Wakatobi’s dive guides can help you make the most of your underwater experiences

The reefs of Wakatobi are among the most pristine, bio-diverse and colorful on the planet. That alone is reason enough to visit. But there’s another aspect to our underwater experience that inspires divers and snorkelers, and prompts many to give top marks to our resort. That added factor is the unrivaled levels of personal attention and expert assistance our dive guides lavish on each guest. Many have said that it is this service ethic that truly sets Wakatobi Resort apart, and makes every dive memorable.

Personal Attentions

Our diving and snorkeling operations are designed so that no guest ever feels like just another face in the crowd. This begins with ensuring there is ample personal space on the boats. Each of the six custom-built launches in our fleet measures 70 feet (24 meters) long, and is fitted with generous bench seating and storage areas under a full-length room. These boats could easily accommodate a large number of divers and snorkelers, but we limit the passenger list to ensure everyone has plenty of elbowroom while aboard. To ensure each guest is provided an appropriate level of attention, both in and out of the water, we typically maintain a ratio of one dive guide to no more than six divers, and typically less.

Each of the custom-built boats in Wakatobi’s fleet measures 70 feet (24 meters) long to ensure each guest is comfortable, and has plenty of space and freedom. Photo by Walt Stearns

Dividing into small groups allows us to provide our guests with a greater amount of diving freedom, as divers who wish to linger and critter watch or create macro portraits can work with one guide, while another group wanting to see more of the reef can follow their own schedule. Having multiple guides on board also allows us to provide dedicated services for snorkelers, who are always welcome aboard boats when they visit the numerous sites that include shallow reefs.

Our small group philosophy provides divers and snorkelers with greater freedom. Photo by Walt Stearns

There for us

“From the beginning to the end of our holiday, Ketut was there for us,” says Marcus Lindenlaub. “He provided detailed briefings for each dive, with highlights to what we were likely to find.” On a more personal level, he was extremely helpful to their daughters Sarah and Nina. The special attention given to Nina was particularly appreciated, says Marcus, as she was a new diver. “Ketut pointed out all the stuff we would have easily overlooked on the reefs, and also taught Sarah how to identify all the different species of the clownfish that live here. It was really helpful to have one more person looking after the girls,” Marcus says. “I could focus on taking pictures and dive without worrying. For example, getting an image of a soft coral crab can require a higher degree of attention to get the right composition and lighting. Knowing Ketut was there provided me the freedom I needed to get these shots.”

Knowing his family was supported by a private guide enabled photographer Marcus Lindenlaub to focus on capturing images, such as this tiny soft coral crab. Photo by Marcus Lindenlaub

Golden Opportunities

When describing guest relations, the resort staff at Wakatobi have a saying: four is good, three is better, two better yet, and one-to-one is golden. This philosophy holds true for diving and snorkeling services as well, and to facilitate these golden moments, we created the position of the Private Dive/Snorkel Experience Manager. These are dedicated dive guides whose role is to focus entirely on the needs and goals of a buddy pair or a single diver or snorkeler. Considering the high level of service our guides always provide each guest, this additional level of personal attention might not seem necessary. But there are valid reasons why a couple, family, or even a single diver might want to engage their own private guide. And those who do so don’t consider this an indulgence, and instead find that working with a private guide is an ideal way to pursue their diving goals in the most efficient and pleasant style possible. And private dive experiences aren’t just for scuba divers. Both novice and experienced snorkelers can benefit from our team’s knowledge of the reefs.

Tailor-made itineraries

By working with a private guide, divers and snorkelers at Wakatobi can enjoy a more independent itinerary based on their individual needs and objectives, while at the same time benefitting from the guide’s watchful eye and support. This works well no matter if you are a casual or novice diver looking for a bit of extra help with gear and in-water guidance, an advanced diver in search of new adventures, or a photographer with specific imaging goals.

The private guide experience begins before you even step onto the boat, with one-on-one sessions to customize a plan for all your in-water experiences. Photo by Didi Lotze

The private guide experience begins at the resort, before even boarding the boat. There is a one-on-one introductory meeting with the private guide to discuss your goals and interests. Based on those conversations, your guide will customize a plan for your in-water experiences. From then on, it’s all about you.

You will enjoy a relationship where you and your guide perform as a team. It is all about what you want for your diving and the desired results you wish to achieve.

If you want expert advice, guidance and assistance at spotting wildlife, your guide will accommodate. Or, if you are the type of diver who prefers to not be led about, and instead like to explore the reef on your own, you can do so with the assurance that your guide is there in the background, ready for safety and guidance if needed.

PDEM services are automatically included as part of the Villa package; they’re also available for Palm and Ocean Bungalow guests, who can reserve a PDEM for multiple days or the entire duration of the stay. Photo by Wakatobi Resort

Guests staying in Wakatobi’s Villas are automatically provided a Private Dive Experience Manager throughout their stay, as this is included as part of the Villa vacation package. The services of a private guide are also available for Palm or Ocean Bungalow guests, and can be booked for multiple days or the entire duration of the stay.  Learn more here.