The area of Wakatobi is fast gaining a reputation as one of the top dive spots around. This small collection of islands in the south east of Sulawesi enjoys some of the healthiest coral fields you are likely to see. The rich waters mean an abundance of marine life in all its forms and the area is now regularly visited by liveaboards.

 

 

Wakatobi is one of the newest and most exciting diving destinations in Indonesia, winning extraordinary praise from its visitors both for outstanding and accessible diving and the quality of service they receive from the dive operation.

 

Although it is simple enough to get to with charter flights from Bali, you still have the remote pioneer-diving feel when enjoying these sites. For fans of Wakatobi diving it is not only that there are so many incredible dive sites within easy reach of the resort, being only a short speedboat ride away, but also that a few fin kicks from the shore lies the best house reef in the world.

 

For serious divers looking for the one of the finest diving experiences in Indonesia, this could well be the place.

 

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March to December is the season for scuba diving in Wakatobi. This applies to both the resort vacations and to liveaboard safaris. July and August bring rich plankton blooms and their attendant big marine animals, but also cooler water and lower visibility.

 

The water temperature varies quite a bit here. This is a quick guide: October maximum of 30°C, the latter half of August minimum of 25°C, March until May the temperature averages 28°C, June, July and September are between 26 to 27°C, October 28 to 30°C November to March averages 28°C. In other words for 99% of the year, the temperature ranges between 26 - 29°C.

 

Great for: Small animals, underwater photography, reef life and health and visibility

Not so great for: Wrecks and non-diving activities

Depth: 5 - >40m

Visibility: 15 - 80m

Currents: Gentle

Surface Conditions: Calm

Water Temperature: 26 - 29°C

Experience Level: Beginner - advanced

Number of dive sites: >50

Distance: 1,020 km north east of Bali (2½ hours)

Access: Wakatobi liveaboards

Recommended length of stay: 7 - 11 days

 

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January and February normally sees the wet season here. Located just south of the equator, Wakatobi has an even, tropical climate with temperatures around 32°C all year round.

 

We recommend visiting from March to December - it's the Wakatobi high season (most busy around April/May and September/November) during which the diving is consistently good. November to April is the best time for spotting pilot whales. During the first and last months of the season you may find yourself in a refreshing shower but this does not greatly affect the diving. In the summer months the surface tends to be a little choppier due to coral spawning which is evidence that there are things going on beneath the waves.

 

If you want more to do above water you can visit a genuine sea gypsy village. Here you can sample their totally different lifestyle and check out the products of the local iron-making industry - beautiful traditional knives known as 'keris'. No pre-fab tourist attractions here, just locals going about their business and breaking into wide, toothy grins when people from distant lands show an interest in their lives. Other traditional manufacturing going on includes sarong weaving and dugout boat building.

 

You can also go on treks through some of the remote villages of Wakatobi with curious, welcoming village-folk, unaccustomed to and enthused by, the sight of foreigners. It is fair to say that unlike some places, you certainly won't hear of any begging or calls of "transport transport!" or "handsome man!" You can end your treks by plunging into the clear, cooling waters of freshwater caverns. This is one of those priceless travel moments we all long for, to be far from the crowd and at one with nature.

 

The resort also offers some sporting activities for the energetic, with beach volleyball, badminton and snorkelling.

 

Of course, as most visitors to Wakatobi come through Bali, there is no shortage of things to do there, and it is quite easy to plan to visit both places in 1 visit.

 

If you're keen to discover Jacques Cousteau's favourite dive spot Wakatobi, then make your reservation today with Sulawesi Tour Guide.