Why Wakatobi is a Great Choice for New Divers

Wakatobi often welcomes guests making their 1,000^th and 5000^th dive. But there’s no need to wait until your logbook is thick with entries to plan a visit. In fact, we also host quite a number of freshly certified new divers, first-time snorkelers, and even others eager to discover the underwater world.

“As new divers, we felt extremely comfortable at Wakatobi as we were able to proceed at a relaxed pace with no pressure to join any dives that we weren’t comfortable with.” ~Brent Grohman and Amanda Tanner

Turns out that many of the same things that bring veteran divers back time and again are equally as rewarding for new divers and snorkelers. Here are some of the reasons why Wakatobi is an ideal destination for new divers and snorkelers.

Explore From Shore

Divers descending down the wall below the jetty on Wakatobi’s House Reef. Photo by Walt Stearns

It’s not uncommon for dive resorts to have a “check out area” where new arrivals can make shore entries to familiarize themselves with their equipment and local conditions. In the case of Wakatobi, this site is the House Reef, and it’s far more than a swatch of sacrificial sand. Instead, the House Reef is an expansive and vibrant site that encompasses an intriguing range of marine environments, including grass beds, patch reefs, and a massive outer reef that plunges into the depths and extends for more than a kilometer to each side of the entry point.

New divers have an easy time exploring the House Reef, as there are secure entry points on the beach and from stairs on the resort Jetty. During daylight hours, the site is monitored from shore by the Wakatobi dive team. This site is also the perfect place to discover the magic of a night dive, which can be conducted in a familiar environment without boarding a boat.

Always a Helping Hand

Divers who are new to the sport or haven’t been in the water lately sometimes face a learning curve when it comes time to gear up and get in. The Wakatobi team is there to help. From the moment guests touch down in Bali, we take care of transferring, even assembling, cleaning, and storing the dive gear.

When it’s time to submerge, the boat crew is right there to provide any needed help with final adjustments. Once in the water, the resort’s observant guides are experts at assessing just how much guidance a new diver might need. And it’s not just an exercise in handholding, as guides are not only qualified dive masters and instructors, they are also excellent marine life spotters.

Accessible at Every Level

Shallow reefs that meet vertical walls is a common theme at Wakatobi. Photo by Walt Stearns

One of the defining characteristics of diving at Wakatobi is the exceptional diversity of depth ranges that can be explored at any given site. When reef tops start as shallow as one meter from the surface and drop precipitously to depths beyond 30 meters, newer divers need never venture below their comfort range to take in the sights.

“We came to Wakatobi early in our diving career. We compare it to every other trip we have been on since, and nothing else comes close.” ~Shannon Cain

As a new diver at Wakatobi, having plenty to see at shallower depths also reduces anxieties about air consumption, which can sometimes become a concern for new divers or those who are a bit out of practice. In addition, Wakatobi’s warm, clear waters and tropical sunlight create underwater conditions that are conducive to relaxation and a resulting reduction in air consumption.

Comfort Afloat

At around 20 meters in length, Wakatobi’s stable boats provide each guest a generous amount of personal space and gear storage. Photo by Walt Stearns

Adapting to life at sea can be a challenge for some new divers — especially if that means a long ride over rough seas on a crowded craft. Wakatobi’s custom-built boats are designed to take the discomfort out of the voyage. At around 20 meters in length, these stable vessels give each passenger a generous amount of personal space and gear storage. Full-length roofs provide shade and sun protection, spacious bathrooms with full showers are on the main deck for easy access, and water entries and exits are done mid-boat, far away from engine exhausts.

Plenty to See

Being introduced to Wakatobi’s aquatic realm makes a new diver’s experience even more memorable, as it is one of the most vibrant and pristine coral reef ecosystems on Earth. Photo by Walt Stearns

A diver’s first underwater excursions are magical under any circumstances. This introduction to the aquatic realm is made even more memorable at Wakatobi, as it is one of the most vibrant and pristine coral reef ecosystems on Earth. Diving each site is never a “one and done” experience as there are always new discoveries awaiting.

A Total Vacation Experience

The difference between a dive trip and a Dive Vacation is often what takes place before and after the dive. As captivating as Wakatobi’s reefs can be, time spent in the water is just one aspect of a vacation experience that includes an idyllic small-island setting, private beaches, fine dining, and warm personal service that guests often describe as “being treated like family.”

“We came to Wakatobi early in our diving career,” writes guest Shanon Cain. “We compare it to every other trip we have been on since, and nothing else comes close.” “It was an unforgettable trip of a lifetime,” writes guest Suzanne Kosten. “Thank you for the memories. We’ll be back.”

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