World’s
Premier Coral Reef Diving
The Epicenter of Biodiversity
This
Swiss owned & managed dive resort provides
all the comforts of the modern world in a secluded,
unspoiled, uncrowded retreat. A private airplane
brings you to a new airstrip on a neighboring
island in business class comfort. You’ll
stay in private beachside or garden bungalows
cooled by ocean breezes. The bungalows reflect
traditional architecture, yet are equipped with
all modern amenities including phone and e-mail.
Wakatobi Dive Resort—World’s Premier Coral Reef diving
Come
with us on this exquisite dive destination to
one of the top rated dive resorts in the world.
Private beach, bungalows and unlimited world-class
easy diving and great food. First we arrive
in Bali and are whisked away on a private airplane
to Wakatobi. In a distant corner of Indonesia,
about 2 hours by air from Bali, on a small island
the locals call Onemobaa, you’ll find yourself
in one of the most extraordinary marine parks
in the world. Spend a week enthralled with some
of the world’s best diving. Pamper yourself
at this year’s #1 rated dive resort.
The Epicenter of biodiversity
Situated at the core of the ocean’s highest coral reef
biodiversity, the 372 square-miles that comprise the Wakatobi National
Marine Park was considered to be “probably the finest diving site in the
world” by underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau. Today, it is ranked as
one of the premier coral reefs in the world. With 85% of the world’s
coral reef species located in the region, the display of diverse marine
life is unparalleled.
Marine Life
The
adventure begins only 80 meters from the resort’s
powder white beach where a lush drop-off stretches
along several distinct dive sites. Lionfish,
clownfish, rays, batfish, crocodile fish, jawfish,
ghost pipefish, waspfish, schooling jacks, turtles,
mandarin fish, leaf fish and four species of
pygmy seahorses inhabit the reef. Even the elusive
blue-ringed octopus makes a rare appearance.
Brilliant soft corals, oversized gorgonians,
vibrant sponges and delicate tunicates in every
hue create an intricately woven tapestry of
color and texture. Shallow depths enable divers
to enjoy unusually long bottom times during
which they may explore a thriving marine environment.
At night, the resort’s famous “House Reef,”
one of the world’s best shore dives, explodes
with riotous color.
Collaborative Reef Conservation Program
Recognizing the fragility and uniqueness of the marine
environment and the need for sustainable conservation, in consultation
with local leaders, the founders of Wakatobi Dive resort developed the
Collaborative Reef Conservation program to motivate the local population
to realize the value of,and care for, the reefs of the area. It does so
by generating income from tourism that is channeled directly into the
local community, providing an economic alternative to fishing and
remunerating those that help protect and manage the reefs.
Through the persistent work and commitment of the resort’s staff and
owners, the local community, and the cooperation of visiting divers, a
substantial region of the Park is now a protected sanctuary whose reefs
and marine life will remain healthy and vibrant for future generations.
Unparalleled Freedom to Dive and Explore
With such excellent reef life just a few steps away and total diving
freedom to submerge day and night,some divers are content to explore the
House Reef to the exclusion of anything else. Yet Wakatobi boasts
exclusive access to more than 40 superlative dive sights.
In the pristine waters surrounding the islands of Onemoba’a, Sawa and
Lintea and nearby Tomia,
numerous dive sites offer ample opportunity for exploration.Among the
most spectacular and popular are Onemoba’a cavern, Lorenz’s Delight,
Inka’s Palette, Pastel reef, Turkey Beach, Mari Mabuk, and Roma. All are
easily accessible aboard Wakatobi’s comfortable dive boats while tenders
or “taxi boats” are “on call” to transfer divers from the beach to the
further sections of the House Reef. Experienced, friendly and attentive,
the divemasters, all PADI Instructors, are superb critter-finders and
able to locate the most elusive marine creatures. For photographers and
videographers, Wakatobi is nirvana. An on-premises photo facility offers
E-6 processing.