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Add a layer
With water temperatures in the 26-27 C range (78-82F), most divers can get away with moderate thermal protection. But long bottom times, often 70 minutes or more, can cause a drop in body temperature by the third dive of the day. That’s when divers might want to add an extra bit of insulation, in the form of a vest or hood. Talk to your guest relations representative about water temperatures and wetsuits when you reserve your space on Pelagian.
Look around
It’s easy to get engrossed in the intricate life of a coral garden or wall, but divers should also remember to look up and around every so often to watch for the larger residents of the reef. “Escape at Buton island is my favorite Pelagian dive site,” says Kaori Robinson. “A large area of the site is a vertical wall cut by a huge overhang that provides a beautiful coral ceiling, leaving you the impression of swimming under the reef instead of over it. It’s a great place to find all sorts of unique tiny critters, but you will see schools of big bumphead parrotfish swimming about, and also eagle rays, big groupers and barracudas and jacks.”
Pelagian’s dive experience managers suggest divers “look around” for the larger residents of the reef, such as this school of bumphead parrotfish, often seen at Escape at Buton island. Photo by Wakatobi Dive Resort
“We saw swimming and hopping frogfish, a hundred-plus mandarinfish, a manta ray, and more – all on one night dive!” said guest Kathryn Willmore. Photo by Walt Stearns
Go dark
Guests have the option of making dusk or night dives throughout each cruise. These fourth dives of the day are well worth delaying that evening libation and donning the gear one more time, as they can often provide some of the most memorable and unusual sightings of the trip. “It was an amazing week. Incredible diving, including swimming and hopping frogfish, hundreds of mandarinfish, a giant manta ray and more — all on one night dive!” said guest Kathryn Willmore of her seven-day cruise on Pelagian.
“My buddy John’s first words upon surfacing were ‘how will I ever do a normal night dive again?’ I agree!”
Many Pelagian guests enjoy a Fluo dive experience, which can bring a whole new dimension to your night dive.“We did a fluo dive from the Pelagian at Beku Reef on Karang Kaledupa; it was a mesmerizing experience, I felt like I was gliding through the forests of Pandora in the movie Avatar,” said guest David George. “My buddy John’s first words upon surfacing were ‘how will I ever do a normal night dive again?’ I agree!”
Plan for it
“The crew on Pelagian go to extreme lengths to ensure their guests have the most memorable time,” reports guest Sharon Van den Brink. With just ten guests on board, there’s not only ample opportunities for private time, but also plenty of chances to get to know fellow guests and crew members. “We take guests to the beautiful beach at Hoga island,” said guide Ben Robinson. “And for entertainment, some crew members will even sing songs for the guests in the local Indonesian dialect while playing guitar and using large water bottles like drums.”
A Pelagian cruise is an ideal complement to a stay at Wakatobi Dive Resort. Wakatobi’s guest relations staff can help arrange a joint resort-and-liveaboard dive vacation, handling all details of the cruise, the resort stay, charter flights from Bali, and even stop-over days in Bali before or after the trip. Contact our office at office@wakatobi.com or complete a quick trip inquiry. A guest experience consultant will be in touch with you to answer any questions and discuss your next dream dive vacation.