers literal miles of pristine reefs, but guests often don’t even feel the need to venture further afield, such is the outstanding quality of the 3 mile house reef at Wakatobi Dive Resort. Named the world’s best shore dive site, the house reef combines shallow seagrass areas that are perfect for critter spotting, with stunning coral heads and carpets of soft and hard corals that lead to a drop-off from 2 m depth to around 40 m. With crystal clear shallow water, this is an amazing destination for snorkellers. Night dives, Fluo dives and private guide experiences are all possible here. The resort also offers a luxurious liveaboard yacht, the Pelagian, for those wishing to discover remote corners of the archipelago.

From manta rays to pygmy seahorses and everything in between, this area offers something for every diver. Head to the aptly named ‘Zoo’ to spend your time hunting for a myriad of critters such as frogfish, ghost pipefish, mantis shrimp, leaf fish and more. If you’re lucky, you might encounter the mushroom pipefish, a small white pipefish with a triangular head, which looks like a mini underwater python. At the other end of the spectrum, visit the aquarium of ‘Table Coral City.’ This large seamount is completely covered in table, staghorn and cabbage corals, plus gorgonians and sponges on the slopes. Swim through swirling clouds of anthias and spot turtles, barracuda, octopus and giant trevallies hunting in the shallows. And don’t miss the many incredible wall dives such as Magnifica and Pinki’s. These sites are spectacular for wide angle photographers, and also for the chance to spot pelagics out in the blue.

Après Dive

Wakatobi’s underwater world is magnificent, but there are equally memorable experiences awaiting you above water. This whole area is a haven for nature lovers and bird watchers. Southeast Sulawesi offers a unique cultural experience and visitors can enjoy a plethora of topside activities.

Nature trails lead guests from Wakatobi Dive Resort into a world of pristine greenery, and onto local villages. There are open-air markets and communities to explore. You can also try your hand at kitesurfing, kayaking or SUP for more adventure. A stay at Wakatobi is also ideal for relaxing and recharging. Wakatobi’s spa blends the best of Indonesian and European traditions, offering many deluxe treatments for body and soul.

There are also plenty of opportunities for learning. Take an Indonesian cooking class or cultural workshop, study fish and marine life identification, attend an evening presentation on the wildlife, or practise your photo & video skills under the watchful eye of expert instructors.

A stay at Wakatobi Dive Resort also supports the local environment and communities. It directly funds their Collaborative Reef Protection Program, which delivers sustainable income to the local communities, while at the same time protecting the coral reefs from non-sustainable and destructive fishing methods.

Flights & Transfers

The most common route is to take a flight from Bali to Wakatobi. There is an airport on Wangi-Wangi Island (Matahora Airport) which is serviced by flights from Makassar, which can be reached from Jakarta, Bali or Singapore.

Wakatobi Dive Resort’s private air charter provides a direct flight from Bali to Wakatobi for their guests (usually on Monday and Friday mornings). The flight time is 2.5 hours, followed by a short boat ride to the resort, just off Tomea Island.

Holidays to Southeast Sulawesi tend to be resort-based at Wakatobi Dive Resort but some liveaboard itineraries do visit this region. If you’re looking for a resort / liveaboard combination and a truly once in a lifetime luxury holiday, consider the Pelagian dive yacht, coupled with a resort stay at Wakatobi.

Please contact us for more details.