Explore Wakatobi
The Wakatobi region is located in south-east Sulawesi and takes its name from the four islands that make it up, Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia and Binongo. Wakatobi is fairly undiscovered by tourists, making the small islands and the surrounded protected waters a small haven to visit. Located at the epicenter of coral reef biodivesity, Wakatobi is designated a UNESCO Marine Biosphere Reserve. The huge protected marine park boasts 600-kilometers of reef, 1,050 different species of fish and 750 types of hard and soft corals, making it one of the best places for scuba diving in Indonesia.
Scuba diving in Wakatobi features drop-offs, overhangs, and walls with stunning coral reef gardens home to a multitude of fabulous, small organisms and fish of all shapes and sizes. Wakatobi is not the prime place to dive alongside big fish in Indonesia yet, sharks, eagle rays and pilot whales have all been spotted in the blue. As tourism is still in its infancy in Wakatobi, there are only a few dive centres and dive resorts in the area but several liveaboards visit the area to admire the archipelago's extensive beauty and marine diversity.
Dive Activity
Diving in Wakatobi
Wakatobi diving will usually find you in calm, shallow waters enveloped by a wide array of thriving hard and soft corals. These calm waters lend themselves to people wanting to improve their skills through dive courses. On occasion, currents can change and you will find yourself experiencing small drift dives as you feast your eyes on the beauty surrounding you. From muck dives to uncover hidden macro gems to descending down onto pinnacles and walls flourishing with large schools of fusiliers and gigantic booming coral rosettes -when diving Wakatobi you can ensure you'll be in awe every fin you take.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Wakatobi
Dive sites in Wakatobi are known for their vast array of macro life. Hidden among the astronomical amount of hard and soft corals are nudibranchs, gobies, and pygmy seahorses waiting to be discovered. Serious underwater macro photographers come to Wakatobi from all over the world to capture ghost pipefish, mini shrimps and other hidden treasures. While this part of Indonesia is not the prime location for megafauna; turtles, sharks, barracuda, grouper, and rays often come to visit. Not to mention the chance to see pilot whales in the months between November and April!
The reefs in Wakatobi are unlike any other in the region due to the drier climate and uplifted limestone. These fossilised reefs produce almost no soil erosion so visibility stretches for miles allowing you to gaze uninterrupted at the 750+ species of spectacular coral.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
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Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins
Hawksbill Turtle
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Total number of species: 200
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Moray Eel
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Total number of species: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
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Total number of species: 27
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Barracuda
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Total number of species: 25
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Eagle Ray
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Loggerhead Turtle
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Total number of species: 300
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Octopus
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Total number of species: 28
Udo Kefrig
Clownfish
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 90
Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish
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The best Months to dive in Wakatobi
While peak season runs April to May and September through October, it is possible to dive in Wakatobi year-round. The tropical climate sees the sun shining year-round, warming Wakatobi’s waters, which usually have a visibility of 30 to 40 meters/98 to 131 feet. In the months of July and August, the visibility can go down to 20 meters/66 feet with stronger winds and surface movement, but it is also the best time for peak numbers of fish as it’s coral spawning season. The rainy season between January and February sees four times lower rainfall than the national average in Indonesia, so the visibility rarely suffers from river runoff. Keep your fingers crossed and visit Wakatobi between November and April for your best chance to spot pilot whales.
