Wakatobi Liveaboard Diving

Liveaboard Diving in Wakatobi

What To Expect From a Wakatobi Liveaboard

A Wakatobi liveaboard is a perfect option for divers wanting to explore this amazing area in Sulawesi, Indonesia. It is a group of 4 remote islands in the Banda Sea southeast of Sulawesi Tenggara Province of Indonesia. The name Wakatobi is, in fact, an acronym for the 4 islands, Wangi-Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko. Liveaboards in Wakatobi usually depart from Wangi-Wangi, the capital and largest of the 4 islands, or if you choose the luxurious Pelagian liveaboard, you will take a flight directly to the private airfield of the Wakatobi dive resort.

The area of Wakatobi is also a protected Unesco Marine Biosphere Reserve spanning an incredible 1.39 million hectares. There is limited fishing, and destructive industries have been banned. In order to preserve this equilibrium, minimizing human impacts while enhancing the natural seascape, locals receive subsidies that incentivize the preservation of the reefs. This is largely funded by Marine Park fees, which is also spent towards education not only for locals but for tourists as well.

Being tropical, it is possible to go scuba diving in Wakatobi all year round, with a consistent temperature of 89 Fahrenheit (32∞C). Water temperatures range from 77 Fahrenheit (25∞C) in August to 86 Fahrenheit (30∞C) in October. The best time to take a liveaboard cruise is said to be between March and December since the wet season lasts from January to February. Although, it's worth noting that Wakatobi has one of the area's shortest and driest wet seasons. The weather is so forgiving that creating a custom itinerary for your dive cruise is sometimes possible.

Wakatobi Underwater

The incredibly successful management of the area, coupled with the unique, dry climate of the region, has resulted in an exceptionally clean underwater environment. New reefs have formed upon fossilized reefs, and very little soil erosion gives rise to fantastic visibility somewhere in the region of 65 to 200 feet (20 ñ 60 m).

Dive a Wakatobi liveaboard to see extraordinarily healthy reefs, attracting a very dense gathering of many fish species. It has been recorded that there are upwards of an astonishing 700 species of fish and 400 species of coral around these islands alone. Some of those species also include special treats, such as manta rays and whale sharks, which can be seen anytime during the year (with a little luck). But from November to April, you also have the chance to see short-finned pilot whales, an 18-foot (5.5 m) long member of the dolphin family. A dive trip during July and August will see many species of fish spawning, attracting prolific schools while avoiding the high seasons of Wakatobi, typically between April and May and September to November.

Dive Sites Of Wakatobi

Coral Garden is appropriately named and holds a spectacular reef system that sits in a giant crater. Current around the reef is generally sheltered by the sandy walls of the depression, while over the top, currents can be fairly strong. A descent line is normally used to help guide the divers down to the crater's edge. From here, the group moves out of the current and around the reef occupied by many species of wrasse, including cleaner wrasse and brightly colored sling-jaw wrasse.

The resident, House Reef, also happens to be one of the most loved reefs by divers, and it is fairly shallow at around 40 feet (12 m). Both reachable from the shore and by liveaboard, House Reef features a small wall and a drop-off. On the sandy ledge, you'll find all manner of creatures hiding, such as flounders and snake eels. Currents along the wall are usually mild, allowing for a relaxing drift. The wall is heavily clad in soft corals, especially anemones, housing all sorts of tiny crabs, shrimps, and spectacularly colored nudibranchs.

Roma is one of the finest liveaboard diving sites in Wakatobi. Upon descent, you are immediately greeted by large schools of vibrant reef fish. This site is largely made up of pinnacles but also includes one enormous pinnacle that almost breaches the water's surface. This site is teeming with life.

Underwater Photography in Wakatobi

With its crystal-clear turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs, Wakatobi offers a stunning backdrop for capturing captivating underwater images. The opportunities for underwater photography in Wakatobi are endless, from colorful coral formations to abundant exotic marine life, such as vibrant reef fish, sea turtles, and even manta rays. Whether you seek macro photography opportunities or wide-angle shots of breathtaking seascapes, liveaboard diving in Wakatobi provides an ideal environment for honing your skills and creating unforgettable underwater images that will leave a lasting impression.

Renting a camera in Wakatobi can be difficult as the service is rarely offered. Make sure you bring your camera so you can capture those underwater memories!

Getting To Wakatobi

The easiest way to reach your liveaboard vessel is from Bali. Ngurah Rai is the only international airport on the island of Bali, located on the southern coast in Denpasar, Bali's capital city. Several airlines now offer direct flights to Bali, but there are no direct flights from Europe. One must normally connect via Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur, but it is also possible to reach Bali via Hong Kong, Dubai, or Singapore depending on where you began your journey. The Pelagian liveaboard has a private aircraft that takes divers to its own airfield where the famous Wakatobi resort is based; this flight is additional to the liveaboard costs.

The alternative way to reach Wakatobi would be to catch a plane from Jakarta or Makassar, heading to Haluoleo Airport in Kendari. From here, you can take another plane or a boat to Wakatobi, landing on Wangi-Wangi.