Twelve reasons for divers to visit Wakatobi Resort

Protection pays

In an era where even the most remote diving destinations are subject to the effects of human activity, a policy of managed and enforced environmental protection is the only way to assure the health of the underwater ecosystem. Wakatobi Resort lies within a marine reserve created and operated by the resort’s founders covering more than 20 kilometres of reef line.

The Wakatobi Collaborative Reef Conservation Programme created in the mid – 1990s is a no-take zone encompassing some of the region’s most spectacular and biologically-rich underwater landscapes. All destructive forms of fishing have been eliminated, dive sites are protected by permanent moorings, and a strict no-touch policy is in place. As a result, fish populations have increased, and corals have returned to near-pristine status.

High critter counts

Wakatobi Resort is located in the area known as the Coral Triangle which contains the planet’s highest levels of marine bio-diversity. On the reefs surrounding the resort, divers and snorkellers can tally more than 500 varieties of hard and soft corals, 2,000-plus species of fish life and thousands more invertebrates. Healthy reefs attract swarms of colourful tropicals, while schooling fish patrol the edges of walls and the tops of underwater seamounts.

Part of the solution

Wakatobi’s Collaborative Reef Conservation Programme hasn’t just put a halt to destructive fishing practices and reef degradation, it creates a sustainable alternative whereby healthy reefs become a source of revenue for the local community. A portion of all guest revenues make direct lease payments to the area’s villages and sustain other community initiatives for education, clean water and electrification. By giving the surrounding community a stake in preserving the reefs, Wakatobi has transformed local attitudes to encourage a sense of stewardship. With many reefs attaining the status of fish breeding sanctuaries, local fishermen are finding their catch enhanced within designated fishing zones.

Cruising in comfort

Wakatobi Resort operates a fleet of custom-built 21m dive boats with shaded decks, spacious benches, dedicated gear storage, and a separate camera table. Water entry is from the middle of the boat keeping divers well away from engine exhaust. Boat crews deliver personal service, with thorough briefings provided before each dive, and with each guest given attention to ensure safety and maximum diving freedom.

Underwater diversity

Many dive sites surrounding Wakatobi Resort begin as shallow reefs then transition dramatically to steep slopes or walls. The topography means divers can log bottom times of up to 70 minutes while remaining within a no-stop dive profile. At certain locations you can make extended drift dives. Night dives showcase a different cast of marine characters too, with unique fluorescing of corals and other marine life on show.

A shore with more

Directly in front of the resort is the House Reef, one of the world’s number one shore dives. Exploring the vast area is as easy as wading in. Divers have been known to spend entire days working along just small areas. Inshore of the reef, a seagrass meadow shelters a menagerie of juveniles, invertebrates and sand-wellers.

Snorkellers welcome

Though it’s a dive resort, Wakatobi is a great place for snorkellers too. As well as the House Reef, corals rise to the surface at dozens of other sites. Snorkellers are given all the personal attention, with guides on hand. Mixing diving and snorkelling allows groups and families to better share the experience.

Apres dive

Guests who don’t spend every possible moment in or under the water have plenty of other options: kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and wakeboarding. Between May and September, light seasonal winds make Wakatobi ideal for kite surfing. Those who prefer the land can indulge in a spa visit, wander a nature trail, tour a local village or sign up for an Indonesian cooking or culture class.

Barefoot luxury

The phrase is a bit cliché now but how else do you describe a place where spa services, fine dining, attentive personal service and million-dollar ocean views blend with beachfront bungalows amongst a palm grove, and private villas perch on the shoreline?

Ditch the diet

Wakatobi kitchen staff include internationally-trained chefs, with each meal another opportunity to showcase their talents, from international favorites to Indonesian specialties. Wakatobi’s culinary team accommodate a wide range of dietary requirements and wishes, and are always happy to handle special requests.

Warmth of the welcome

Guests are welcomed with the same genuine warmth as if invited into a private home. When staff members smile and greet you by name, it’s no gimmick. They take pride in going the extra mile to deliver personal service, making sure you want for nothing, while at the same time respecting individual privacy.

Remote yet accessible

Wakatobi is located on a small island hundreds of miles from city lights, but getting there is easy, thanks to private, direct charter flights from Bali. The trip to the resort’s airstrip is 2.5 hours. Wakatobi maintains airport concierge staff in Bali, and a VIP airport lounge for guests. The concierge team assists with transfer details, and can arrange hotels, transportation and activities if you wish to make a Bali layover. Once at the resort, guests can choose to tune out, though full connectivity is still on hand when needed through a combination of Internet, cellular and satellite links.‍

A stay at Wakatobi Resort is truly a world-class, idyllic vacation, with idyllic diving to discover.

Visitor information for Wakatobi Resort

Location: Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia Seasons: Dry June–September; the rest is rainy season
Temperature: 26–33°C
Water temperature: 22–29°C
Language: Indonesian
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah

Indonesia is connected to the rest of the world by numerous airlines. Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali will take you the closest to Wakatobi, with direct flights from several Australian cities; travelling from elsewhere you’ll stopover in Australia or elsewhere in Southeast Asia.