DIVING IN WAKATOBI, INDONESIA

This eco-friendly resort is located in the Wakatobi archipelago in remote Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia where it is the only fully licenced dive tourism operator. The resort itself is situated on a small island the natives call Onemobaa. The island is beside Tomia Island, one of four major islands covering an area of 821 sq. km. The beautiful resort Loungehouse and Bungalows are built directly at the seaside, spaced along the exquisite beach.

Wakatobi Dive Resort is a destination that caters to divers and nature-lovers looking for world-class diving far from crowds and commercialism -- off the beaten path. The main Loungehouse contains all the common guest facilities such as the dive center (with separate equipment and camera room that offers both 220v and 110v charging stations, fridge for film and much more). There is also a rental equipment room, dining area, kitchen, video lounge and marine life reference library as well as storage rooms, the bar bathrooms and massage centre. Guests visiting Wakatobi experience accommodations that embrace ecotourism principles. The main house was designed in the traditional architectural style of the Indonesian longhouse. It was constructed by local craftsmen with traditional (hand) tools. Additionally, they also have a range of guest bungalows also built in a traditional style and inspired by the home of the last sultan of Tomia.

WAKATOBI ACCOMMODATION

Beach Bungalow

Beach Bungalow

Garden Bungalow

The traditional architecture of all buildings has been combined with comforts of the western world's, such as 24hrs reliable electricity and fresh water from a Reverse Osmosis system. All bungalows will this year have both air-conditioning AND ceiling fans.

The resort offer four levels of accommodations:

The Bungalows:
We have three levels of Bungalows. All are of equal floor size. What sets them apart is location and interior equipment / decor standard. All come with a King-size bed as standard but two twin beds are available upon request as an alternative. For families or three friends wanting to share a bungalow a third bed is also possible. All bungalows are equipped with a sofa, coffee table, wardrobe, minibar with fridge, a bathroom with (of course hot and cold) shower, LAN internet connection, ceiling fan and a spacious balcony as well as private sun chairs and umbrella in front.

The Garden Bungalows :These very comfortable "cabanas" are located slightly behind and in-between the front-row bungalows amidst beautiful palm trees and other tropical plants. Available both on the south and west section of the Resort.

The Beach Bungalows :Front row with an ocean view on the beach facing south.

These are the units with the best breeze from the ocean and is an excellent choice for those who prefer to enjoy a holiday in the tropics without the use of air conditioning.

The Premimum Beach Bungalows are of the same construction and size as the Beach Bungalows, but are located on the western beach facing the sunset. A little extra care has gone into their interior and they have small upgrades such as own marine life library, torch for walks at night, in-room orchids and more.

The Cliff Villas : Located on the northern end of the Wakatobi Dive Resort beach these Villas will be perched on the cliffs with superb views over the ocean and sunset. They will be far more spacious than the existing Bungalows and equipped for even more luxurious comfort and relaxation. For couples of even families of up to four (one king and double-decker twin) these are the nicest rooms of the resort.

Cuisine : A team of top-trained Balinese Chefs prepare delicious, ample and healthy meals using fresh produce that they fly in from Bali and overseas. Added to this are loads of day-fresh tuna sashimi, excellent soups, barbecued fish, fresh fruits, steaks and oriental specialties.

Meals are generally served buffet or family-style in the Longhouse dining area. They'll also host a beach cookout or two during your stay. If you have special dietary needs, please let us know in advance. In the lounge they supply complimentary instant coffee, tea and cookies around the clock.

Refreshments such as beer, cocktails, gourmet coffees and soft drinks are also available in the lounge, provided by the drink master who will also be happy to serve you a cool, fresh coconut or fruit juice. They can also offer you a selection of fine imported wines (some with up to 95 Wine Spectator points) that you can enjoy in good company.

DIVING IN WAKATOBI

There is no need for long speedboat transfers to see reefs teeming with life. Dive sites are within minutes of the resort. The reefs in Wakatobi provide habitats for the tiniest to the biggest, and the most beautiful to the ugliest (cutest) marine creatures. The closer you look, the more you will see.

Each season has its particular highlights. The hundreds of kilometers of reef structure provide every imaginable marine animal including whales, dolphins, sharks, rays, tunas, barracudas, marlin and more. Of course, if you want to see these big beauties, you have to be fortunate enough to be at the right place at the right time! It has been scientifically documented that the area of the world where Wakatobi is located contains more marine species than any other.

Experiencing a large variety of marine creatures on your trip to Wakatobi is guaranteed simply by just visiting the beautiful house reef, only a few fin strokes away from the dive centre. It features several species of clownfish in a variety of anemone hosts, turtles, rays, batfish, crocodile fish, scorpion fish, ghost pipe fish, frog fish, razorfish, sea snakes, porcelain crabs, nudibranchs, blue-ringed octopus, cuttlefish, leaf fish, 4 (four) species of pygmy seahorses and many, many more (too many to list).

Most of the dives they make are drift dives along colorful, dramatic walls of coral. They also offer partial drop-off dives, seamount dives, slopes and a 40m-long Japanese freighter.

THE DIVE CENTRE

DIVING STAFF :
Their highly qualified professional dive staff are second to none in the industry. All of their dive guides are trained instructors, with an average of 3,000 dives each. Your safety, comfort, and enjoyment is their up most concern. Regardless of your skill level, they will take the time to make sure you have a great time cruising the reefs. For advanced divers, they also have instructor-level guides with cave diving and rebreather specialties. And naturally, all of the guides know the reefs of Wakatobi like the back of their hand. If there's a critter you have always wanted to see (like a pygmy seahorse?), they will know the place to find it.

Dive Program :
Early morning beach dive possible before breakfast. Two-tank boat dive trip before lunch. Afternoon taxi boat dives on the extended house reef. Night beach dives before and after dinner and occasional evening night boat dives when conditions allow. Note: The 5 km / 3.5 mile house reef has multiple dive sites. Boat dives always with guide. Beach dives and taxi boat dives accompanied by guides upon availability. Maximum number of dives included in package: unlimited (some guests do 7 day).

GEO-DIVE OPINION

A very comfortable and well organized resort, despite the very isolated position. It’s an amazing place, beautiful beaches and very peaceful place .

It’s pristine reef is very healthy and rich of life, fantastic opportunity for macro-photography lovers.

The environmental policy of the dive centre is very strict and should be respected to avoid unnecessary arguments. Suitable for divers of all levels.

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