Indonesia Dive Sites - South East Sulawesi: Wakatobi
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Wakatobi is made up of four islands, Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomea and Binongki. Each island gives it's first two letters to form the group name WaKaToBi. Jacques Cousteau once called Wakatobi the finest diving in the world, but then he seemed to say that everywhere he went. There is no doubt however that this is world class diving on pristine reefs.
Diving Wakatobi is either dived from liveaboard boat or by staying on Wakatobi resort on Onemobaa Island which is an upscale resort with it's own private plane transfer from Bali. The resort is largely to thank for opening up diving in this area and for working with the local fishing communities to promote reef conservation. The resort gives a proportion of it's revenue to the local community and in return the local fisherman use sustainable fishing techniques. There are also large areas of reef within the national park that are off limits to fishermen. This is all good news for visiting divers.
Reefs are healthy with a large variety of corals on fringing, barrier and atoll reefs. Reef life is also prolific with an incredible diversity of species. Do not expect big fish, they are not common at Wakatobi, although plankton blooms in July and August can see some bigger visitors.
The best time to dive Wakatobi is March to December. In general, visibility is 25m+ and often much better. Currents are normally mild and the water temperature ranges from26-29°C (78-84°F) making for very pleasant diving. Note that temperature and visibility can drop during the July and August plankton blooms. Eagle rays and the odd reef shark can be seen but Wakatobi is more about diversity than big fish adventure.
Wakatobi will suit divers who like easy dives on pristine reefs in clear water (who doesn't?). It's an ideal location for underwater photographers.
Wakatobi dive sites:
House Reef, Lorenzo's Delight, Turkey Beach, Roma
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