Wakatobi Dive Resort: So Easy You Just Have to Breathe

Widely regarded as one of the top scuba and snorkeling destinations in the world, Wakatobi Dive Resort offers an extraordinary vacation experience both below and above sea level. From full-service dive assistance to delicious dining and luxurious accommodations, this desert-island hideaway covers all the bases. Here’s what to expect when you visit Wakatobi Dive Resort.

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Exploring Wakatobi Dive Resort

Nestled against tropical wilderness, the resort comprises about 30 bungalows and villas. At the heart is the Long House, which holds the front desk and dive center. An excellent restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Out front is the bustling jetty pier, where the dive boats come and go all day and into the evening.

Like a luxury ocean-explorer summer camp

Since everyone stays in their own bungalow, the resort has the feel of a very luxurious summer camp. Even at full capacity, only about 60 guests visit at a time. Staff will know your name within a day, and you’ll know them and many other guests quickly too.

Flights arrive and depart at Wakatobi just twice a week, making the enclave feel even more secluded. The rhythm of the days – breakfast, dive, lunch, dive, dinner, bed – keep things simple and really help guests just be in the moment.

Shoes optional

Aside from the jetty, most of Wakatobi is packed sand. Shoes are totally optional here, and actually are not allowed inside the Long House, bungalows, or restaurant.

Sustainable luxury

Located on a remote island in Indonesia’s Sulawesi region, Wakatobi is a true desert island experience. The resort makes its own delicious fresh water, processes waste, and, up until a few years ago, even generated all the electricity for itself and the neighboring village.

Sustainability is the overriding mission here, and every system, activity, and staff member reflects this philosophy. The entire resort is built by local craftspeople from materials sourced on the island or nearby. It’s a lot like if Gilligan’s Island was a Four Seasons resort.

Immersed in nature

At Wakatobi Dive Resort, nature takes center stage. Not only in the ocean experiences but also on land. Bungalows are widely spaced, with natural flora and fauna in between. Be prepared to encounter a resident monitor lizard or exotic bug. If you’re a mosquito-magnet, be sure to pack lots of bug spray for evening hours.

Wakatobi staff speaks many languages, including excellent English

The team at Wakatobi is both hyper-local and international. The resort employs over three hundred Indonesian staff, most from nearby villages, as well as a contingent of live-in international workers.

The front desk, restaurant, and dive guides all speak excellent English. Many of the dive guides come from around the world, so on the boat you may also hear German, Spanish, or Japanese. Every member of the team – from the general manager to the landscape crew – are friendly and eager to make your vacation perfect.

Yes there is Wi-Fi

Although the resort has a very off-the-grid atmosphere, guests enjoy plenty of modern amenities including decent Wi-Fi, European-style bath fixtures, coffee makers in every room, and of course a minibar.

Wi-Fi is solid but I’d advise downloading the movies for your plane ride in advance from home. There is also cell service if you need it.

In the category of “they thought of everything”, you’ll find power strips with universal adapters in every bungalow. There are even a selection of local fish ID books for bedtime reading.

Diving and snorkeling at Wakatobi Dive Resort

Above water is delightful, but the number one reason to visit Wakatobi is the reef.

Surrounded by miles of pristine coral gardens, Wakatobi is a true scuba and snorkel paradise. Most guests spend almost as much time under water as above.

The reef in front of the resort is open for exploration anytime day or night, and there are three scheduled boat dives every day.

Diving so easy you just have to breathe

When you dive at Wakatobi, all you have to do is show up at the right time. The resort operates with Swiss efficiency.

Three boat dives are scheduled each day, and, if you’ve opted-in, your gear and personal dive guide will be on the boat and ready before you even arrive.

Dive helpers stand by to assist with tanks and gear, and even hand you a hot towel at the end of the dive.

The Wakatobi dive boats

Wakatobi’s beautiful wooden boats were built locally, specifically for scuba divers. Tank holders run the center of the interior, with plenty of bench seating along the sides.

When it’s time to jump in, divers and snorkelers splash through the side openings.

Wakatobi’s dive sites

There are dozens of dive sites within a short boat ride from the resort. Almost all are also excellent for snorkelers.

Drift dives are common, and sometimes happen on the fly. Wakatobi’s boats stand ready to pick divers up wherever the current may take them.

Dive guides (“Dive Experience Managers” in Wakatobi parlance) lead small groups, and will tailor the dive to the divers. For an extra charge, you can reserve your own DEM for just one or two divers. Guests staying in a one- or two-bedroom villa automatically get a private DEM.

Snorkeling is a good as diving at Wakatobi

For non-divers, or divers who want to take a day off, Wakatobi offers some of the best snorkeling in the world. Many of the reefs top out at just a few meters below the surface, making the view extraordinary for anyone willing to put on a mask and take a look.

My snorkeling experience at Wakatobi was beyond anything I’ve seen, even better than Bonaire or Bora Bora. The sheer amount and variation of corals is astounding, and of course this means anemones, sponges, and all types of fish and sea creatures.

Snorkelers experience the same reefs and the same service as divers

Snorkelers go to the same dive spots as the scuba divers, which means I was on the same boat with my diver husband and daughter. I had my own Dive Experience Manager too.

Just like the divers, my guide briefed me every time we prepared for a snorkel. She helped me learn about what we were seeing and was my navigator on the reef.

My usual experience is that snorkeling is seen as a second-best activity, but not at Wakatobi. In fact, five days passed before anyone even asked why I wasn’t diving. Many of the divers were doing both, since it’s hard to stay in those top few meters with a dive-tank on.

And the incredible house reef, right in front of the resort, was a fantastic snorkel almost everyone took the time for.

Wakatobi Dive Resort dining

Just like at summer camp, Wakatobi provides all the food for your stay. Dining and basic soft drinks are all included with the price of your accommodation.

There is one restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Snacks are provided on the dive boats and in the Long House lobby every afternoon.

A sunset bar is open every evening on the jetty – or in the Long House if weather doesn’t cooperate.

The food is fantastic

Meals are served buffet-style, which means lots of options and variety. Even after dozens of meals, we never got tired of the delightful offerings from Wakatobi’s kitchen.

The buffet always featured common Western dishes and a few Indonesian specialties. It was a fabulous way to try the local cuisine without a big commitment. TIP: try all the Indonesian offerings.

Fish fresh from the sea

Especially stellar were the fish dishes, featuring seafood caught in the waters right off the resort. Fishing is the main industry in the area, and Wakatobi sources almost 100% of its seafood from the village next door.

Sushi was offered a couple of times, and my husband and daughter probably could’ve eaten it for hours!

Excellent attention for special dietary needs

I, however, cannot eat sushi or any other seafood due to a severe allergy. This can be an issue when traveling, especially overseas. The team at Wakatobi was incredibly attentive to my needs.

Before we even arrived, Wakatobi sent a questionnaire to find out about allergies and other dietary restrictions. Restaurant manager Ibram introduced himself as soon as I walked into the restaurant and gave me a tour of the buffet.

For every single meal, Ibram or another staff member showed me which items had seafood so I’d know what was safe. Often Ibram offered to have the kitchen make me a special version of a dish so I could try it. TIP: If Ibram offers to make you something, say yes!

Even on the dive boat I had my own special snack, clearly marked.

Wonderful staff

The team in the restaurant, as throughout the entire Wakatobi experience, was incredibly warm and welcoming. We really felt like we were dining with friends in their extraordinary home.

The restaurant staff lives at Wakatobi, just like the guests, and they are there for every single meal. Seeing the same smiling faces and chatting at every meal, we really made a connection with Ibram and his team. It was really hard to say goodbye at the end of the trip.

A typical day at Wakatobi Dive Resort

Wakatobi’s days are very structured, making it easy to get into the flow. The mealtimes are scheduled to best support divers heading out on the boats.

Breakfast: 6:30-9:00am

Breakfast is early, before the dive boats leave at 7:30am. Don’t worry – you won’t need to take time to collect your gear and get it to the boat. The dive support team is up early to make sure everything is in its place ready to go. All you need to do is show up.

The day before diving you’ll be assigned a boat with your guide. Want to skip one? Just note it on the white board so your gear stays on land.

Dive/snorkel boats leave at 7:30am

Boats leave at precisely 7:30am. No waiting for stragglers, who are assumed to be taking the morning off.

Depending on the dive sites, the boats will return to the dock for up-time before heading out again around 10am. On some days the boats will stay away until lunchtime.

Lunch: 12:30-2:30pm

After diving there’s just enough time to head back to your bungalow for a quick shower, then off to the restaurant for a hearty lunch.

Afternoon or night dive/snorkel

The third boat dive/snorkel of the day alternates between afternoon and night. Afternoon boats leave around 3:00, night dives around 5:30. Many guests dive all three boat dives every day, we did this on some days.

Jetty bar: opens 4:30pm

Most evenings we stopped for a drink on the jetty before heading to dinner. It was a great place to chat with other guests and share stories from our time at Wakatobi, and other world-wide dive destinations.

Once the sun set around 6:00, it was fascinating to look in the water off the pier for flashlight fish and other bioluminescent creatures. Everyone at Wakatobi is excited about the reef – even the security guard who happily pointed out a flathead crocodilefish with his powerful torch.

Dinner: 7:00-9:00pm

Dinner was always a delight, with a highlighted dish like Indonesian Soto, pasta, or carved roast beef, plus a buffet full of options. The restaurant also has a robust wine list,offering selections from around the world.

Early bedtime

Even though the jetty bar is technically open until 10pm, there is basically no nightlife at Wakatobi. Most everyone is getting up early to dive the next morning, and we were all really tired.

Plus the beds are super comfortable.

Things to do besides dive and snorkel at Wakatobi

There actually are a few other things to do at Wakatobi outside of the ocean.

Wakatobi Dive Resort Spa

I highly recommend paying a visit to the spa for a massage or other body treatment. Housed in a one-room bungalow, the spa is exactly as it should be at Wakatobi. I indulged in several treatments and all were really therapeutic and relaxing.

Because the spa is so tiny, be sure to plan your treatment in advance, maybe even booking before you arrive.

Resort tours

A few times a week, the Wakatobi staff offers a behind-the-scenes tour of the resort. It’s amazing how self-sustaining and eco-conscious the operation really is. You’ll get a sense of the place and the people who built the resort and keep it running.

Village tours

Do not miss the opportunity to visit the village on Wakatobi’s island, where the bulk of the resort staff lives.

Home to about 1500 people, a few hundred of whom work at the resort, the village of Lamanggau is just a quick boat ride away. Your tour is led by Wakatobi staff who live in the town and are happy to introduce guests to their Indonesian fishing village.

Don’t be surprised if the local kids create a parade behind you. Visitors from the resort are an exciting event, especially after over two years with no guests at all.

When we were there some of the village moms had set up tables selling Indonesian handicrafts like jewelry and sarongs. There was no pressure to buy but of course we picked up a few things. Bring small bills, 100,000 Rupiah and under, if you want to buy something.

Educational presentations

Wakatobi’s dive guides are a wealth of information about ocean life. Several times a week they give short talks about what’s happening on the reef. It’s a great time to learn more about what we see in the water and to ask questions from these in-house experts.

Getting to Wakatobi Dive Resort

Getting to and from the Wakatobi Dive Resort is a journey, no matter where you come from. Luckily the resort provides a ton of support to help make the trip as easy as possible.

Wakatobi Dive Resort is located on a remote island in the Sulawesi region of Indonesia. To get there you must first arrive on Bali, then take a charter flight to the Wakatobi airstrip.

Arriving at Bali DPS airport

Since every guest goes through Bali, the resort has a whole team of people available to make your arrival, and stay, there as easy as possible. We took advantage of all the help that was offered.

Immediately after stepping off the plane we were met by a Wakatobi rep who helped us through passport control, the Covid checkpoint, and customs. At baggage claim he enlisted a porter to help with luggage, then we were whisked off to the pre-arranged ride to our hotel.

After two days of travel just to get to Bali, this assistance was invaluable. Plus we arrived at close to midnight, not knowing a word of Bahasa or Balinese. Our driver, Suka, spoke excellent English – in fact, he was also our Bali tour guide a couple of days later.

Departing Bali to Wakatobi

There are no commercial flights to Wakatobi’s airport. The resort charters a plane twice a week to transport guests, staff, and supplies to the resort.

The flights leave Bali early in the morning, so guests must arrive at least the day before heading to Wakatobi. We chose to arrive three days ahead.

After an early shuttle ride from our familiar driver, we were met at the airport entrance by more helpful Wakatobi assistants. They took care of our bags and got us through security, taking us directly to the check-in counter. In moments we were ushered to a private lounge for breakfast and coffee.

At the lounge we met some other guests, and a few staff members who were making their way to Wakatobi too. When it was time to go, the team escorted us directly out to the tarmac and onto the flight.

The flight from Bali to Wakatobi is about 2.5 hours and is very scenic. It’s also full of anticipation as we wonder what meets us there.

Arriving at Wakatobi

The Wakatobi airport is about as simple as it gets. Just an airstrip, a small waiting room, and a control tower.

There’s no baggage claim or even anywhere to go indoors. Guests basically walk straight off the plane, across the tarmac and grass, and into the gracious hands of Wakatobi hosts.

The airport isn’t on the same island as Wakatobi, so this is not quite the end of the trip. There is still a quick car ride, then about a ten-minute boat ride to the resort. It can all be a bit disorienting, but Wakatobi staff is there the entire way.

Once on the boat, we were handed cool towels and even cooler drinks. Our hosts explained the check-in process – which is entirely handled in your bungalow – and gave us a sense of the schedule for our first day.

Our luggage was collected from the plane and delivered directly to our villa within a couple of hours.

Departing Wakatobi

Departure day starts early with luggage collection around 6:30am. Final check-out is handled at the desk in the Long House while waiting for the boat back to the airport around 9:30am.

On arrival in Bali we were once again greeted by Wakatobi reps who helped us collect our luggage and get out of the airport.

Our flight from Bali wasn’t for many hours so Wakatobi reserved a day-stay for us at the Novotel right at the Bali airport. The Wakatobi rep helped us get our luggage there and made sure hotel check-in went smoothly.

👉 Here are six simple tips to make all that air travel easier, from my newsletter.

What to bring to Wakatobi Dive Resort

Kindle e-reader

There is a library in the resort’s Long House with lots of books left behind by past guests (mostly in English). However, if you’d like to bring your own beachside reading, the best option is a Kindle.

You can load dozens of books on your lightweight Kindle before even leaving home, then add more using the resort’s wifi. Take a look at Amazon’s Kindle options here.

Packable backpack

One of the best things about Wakatobi’s dive service is that you don’t have to carry your stuff. Dive assistants handle all the gear for you.

But if you want to bring an extra layer, or your phone, or sunscreen, onto the boat, it’s handy to have a lightweight bag along. I always toss a packable drawstring backpack into my suitcase.

Here’s an Amazon link to the type of backpack I suggest

Lots of swimwear

Wakatobi is definitely in the tropics, which means lots of rain and humidity. You’ll have space to hang wet swimwear outside, but it still may take a long time to get completely dry. Be sure to bring enough options so you won’t have to put on a damp suit.

Underwater camera

At Wakatobi you’ll see photographers of every persuasion, from pro rigs to GoPros. Even if you don’t usually dive or snorkel with a camera, now is the time to bring along something to at least capture a view of the house reef.

Sunscreen and bug-repellent

While there is a shop at the resort, that sells a fabulous mix of Wakatobi souvenirs, the selection of things like sunscreen is super-limited. You’ll likely just find one type on hand.

Bring a healthy supply of your favorite reef-safe sunscreen. And, if mosquitos are typically a problem for you, you’ll want to bring bug-repellent and bite cream too.

Extra medication and toiletries

Do not expect to pick up an extra tube of your American toothpaste, or any other sundries you’d find at home. The resort supplies a nice amenity kit in each room but if you’ve got your go-to product, be sure to pack plenty.

In our post-2020 world we should all remember that plans can change and trips can get waylaid on absolutely no notice. Make sure you bring a couple of weeks’ worth of extra medication and anything else you absolutely must have (like disposable contact lenses), just in case you get “stranded” on the island.

A modest outfit for the village tour

In general you’ll find the Indonesian culture dresses more conservatively than the US or Europe. If you intend to visit the village, or tour in Bali, you’ll want to have a shirt that covers the tops of your arms, and pants or a skirt that cover your knees.

Supplies for the village school

If you can find a little room in your luggage, bring a few supplies for the local school. The resort collects notepaper, pencils, crayons, and coloring books to distribute to the kids.

What not to bring to Wakatobi Dive Resort

Shoes

Wakatobi is not kidding when they say shoes aren’t allowed in the restaurant. Or the Long House, or on the boats, or in the bungalows.

This is one vacation where you literally only need a pair of flip-flops the entire time. Many guests go completely barefoot everywhere.

Dressy clothes

Wet swimwear is not welcome in the restaurant, but there is definitely a casual island-vibe, day and night, at Wakatobi. Most guests wore tees or polos at dinner, or easy sundresses.

Make-up

Everybody is there to play in the ocean, which means you won’t run into a fancy wedding party or someone from another resort, just other Wakatobi guests.

Tinted sunscreen and a little lip gloss is the most you need at Wakatobi. Since it’s only a matter of hours before getting wet again, make-up and hair dryers are superfluous.

Water bottle

As part of Wakatobi’s many sustainability efforts, a reusable water bottle is assigned to each diver/snorkeler from the first dive. You don’t need to bring water or even your own bottle to the island.

Your cup will be filled with fresh water, ready for you when you step onto the boat, then topped off with hot tea or cocoa after each dive. No need to keep track of it, the dive team has this covered.

Fresh water is always close at hand, both in pitchers delivered to your bungalow, and in common areas like the Long House lobby.

Cash

At Wakatobi, there is no tipping during your stay. Tipping is not really a thing in Indonesia, at least not the way it is in the US. 

You really don’t need cash at all on the island, unless you plan to buy something in the village. Even this can be added to your bill if you wish.

When you check out, you can add an optional shared tip to your final bill, but this is totally up to you. There are two shared tip pools you may contribute to – one for the dive team, and one for the local staff. This is where you can show extra appreciation to the guys who carried your gear, the bartender, the chef, and even the landscaper.

Other Wakatobi tips

This is not the ideal vacation if you’re not interested in getting in the ocean

As much as I’d like to say this is a destination for everyone, and I do believe everyone should see a reef like this for themselves, Wakatobi is not ideal for some travelers.

If you aren’t interested in getting into the water, you will likely feel left out of the fun here. It’s not a deliberate exclusion, just know that this place is a Mecca for divers and ocean enthusiasts. Pretty much all the talk at dinner and everywhere else will be about what everyone saw on the reef that day.

There are other activities, including just reading a book in a hammock, but this is not the type of resort that offers parasailing and taquila tastings, or even a pool. The playground is the incredible ocean. If this doesn’t flip your switch, you’ll probably want to consider a different destination.

By the way, kids are absolutely welcome at Wakatobi. A kids’ club is available, and kids can snorkel – and of course dive too if they’re certified.

Diving happens rain or shine

Rain is hard and heavy, often accompanied by lightning. This does not stop the dive schedule.

The good news is that the rain is warm, just like the ocean, and it doesn’t usually last too long. You always have to option to skip a dive if you don’t want to go out, but really you’re just going to get wet anyway so it’s not a big deal.

Be ready to follow a schedule

This is not the sort of vacation where you wake up whenever you want and then decide what to do for the day. You definitely have the option to opt in/out of activities, but will need to follow the set schedule.

It does take a few days to get used to the system, but then it’s really nice not making any decisions about what to do when. The dive guides are great at helping guests get the hang of it. But if you really bristle at being on a schedule, this is not for you.

There is no nightlife

Once dinner’s over, everybody goes to bed. Even night dives are done by 7:30pm. Expect early nights and early mornings at Wakatobi.

Spend a few days on Bali before Wakatobi

Getting to Wakatobi involves a morning flight from Bali, twice a week. Every guest has to arrive on Bali at least the day before.

Try to arrange a few days in Bali before heading to Wakatobi. It’ll give you time to adjust to the time zone and the culture.

After the idyllic pace on Wakatobi, Bali could be quite jarring. If you’re going to add Bali to your trip, plan to do it before rather than after your time at the resort.

See below for some quick Bali tips

Use the Wakatobi office to book your Bali transfers and tour

Wakatobi’s team is happy to help get you around on Bali, and can also arrange tours and hotels. We had a great experience using their help.

The Pelagian dive yacht

If you want an even more intensive dive experience, consider the Pelagian Dive Yacht. The yacht sails from Wakatobi resort and visits more far-flung reefs on a one-week itinerary.

Featuring twelve crew for ten guests, the Pelagian does four dives a day. Snorkelers are equally welcome and get their own guide. Since the boat is small, plan to book far in advance, probably at least a year out if you have specific dates in mind.

Quick Bali tips

Use the airport Novotel for a day stay or short overnight

If you’ve got a long layover in Bali, or are flying in the night before leaving for Wakatobi, book a room at the Bali airport Novotel. It’s right across from the airport entrance and has a decent restaurant, pool, and gym. You can reserve a night or just a few hours there.

Here’s a TripAdvisor link to the Bali airport Novotel.

For a longer stay, try the Westin Nusa Dua

We stayed three nights at the lovely Westin Nusa Dua. The location is great, right on the beach, not too far from the Bali DPS airport.

The pool is huge and is the perfect place to fight off jetlag. Plus the hotel has multiple restaurants, including a fantastic breakfast buffet, so you don’t have to worry about finding food as you adjust to the new place and time. There’s a beach path to explore neighboring resorts and their restaurants too.

Here’s a TripAdvisor link to the Westin Nusa Dua.

Take a day tour with a Wakatobi guide

If you have a couple of days on Bali, be sure to have the Wakatobi office book a tour for you. We had a fantastic day with our guide Suka.

With his excellent English, great humor, and local knowledge of Bali’s terrain and traditions, Suka helped us experience Bali in a way we never could’ve on our own. Wakatobi’s Bali office offers several standard day-tour options, but you can feel free to customize as you wish.

I highly recommend requesting a stop at a coffee plantation. It was a big highlight of our day.

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More tropical destination tips from Go Informed

Want to learn about other world-class scuba and snorkel destinations? Be sure to check out my posts about:

• Bora Bora
• Rangiroa
• Bonaire
• Big Island Hawaii

Learn more about Wakatobi on the resort’s official website here.

Bora Bora quick guide

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