Wakatobi – 2025

A secluded haven you won’t want to leave

Whether you are diving or snorkeling amongst our vibrant protected coral reefs bristling with marine life, enjoying a rejuvenating spa, taking in a glorious sunset with your favorite cocktails at the jetty bar, or perhaps indulging in a romantic beach dinner, Wakatobi Dive Resort provides a unique and enriching experience for those seeking recreation, relaxation and privacy.

It’s not unknown for there to be tears on the last day of a trip in Wakatobi – guests simply don’t want to leave this little piece of heaven and return to the ‘real’ world.

Tranquil, remote, exclusive, yet readily accessible

You will enjoy the tranquility and secluded location of Wakatobi; no traffic noise, no pollution, no other divers for at least 100 miles. Although we are far off the beaten track, our private charter flight will transport you from Bali to our purpose-built airstrip in less than three hours, followed by a short boat ride to our resort and your vacation will truly begin.

View our location on Google maps.

Easily accessible from Europe and the US

Located in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia (Southeast Asia) Wakatobi is easily accessed from Europe or the USA. Many airlines offer flights to one of the major cities in Asia with transfer on to Denpasar, Bali which is the gateway (and most amazingly beautiful stopover on the way) to Wakatobi.

Just a short hop from Bali

Our private air charter brings you from Bali to our purpose-built airstrip in a two-and-a-half hour flight over some breathtaking tropical island scenery, then it’s a short drive and boat ride to the resort. A light meal is served on the flight and you will be assisted with all checked baggage. Plan to arrive in Bali no later than October 5th to make the early departure from Bali to Wakatobi on October 6th. 

A dive experience that will enthrall and endure

Wakatobi was created with the vision to deliver the ultimate dive experience and was established following an extensive search to identify the perfect location for a dive resort in terms of geography, climate, oceanic topography and marine biodiversity. To ensure its future we then created one of the world’s largest privately protected marine reserves. That gives you some idea of the extent to which we will go and the attention to detail that goes into every aspect of the Wakatobi experience.

Having identified the premier location, we developed a resort that, despite its remote position, offers a plenitude of facilities and comforts to make a dive trip, and all that surrounds it, an experience that you will cherish.

Wakatobi is located at the world’s epicentre of coral reef biodiversity. This means that while diving at Wakatobi you can see the greatest variety and diversity of marine life. New and undocumented species continue to be discovered at Wakatobi.

Myriad marine life varieties, and all at your doorstep

Wakatobi is located at the world’s epicenter of coral reef biodiversity and is designated a UNESCO Marine Biosphere Reserve. This means that while diving at Wakatobi you can see the greatest variety and diversity of marine life. You’ll not only see beautiful vistas or pristine coral reefs, but also abundant colorful reef fish and rare and unusual cryptic ‘critters’. New and undocumented species continue to be discovered at Wakatobi. 

There are other locations where you can see larger schools of fish, bigger animals and experience more adrenaline-filled underwater ‘rides’, but for sheer reef scenery and marine life variety, you won’t be disappointed with a diving holiday at Wakatobi.

Wakatobi’s dive sites

Wakatobi is blessed with more than 50 mapped and named dive sites all within a short distance of the main resort. The reefs around Wakatobi are actually continuous, so to call a dive site a ‘site’ is a little misleading. We identify most of our dives sites at locations on the continuous reef where we start a dive. We have generally selected these starting points because of some unique underwater typography or marine life that is common to this spot.

You can see the complete listing of Wakatobi’s dive sites here

Epicenter of biodiversity

The Wakatobi region is considered to be the epicenter of coral reef biodiversity. 85% of the world’s coral reefs are located in the Indo-Pacific region, and as you travel either east or west from the epicenter of biodiversity, the number of species decreases. At the Western edge of the Indian Ocean, or the Eastern edge of the Pacific, you will only find about 25% of the number of species that are present at Wakatobi.

The Atlantic/Caribbean region has even less diversity, less than one tenth the number of species found in the Indo-Pacific. For instance, the Atlantic/Caribbean region has fewer than 70 species of corals while the Indo-Pacific has over 700 species.

The environment influences biodiversity. Coral reef ecosystems need warm, clear waters to thrive. If there’s too much runoff from large rivers or urban growth nearby, the reefs can be choked by siltation or pollution. The waters must be warm, but not too warm. Below 25 C, coral growth is retarded. Above 29 C, the symbiotic algae living in the corals begins to die off and stress the corals. Depth is important too. Very shallow waters have too much temperature fluctuation and disruptive wave and surge action. Too deep, and light is diminished, which decreases diversity. At about 20 M depth, there is plenty of light, and not much wave action, even during large storms, so more species can survive.

Unlimited diving on pristine, protected coral reefs

It’s all at your doorstep

Nowhere else do you have such ease of access to miles of pristine reefs with diverse topography, life and highlights. In other locations you collect the good dive sites together over large areas with perhaps long and arduous boat journeys in between and might not even get close to what Wakatobi offers out there right at the doorstep.

Our ‘signature dish’: shore diving the House Reef

Our house reef is world-famous. Some guests never go on a boat dive because the reef and wall right in front of our resort provides enough territory and diversity to keep them exploring for several days. There is no need to swim long distances. We even offer ‘taxi-boat’ services to transport you up current to extended parts of the House Reef to explore or enjoy a beautiful drift back to the jetty. (find out more)

Fluo diving; a new dimension, new experience

Experience a new dimension in diving so exclusive that more people have seen Earth from space than have seen corals in this totally new light! Fish suddely speak and coral communicate through fluorescence. Read more more

Night diving – any night

Night diving at Wakatobi is fantastic!. One or two night dives (depending on length of the trip and weather) will be offered from the boats. You can dive any night on the house reef in front of the resort (unguided buddy teams). Simply gear up in the diver preparation area and walk-in off the beach.

Night dives should be finished at the latest by 10.00 p.m. but special arrangements can be made to dive at other hours.

A plethora of sites to dive by boat

We have more than 40 sites that we regularly dive, all accessible by our day boats. Boat rides range from 10 minutes up to a maximum of an hour for a few of the furthest sites. (find out more)

Your stay supports our protected conservation zone

The entire Wakatobi region has been turned into a sustainable protected marine park. The local village and surrounding communities have enthusiastically adopted the conservation plan and as a result, illegal fishing, reef walking and other activities detrimental to the coral reef have been halted. Part of your payment for staying and diving at Wakatobi goes back to the community to sustain and support this new way of living. Living in harmony with and in respect of the coral reef ecosystem.

Wakatobi is a snorkeler’s paradise

Wakatobi is an ideal place for snorkelers and freedivers. The House Reef offers convenient snorkeling with healthy corals, seagrass meadows and myriad marine creatures while numerous dive sites visited by our day boats have exquisite shallows – a snorkeler’s paradise.

Support for snorkelers 

Snorkelers (and freedivers) at Wakatobi receive the same level of support as scuba divers. All of our dive sites are rated for suitability for snorkeling based on the reef topography. Snorkelers who join the morning and afternoon boat excursions are accompanied by a professional snorkel guide who is versed in the marine life found on our reefs. Snorkeling equipment as well as camera and video systems are handled by our team and will already be on the boat when you step aboard. Towels, snacks and camera assistance are also provided and the boat crew constantly monitors snorkelers while they are in the water.

The House Reef is monitored by our shored-based staff, who also have access to a taxi boat if needed. Additionally, snorkelers can engage a Private Snorkel Guide to assist with snorkeling skills, marine life encounters, and anything else to help you get the most from your snorkeling sorties.

Snorkelers’ and freedivers’ treasure – the House Reef 

Wakatobi’s House Reef is a cornucopia of marine life, and snorkelers can wade in directly from the beach or enter from the jetty ladder. The seagrass shallows are a refuge to species such as filefish, coconut octopus, and Halimeda ghost pipefish, while areas surrounding the various coral heads host numerous colorful juveniles, cuttlefish, crocodilefish, moral eels, juvenile green and hawksbill turtles, and more. Additionally, at least seven species of anemonefish have been counted in the area surrounding the jetty and Jetty Bar! The dramatic drop off where the House Reef wall begins offers glimpses out into the blue and down the wall – turtles, bumphead parrotfish, rays, mild-mannered triggerfish, boxfish, pufferfish and midnight snapper can be seen among many other species.

The choice for serious underwater photographers & videographers

Wakatobi offers unbounded opportunities for underwater photography and videography, ranging from dramatic drop offs, breathtaking coral gardens and pinnacles for wide angle shots down to the most minute and exotic marine creatures for macro fanatics.

The exuberant vitality of the reef systems means that whether pro or leisure photographer, every dive will deliver an awesome array of images in your viewfinder.

Facilities to support at a professional standard

Many of our guests are underwater photographers. Therefore, we provide excellent facilities for working on your camera, both in the resort and aboard Pelagian. Our camera room is climate-controlled and has large work tables and storage shelving for all your camera gear. Out workbenches have cushion pads to protect your equipment. We provide voltage-regulated power to charge all your batteries. There is plenty of light to allow you to work on your camera.

Programs to enhance your underwater photography skills

Underwater photography coaching services are hosted by our resident photo pro and cover a range of topics from the basics to coaching that is tailored to your specific requirements. We charge US $360 per day for this service. For more information, please inquire with your guest experience consultant or email our Bali team at office@wakatobi.com.

Wide angle to macro, you’ll see it all

Wakatobi has over 40 reefs, from sheer walls of coral with shallow tops of sea grass and coral, to undersea ridges and sea mounts, all accessible by our day boats. Add to this the muck diving and other locations visited by Pelagian and you have practically every possible topography for underwater photography – and all teeming with vibrant and exotic marine life.

Everything to make your diving hassle-free

Remote doesn’t mean Spartan. We cater to air, nitrox, and rebreather users as well as snorkelers and freedivers with comprehensive support facilities. And if you like to travel light, we offer a full range of premium quality gear for rental including regulators, masks, fins, dive computers, BCDs and torches.

Dedicated Professional Dive Staff

Our highly qualified professional dive staff are second to none in the industry. All of our dive guides have an average of 3,000 dives each. Your safety, comfort, and enjoyment is their utmost 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, we also have instructor-level guides with cave diving and rebreather specialties. And naturally, all of our 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.

Private Dive or Snorkel Experience

Our Private Dive or Snorkel Experience Manager (PDEM) program represents the ultimate in personalized resort diving: a private guide, whose focus is to fulfill your innermost wishes for your diving and tailor an exclusive, personalized diving or snorkeling experience to fit your individual needs. (find out more)

First class facilities in the dive center

Our dive center has everything you need to support your diving activities including rental of well-maintained dive gear, a fully-equipped camera room and a modern compressor room and tank filling center delivering unlimited air supplies. (find out more)

Comfortable and spacious day boats

Our boats are based on traditional Indonesian boat designs and are built locally. They are fabricated to our specifications and are tailored to maximize the comfort for divers. They are very spacious, comfortable and well-equipped, including a (very clean) tiled bathroom in the back. (find out more)

Access to the resort’s House Reef by taxi boat

Taxi boats are used to shuttle divers up current for drop off dives on the House Reef.  Learn more about the House Reef here.

Support for Nitrox divers

We operate two state-of-the-art Nitrox Technologies membrane systems fed by multiple water-cooled Bauer compressors.

Technical Diving Services

Advanced and fully trained technical divers can utilize their skill by taking advantage of Wakatobi’s Technical Diving Services. At Wakatobi we offer Advanced Nitrox diving in all oxygen concentrations. CCR divers with Trimix certification can take advantage of Trimix (HeliAir) diluents and bailout gases. Advanced diving packages are available.

Advanced Nitrox or Extended Range divers desiring multiple Nitrox mixes for faster decompression, please bring your certification card to obtain Nitrox gases up to 42% plus 100% pure oxygen (for Decompression stops 6 m and shallower).

In Wakatobi, fine dining comes standard

Our food is varied, fresh and prepared and served with love. Our guests often express their surprise at finding such a refined cuisine in such a remote location. And what’s more: it is all included in the price – for three delicious meals and snacks every day. Mealtimes in the Beach Restaurant, which are as eagerly anticipated as the dives, are an enjoyable culinary odyssey, taking in Indonesian and other Asian delicacies along with a comfortable selection of dishes from around the world.

Wine and dine at the Beach Restaurant

Enjoy a premier dining experience in a relaxed, elegant setting at the Beach Restaurant. Our team of professional chefs are highly trained, with years of experience working in first class resorts and restaurants. The food we serve is an international blend of the exotic with the familiar.

If you have special dietary needs our chefs will happily accommodate you, whether it be a food allergy or simply a preference. They are used to low-carb, vegetarian. low lactose, gluten free etc. Just let our Bali office know your preferences prior to your trip and we’ll do our utmost to accommodate your wishes.

Most meals are served buffet style – but not just any buffet. This one is constantly replenished, kept fresh and hot. For dinner there are also stations for the day’s roast and the day’s soup – and let’s not forget a variety of desserts!

Wait staff are on hand to serve drinks, whether you’re looking for a soda, a fresh fruit juice, beer or an imported highly-rated wine. We also serve gourmet cappuccino, espresso and a variety of teas.

Personalized dining options

Should you wish to sleep in and enjoy a relaxing morning in your room we offer à la carte breakfasts served right in your Bungalow or Villa and a room service menu throughout the day.

And for the ultimate romantic dining experience we offer private tête-à-tête dinners by the beach. This is a perfect memory for honeymoon couples and those celebrating anniversaries, but also an ideal way to turn any vacation into a special occasion.

Unforgettable sunsets at the Jetty Bar

At the end of the day, the Jetty bar offers the ideal location to take in a wonderful Wakatobi sunset and watch the stars come out, along with your favorite drink – be it cocktail, wine, beer or juice.

Sitting at Wakatobi’s Jetty Bar with your favourite drink, sharing experiences and the day’s fantastic sights on the reefs, all the while taking in a jaw-dropping sunset through to the stars and the milky way lighting up the night sky – Wakatobi regulars know that life doesn’t get much better than this.

And regarding that favourite drink – we can mix your favourite cocktail, mocktail or juice, offer you a selection of fine wines as well as a range of liquors soft drinks and cold beers.

Go ahead and personalize; make it ‘your’ Wakatobi trip

Wakatobi offers you the opportunity to create your dream dive holiday, both for the dive-focused activities and for your non-diving activities. Whether you want to celebrate a special occasion, enjoy the most exclusive and personalized diving experience possible, or simply chill out in style, we are able to personalize your trip to make it truly yours.

Bali Concierge Services

Bali is a wonderful island with spectacular geographical diversity and delightful cultural attractions. Private guides and drivers are available to transport you to towering volcanoes, emerald green rice paddies, Hindu temples, dazzling beaches or a cultural dance performance. Read more here

Private Dive Services for the discerning diver

Our Private Dive Experience Manager programme represents the ultimate in personalized resort diving: a Private Dive Experience Manager, whose focus is to fulfill your innermost wishes and tailor an exclusive, personalised diving experience to fit your individual needs. Read more here.

See marine night life in a new light with a ‘Fluo-Dive’

Experience a new dimension in diving so exclusive that more people have seen Earth from space than have seen corals in this totally new light! Fish suddenly speak and coral communicate through fluorescence. Read more here.

Reach Wakatobi Resort in time for lunch

Wakatobi provides a direct connection between Bali’s international airport (airport code DPS) and the resort by way of a private guest flight. The flights are dedicated to serving only guests of Wakatobi Resort and Pelagian Dive Yacht, providing attentive onboard service and generous allowances for both checked and carry-on baggage.

Check-in time for our guest flight from Bali’s international airport is at 6:45am. Once we have you checked in, you will be taken to a restaurant for breakfast before boarding the flight to the resort (around 8:00am), arriving in time for lunch.

On the last day of your Wakatobi vacation our guest flight will return to Bali between 2pm and 3:30pm. We do not recommend anyone to book tickets to leave Bali on the day of return from Wakatobi until after 5:30pm.

An easy transfer with our Wakatobi-Bali guest flight

Wakatobi’s guest flight provides direct access from Bali to our purpose-built airstrip, cutting travel time to Wakatobi to less than three hours. 

The flight leaves Bali in the morning and arrives at the resort in time for lunch. Flights are made aboard a comfortable, 70-seat turboprop aircraft, with ample allowances for both checked and carry-on luggage.

Bali is well served by numerous international airlines that provide a wide range of budgeting and scheduling options from points around the world.

More about international flights to Bali

International flights to Bali from the US and Europe are easily arranged with any of the following popular carriers. Our Bali-based concierge staff can arrange all details of overnight or extended stays in Bali. For details, email office@wakatobi.com.

• Singapore Airlines
• Cathay Pacific
• KLM
• Garuda
• Korean Air
• Malaysia Airlines
• China Airlines
• Thai Airways
• EVA
• Jetstar
• Virgin Australia
• Qatar AirwaysHong kong Express
• Hong Kong Express

If you’re traveling from the US
When traveling from the United States to Bali you will be flying over the international dateline. This means that you will lose a calendar day when traveling to Bali and gain a calendar day when returning to the States. The important dates to remember are the dates you need to be in Bali and the date you will be leaving Bali. Your airline professional can help work out the schedule.

If you’re traveling from Europe
Flight times to Bali will consume the better part of a calendar day, but does not cross the international dateline.

Arrival in Bali
From the moment you land in Bali and pass through immigration, the Wakatobi staff are on hand to greet you, guide you through baggage claim and customs, and assist with ground transportation, including our pre-arranged driver services.

Private jet support

Guests who wish to travel to Wakatobi by private jet are welcome. Our airstrip is 1,500m (5,000ft) in length and can accommodate aircraft such as the Gulfstream V and Global 5000. We can assist with permits, handling and security – please enquire for details.

Relaxed luxury, with nature at your door

You will discover that, despite its remote location, Wakatobi Dive Resort offers a very civilized existence. Each hand-crafted villa and bungalow is spacious, quiet, comfortable and just a few steps from the ocean. All are air-conditioned with wi-fi satellite internet access, along with comprehensive amenities. All your meals and snacks (chef-prepared in our beachside restaurant) are included throughout your stay.

You will find yourself slipping into Wakatobi’s easy rhythm, rejuvenated by its comforting ways – freshly prepared and appetizing food, comfortable accommodation, sensational diving and friendly, personalized service.   

Wakatobi Ocean Bungalow with stunning sea view

Take in a glorious view at the end of a satisfying day’s diving, to a soundtrack of waves gently lapping on the shore – all while seated on the balcony or in one of the comfortable lounge chairs in front of your Ocean Bungalow. All have commodious front porches with comfortable lounge beds and stunning sea views.

Ocean Bungalows have indoor bathrooms and spacious Asian spa-style outdoor showers.

If you are seeking the optimal blend of luxury and economy, an Ocean Bungalow is the best choice.

Main inclusions

• Private ocean view
• Varied gourmet meals and snacks throughout the stay
• Custom Bali tours and access to our preferred travel agent for extensive Bali trip planning
• Personalized service and support without equal (ratio 5 staff : 1 guest)
• No fuel surcharges / park fees

Palm Bungalow; all your basic needs covered

Savor nature’s music – birdsong, the waves lapping a stone’s throw away and the breeze rustling in the trees – from the verandah of your Palm Bungalow.

These very comfortable bungalows are located slightly behind and in-between the front-row Ocean Bungalows amidst beautiful palm trees and other tropical plants.

All your basic needs are catered to in a Palm Bungalow and, as in all accommodation types, you’ll enjoy Wakatobi’s renowned and personalized service and chef prepared meals.

Main inclusions

• Garden palm-shaded setting
• Varied gourmet meals and snacks throughout the stay
• Custom Bali tours and access to our preferred travel agent for extensive Bali trip planning
• Personalized Service and Support without equal (ratio 5 staff : 1 guest)
• No fuel surcharges / park fees