Marine life
The Wakatobi region is one of the best places for diving in Indonesia and takes its name from the four islands that make it up. From west to east are the islands of Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia and Binongo. If you wish, a boat spends twice a day on each of the islands and commutes. The main and most inhabited of the four islands is Tomia but rest assured, Tomia is still a small haven of small villages and has no more than 10 000 inhabitants.
Located in the extreme south-east of Sulawesi, wakatobi is a huge protected marine park with nearly 600 kilometers of reefs, nearly 1,050 different types of fish and 750 types of hard and soft corals. It is simply a remote paradise. Tourism is very limited and most dive spots have been discovered only recently.
Given the fact that the region is not very touristy, there are only 2 or 3 dive centers on Wakatobi. The most important is of course the beautiful Wakatobi Diving Resort. This world famous institution is one of the best dive resorts in the world and everyone agrees that it is the best luxury dive resort in Indonesia. The resort has its own small island, in front of Tomia and its dive boats scam the seas for a little less than half a century to offer adventurous divers dives on sites virtually untouched by human activity.
The dive sites are particularly known for their Macro life. There are a multitude of small, fabulous organisms such as nudibranchs, gobies, pigmers and more. In addition, corals are particularly varied. Of course, the region also marks the diver because of the density of marine life, we come across tuna, turtles, rays and many other species that are relatively traditional, but also very numerous rare fish or even endemic fish such as fish crocodile. The best way to fully enjoy your experience would be to take an underwater photography course or before in order to be able to capture the beauty and diversity of the dense macro life.
Wakatobi Diving Resort
When we talk about diving in Wakatobi, we think of the only diving resort on the small lost island of Tomia. Although there are 2 dive centers in Tomia, the Wakatobi Resort is Tomia’s only true luxury dive resort that offers all the amenities, but without compromising the natural charm of the landscape and the environment. Definitely one of the best luxury dive resort.
Indonesia Luxury Diving Hotel
The Wakatobi diving resort is worldwide famous. This beautiful resort is one of the best diving resorts in the world. Located on the beautiful little island of Tolandona, right in front of the island of Tomia, the resort offers a luxurious stay in the middle of nature. Lost in its greenery surrounded by a limpid sea, the hotel was exclusively created for scuba diving and its location is extraordinary. The turtles passes under the jetty that sits right on the edge of a vertiginous submarine wall. Just swim 20 seconds to find one of the best dive site in the area.
Beyond its location and surrounding sites, the organisation and the attention to details is impressive in such a remote location. Indeed, lost and far from everything, the hotel has created its own airstrip to constantly refuel and offer a five-star service to divers who come to stay on the island. You can get to Wakatobi in different ways but the quickest and most convenient way is to board one of the two private weekly flights organized by the resort. Moreover, the hôtel has 4 dive boats, a beautifull and efficient dive center and high quality equipements.
Luxury Diving Cruise in Wakatobi
The beautiful resort also has a Sulawesi Liveaboard. The famous Pelagian is a superb luxury liveaboard in Indonesia that takes you on an adventure on the far away waters of Sulawesi. Diving cruises are usually from Monday to Monday and lasts 7 nights. We dive almost 4 times a day and the service is impeccable. The cruise is one of the best liveaboard to dive with the Mandarin Fish. In addition, the itinerary is famous for its Muck dive, these macro dives
for discovering small fish and taking exceptional underwater photographs.
When to go diving in Wakatobi?
There are two seasons in the region. The warmer dry season lasts from September to October while the rainy season lasts from January to August. The months of October and November are often considered the best months to dive in Wakatobi. June and September are generally quite pleasant but we advise you to avoid the months of July and August.
Diving conditions
In general, diving conditions are extraordinary, both in terms of temperature and visibility.
Currents, as everywhere in Indonesia can be relatively strong. No worries, however, in general, small drift dive in relatively shallow waters between 10 and 25 meters.
Visibility: At the top, between 30 and 40 meters of visibility. During the months of July and August, the visibility can go down to about 20 meters.
Sea currents: In general, submarine currents are medium to strong in Indonesia. The region is no exception, although the currents are generally less powerful than in Raja Ampat or other parts of the country.
Levels Required: All levels of diving can dive here. However, that it is advisable to arrive with at least a Level 1 dive or Open Water. Indeed, the currents can be relatively strong and most sites are drop offs. Open Waters generally spend their first dives in front of the Wakatobi Resort and the site is a pretty impressive drop, you have to go down in the blue and the currents can be confusing for a first dive.
The water temperature varies between 25 and 28 ° C during the months of June to September and rises to around 30 ° C in December January.
What to see in scuba diving?
Wakatobi is simply one of the best places for macro diving in the world. The best dive sites in Wakatobi are bursting with life. There is a multitude of mini shrimps, nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses and much more. But the biggest fish are there too and the area is well known for its turtles who come by hundreds lay their eggs on the beach in front of the Wakatobi Resort. Barracuda, grouper, batfish, dorado, anthias, soldier fish, tuna, scorpion fish but also rarer fish like crocodile fish. As for the flora, you will not be left out. This region of the world is particularly known for its beautiful corals and is part of the world famous coral triangle. You will find a multitude of large soft and hard corals as well as beautiful muck dives.
