Category: NEWS

Keep in touch with the Wakatobi community and learn about new and upcoming events, programs and developments regarding all things Wakatobi.

30 Years in The Making: The Spirit of Wakatobi Becomes A Legacy

April 1, 2026 Bailey HOME, NEWS

In 2026, Wakatobi marks 30 years—three decades shaped by vision, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to both people and place. What began as an ambitious idea in a remote corner of Indonesia has evolved into one of the most respected models of marine conservation and hospitality in the world. What remains is a legacy shaped by time itself.

Young Authors Bring The Reef To Everyone

January 30, 2026 Bailey DIVING, DIVING & SNORKELING, HOME, NEWS, SNORKELING

It is easy to assume that teenagers are rarely without a screen, but fourteen-year-old twins Nathan and Aaron Crossan from[…]

Waters of Wakatobi are the Ultimate Artists’ Muse

December 10, 2025 Bailey HOME, NEWS, RESORT

Dive professionals at Wakatobi turn to the watercolour art medium for creativity, peace and a touch of healing.

You Can Have It All at Wakatobi’s Shimmering Courtyard Residence

December 9, 2025 Bailey HOME, NEWS, RESORT, RESORT & DIVE YACHT

A private island sanctuary is just the beginning at Wakatobi’s brand new Courtyard Residence. Delight in tailored service, lustrous ocean views, and exclusive access to Wakatobi’s protected reefs aboard a private dive boat with your own guide.

All is Well at Wakatobi

March 7, 2025 Karen Stearns CONSERVATION, NEWS

A Conversation with Marine Biologist Julia Meller After earning her Master of Science in Marine Biology from Oxford University, Julia[…]

Artist Kate Padget-Koh at work in her studio in Hong Kong.

A Destination for Inspiration

December 9, 2023 Walt Stearns NEWS

For Hong Kong-based artist and designer Kate Padget-Koh, Wakatobi is more than a destination — it’s an inspiration. “From the[…]

What Our Guests Say

“I can’t begin to describe how blissfully happy I have been since the moment I arrived here. I have no recommendations for improvements— a huge compliment! What else can I say but thank you for giving me a memory that I will carry all my life. Thank you.” ~ Romona Azarnia

“Wakatobi is by far the best dive resort we have ever visited. The quality of the reef is beyond compare. The entire staff is very pleasant and attentive to every detail. We’re already planning another trip!” ~Janet Johnsons

“Wakatobi is the epitome of diving combined with luxury. The diving is sublime, with amazing corals and abundant and varied fish life. The accommodation and food are second to none. The whole package is brought together by a highly professional and knowledgeable team, in all aspects of the resort.” ~ Roger & Christine Davies

“Wakatobi Dive Resort offers incredible dive experiences with what I believe are one of the best and most vibrant, healthy coral reef systems in the world. Come here for amazing macros and to overcome your night dive problem!” ~ Harry Hyung & Gyun Kim

“There is no better legacy than a man’s life work, which gives pleasure to others and hope for the future. Well done Wakatobi. Thank you, Lorenz and team.” ~ Barbara Gowlan & Daphne Siappas

“The staff are exceptional – warm, professional, and attentive – anticipating every need and making the entire experience feel effortless and genuinely welcoming.” ~ Paul Motchnik

“All the staff, housekeeping, our butler, the restaurant staff were absolutely wonderful – very attentive, kind, thoughtful, polite and helpful. We cannot wait to come back again for our 5th Wakatobi return.” ~ Erika Chisarik & Farkas Vasarhelyi

“From our perspective as two former divers in their seventies, knowing Wakatobi exists is rather like having an amulet in your pocket, something to be touched in the dark days knowing you can return. We shall be thinking of you throughout the long British winter and are already planning our next visit.” ~ Janie & James Hartford

“This was our family’s third visit and the resort remains uniquely unparalleled. The combination of breathtakingly healthy reefs and fascinating marine biodiversity, paired with flawless service and incredible comfort, is truly world-class. Wakatobi is the destination we keep coming back to, no matter where else we travel.” ~Aleksandr Rechalov, Larisa Rechkalova & Stacy Rechkalova

“This is the best diving I have ever done in 30 years of diving. All of the staff are the most helpful and gracious I have ever met in 50 years of traveling. The staff are as magnificent as the reef!” ~ Russell Graham

“There are so many repeat divers- a sign of a well-run operation from before you arrive until after your departure. The world’s healthiest coral can be found at Wakatobi and surrounding waters.” ~ Sherri & Jeff Tonn aboard Pelagian

“This was our third stay at Wakatobi. And once again, it exceeded our expectations. Exceptional diving experiences with pristine reefs and outstanding biodiversity. Friendly & experienced dive team. The resort is great and the staff is here to enhance guest experience – highly recommended. ~Hind, Kevin & Louis Crofton

“In short, thank you for everything. We came across Wakatobi two years ago in an article in a diving magazine, and since then we have been eager to travel here. As a result, our expectations were high, and they were exceeded in every aspect. The nature, the dive sites, the resort, and the incredibly friendly, caring, and attentive staff were outstanding. Our dive guides were exceptional. You could not ask for better dive guides. They showed us incredible things, always made us feel completely safe, and gave us so much fun. We are totally thrilled, can only recommend Wakatobi, and hope to return someday.” ~ Marcus & Janine Huebner

“Superb experience even for snorkeling beginners. Excellent service and very friendly. Wakatobi came highly recommended and it lived up to expectations. We will be back.” ~Alexander Kind and Angelika Schieke

“Wonderful stay in paradise. Staff are extremely friendly, ambitious, and helpful. The personal service was unique. Staying here was an unforgettable experience.” ~Denise & Gabriele Rohringer

“Two perfect weeks at the resort and aboard The Pelagian liveaboard which were above our expectation. The corals look extraordinarily well protected.” ~ Laurent Thenie

“Staff were very friendly and competent. The dive guide was very nice and caring. The boat staff were especially good and attentive. The restaurant team was friendly and caring. Reception was helpful and intelligent.” ~Beate de Ruiter & Kristina Nockenberg

“Second trip here and even better than the first. All the staff were so welcoming and it was wonderful to see familiar faces. Our snorkeling guides were amazing and a perfect match for us. They quickly learned what we were capable of in the water and how we like to snorkel, giving us time and space while also pointing out highlights. We felt so safe in the water and tried the night snorkel this time, which was amazing and something we will do again. We have snorkeled all over the world, but Wakatobi is the place we keep coming back to.” ~Mike Miyamoto and Michele Tennant

“10 Days, each better than the other! Breathtaking underwater world, the best we ever had. Many thanks to the lovely Wakatobi Team, we will definitely come back!” ~Martin Huber and Barbara Priesching

“We had a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Wakatobi. Every staff member was friendly and attentive. World-class service from arrival in Bali through departure. The Ocean Bungalow was beautiful and quiet. The dive and snorkel operation was superb with outstanding guides and crew.” ~Stephen Shearer and Michael Kay

“I cannot find fault in anything or anyone. The resort is a beacon for anyone wanting to see the best practice in running a tropical dive resort. The best house reef I’ve ever dived and remarkably encompassing both scuba and snorkeling at every turn. The food was simply out of this world.”~ Ian and Jenni McNairn

“Beautiful diving with great guides and crew. Great food and wonderful resort staff. The spa staff went above and beyond.” ~Nancy Page

“Both a haven and a paradise. Everyone goes the extra mile with kindness and thoughtfulness.” ~Sarah King

“Very friendly staff and a personalized experience, as staff knew our names and preferences. Dive masters and boat helpers were amazing. Staff were always positive and smiling. Food variety was excellent. This was an unforgettable trip with the healthiest reefs we have seen!” ~Collin, Caitlyn, and Breanne

“We were delighted to spend our time here. It was an unforgettable experience. We thank the entire team for the atmosphere, professional service, exquisite cuisine, cleanliness, and attention to detail. We will definitely recommend Wakatobi.” ~Sergii and Jenya Shudra

“What truly set Wakatobi apart is the extraordinary attention to detail. The coordination, dedication, and pride of the entire team make this resort run effortlessly. It is a rare and special place, and highly recommended.” ~Marjorie Alder

“We’ve been diving for 35 years, and Wakatobi had the healthiest reef, the most abundant fish, and the greatest diversity of all sea life that we’ve ever seen! The resort is magnificent and luxurious, with all staff and crew attending to your every need—always with a smile and a welcoming greeting. It was wonderful to have a dedicated camera room, where the camera pro was very helpful. The chef’s food choices, expertly prepared, were second to none, offering dishes from all over the world. We were grateful for a couple of the chef’s recipes and strongly suggest the kitchen consider compiling a recipe book of popular dishes to sell in the boutique.We loved the resort tour, the village tour, the cooking class, and the sarong lessons. The bungalow rooms were kept perfectly neat and clean by the hardworking staff—I only wish I had attended the towel folding class! The resort grounds and gardens were unbelievably groomed and lovely. Our entire experience was magical, from the moment we met our Wakatobi folk at the airport to the moment we departed—truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” ~Deb Parsons & David Downs

“I had a truly wonderful stay at Wakatobi. From the moment I arrived, the level of service stood out. Warm, attentive and always thoughtful in a way that made every part of the experience feel special. The restaurant staff were especially impressive, friendly, welcoming and incredibly dedicated. Meals were not only delicious but beautifully presented and the team created a relaxed, memorable, dining atmosphere. Overall, Wakatobi delivered an experience that was both luxurious and heartfelt – an unforgettable stay that left me excited to return.” ~Maria Cerecer

“This has been a remarkable experience – we came to snorkel – our first visit – and the fish, coral, sponges, and other marine life are so varied and plentiful! Nature’s beauty is in full display here, both on land but especially under water! Not only is the dive experience fantastic, but the dive guides, boat crew, local staff, food, and accommodations are top notch too, just amazing – Thank you all, we will be back!” ~Michael and Susan Sloan

“Wakatobi: A great place to be. Such beauty elsewhere you never see!” ~Ruth Metzler-Arnold and Stephan Zimmermann

“We’ve never stayed & dove with a resort as superb as Wakatobi. The resort, location, dive operation, service, food, and dive boats are without an equal anywhere we have been. And your staff are so friendly and helpful. First class and well done. You all should be proud of your effort just as we are to have come for a short time to share it all with you. Wakatobi exceeded all our expectations.” ~Robert & Elizabeth Merrill

“16 year later, Wakatobi has only gotten better! Great experience all around!” ~Mike Wittkowski

“Most excellent resort from start to finish! Thank you for everything, especially the restaurant, chefs and their excellent cooking. I love that the staff greets guests by their first name! I don’t know how you remember 70 guests all the time but all the staff genuinely looked out for us. Boat crews were most helpful and the service with gear is such a load off guests – more time to enjoy the resort. Housekeeping was perfect. Thank you!” ~David Walford

“All I can say is both the resort and vessel are magnificent! Wonderful staff and accommodations. I am leaving too soon!! Thank you for an outstanding trip and hope to be back soon.” ~Emily & Casey Zwaan

“The resort and dive staff are amazing! I always felt welcome! The diving was amazing, but the people make it worth returning.” ~Susan Hewitt

“Amazing diving and dive staff! Wonderful hospitality and service!! This is an exceptional dive and snorkel destination, brimming with underwater beauty. However, what truly sets it apart is the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the staff. They quickly called us by name and made us feel like we were at home. We could not recommend this place any more highly – what a magical place and experience! Thank you! Thank you! Terima kasih a million times!”~Colleen Quinn and Gary Penrose

“My experience on the Pelagian & at Wakatobi Resort has been nothing less than phenomenal. The service is top notch and unmatched anywhere in the world, especially in such a remote location.

Pelagian: the team was amazing. They took such good care of us and the diving was amazing. I could not have asked for a better week on a liveaboard.

Wakatobi Resort – Amazing all the way around. The attention to detail did not go unnoticed, from the dining staff knowing every person’s name to the décor in the sand to the amazing spa staff. Our dive crew was amazing and absolutely the BEST!

A visit to Wakatobi and a sail on the Pelagian is a life-changing experience you will never forget!” ~Stacey Sadler

“Everything & Everybody were exceptional all the way down to the gardeners. Everyone went out of their way to greet you with a “Hello”, “Good Morning”. And were very helpful.” ~Kristin Tarman

“We booked the Residence. A very luxurious villa with excellent service. It combines one of the best diving areas in the world with one of the best luxury experiences in the world. But the most important thing is the idea behind the resort: 5 stars for everything.”~ Blanca & Michael Bader

“The staff are wonderful – they treat you like royalty!”~ Lynn Taylor

“The entire experience is unmatched anywhere – the food was gourmet – the keep staff always there to ensure you were taken care of. Diving is an experience I have not had even with 600 dives. The close personal service of the dive master was excellent. The facility is impeccable and you do a good job in controlling the mosquitos in the area. Thanks for making my dive vacation memorable and taking good care of us. As in the word: Boutique Service!” ~Paul Griffith