Maxing Out at Wakatobi

For some avid divers and snorkelers, it's not just the quality of the underwater experience that puts Wakatobi in a class of its own

It's possible to spend the better part of a day safely and comfortably in and under the water at the resort

Visitors to Wakatobi often praise the pristine condition of the coral reefs and the exceptional variety of marine life found within the resort's private marine preserve. And for some avid divers and snorkelers, it's not just the quality of the underwater experience that puts Wakatobi in a class of its own, it's also the potential quantity of immersive experiences that are available. These divers and snorkelers know that with the right planning, it's possible to spend the better part of a day safely and comfortably in and under the water at the resort.

As guest Paul Moliken describes it, “my schedule at Wakatobi for one amazing day is: Get up, snorkel the sea grass, eat breakfast, catch the dive boat, snack on the boat during the surface interval, dive again, eat lunch, snorkel on the House Reef, make a third boat dive, eat dinner, snorkel around the jetty after dark, sleep.”
While Paul's in-water schedule may seem ambitious to some, it highlights the diving and snorkeling possibilities created by Wakatobi's unique combination of underwater topography, diving infrastructure and resort services. Specifically, it's about dive sites that are ideal for multi-level profiles, schedules that accommodate extended bottom times and total access to a House Reef that further expands in-water opportunities.

“Wakatobi’s boat schedules, onboard amenities and the attention from the dive team definitely allows me to get the maximum pleasure from my diving,” says diver Michelle Winkel. “The boats are so large and comfortable that surface intervals are like ‘restful interludes’ for me. I really like that all the boats have a big bathroom and shower where I can rinse off and totally relax,’” she says. “We also appreciate how we can start our dives a little deeper, work our way up and enjoy the gorgeous shallows at most of the sites. And we still have a 70-minute dive.”

Wakatobi's own marine reserve

At many dive sites within Wakatobi's private marine preserve, reef formations start within a few feet of the surface and drop into the depths rapidly along steep slopes or walls. By taking advantage of the multi-level profiles made possible by this topography, divers can greatly extend bottom times without going into staged decompression. These generous bottom times are also made possible by the resort's boat schedule, which allows ample time for guests to enjoy two leisurely dives before lunch plus an afternoon dive, with time for more diving or snorkeling.
“Being able to do three boat dives each day and still have the option to dive and snorkel the house reef is a real advantage that I have not had with any other resort I’ve been to,” says Ken Glaser. “We love reefs like Dunia Baru Turkey Beach, and Malabea because we can see beautiful corals, stay on a multi-step profile and see all kinds of marine life,” Ken says. “It’s comfortable and safe. Then in the afternoon before dinner, we have time to snorkel on the house reef.”

One key to longer and more enjoyable bottom time at Wakatobi

"Is to keep most of the dive within mid-range depths". Some divers want to drop right down to 100 feet. But the reality is that the colors down there are much less vibrant, and most importantly, bottom times are much shorter.
There really is no need to go deep and end up with a 20-to-30-minute dive when all the action is above 70 feet, which allows for 70-minute dives.”

Maximum water time strategy

The second element of Paul's maximum water time strategy, lies right in front of the resort in the form of the House Reef. “If you choose a Wakatobi dive package, you also have unlimited use of the incredible long House Reef,” he says, which has been consistently named as one of the best in the world. It certainly is healthier, more colorful, more filled with fish, and more stunning than any other I’ve seen, either in Lembeh or in the Caribbean.”
"You and your buddy can dive Wakatobi’s House Reef as many times as your computer will allow,” Paul says. “And even if you don’t make use of it for diving, snorkeling on the house reef is never disappointing."

"You can start right from shore or slip in from the jetty whenever you want. And there are also the resort's taxi boats, which are available all day. Just jump in, take a short ride to your favorite part of the reef, and then drift back at your leisure".

Out quotes

“I’ve done a lot of boat diving and I know how uncomfortable it can be when there are 12 or 14 people on a small boat trying to gear up with no elbow room. I fell in love with Wakatobi’s boats. They’re spacious and super comfortable, you really enjoy your time aboard. — Mitchell Bennett
“Wakatobi’s boats are impressive, the largest and nicest we have ever experienced in all our dive travels. Honestly, we have never looked forward to getting on the boats at most places, but at Wakatobi it’s a pleasure.” — Ken Glaser

“Wakatobi gets a lot of praise from its guests, but one aspect of the vacation experience that seems to be understated, is how lovely it is to have three 70-minute-long dives in a day. It’s so leisurely and enjoyable, and you don't have to worry about using up your air or decompressing.” — ” Paul Moliken