Why Wakatobi Resort became one couple’s favorite diving and snorkeling destination

Sometimes, once is not enough. Each year, Wakatobi welcomes quite a few return guests, and some make a habit of visiting the resort as often as possible. Among these resort regulars are Wayne and Pam Osborn, who now consider Wakatobi to be one of their favorite places in the world. After retiring from leadership roles Wayne continues to contribute on the boards of several companies in Australia. He and his wife Pam are now able to fit several big trips a year into their schedule and indulge in their shared passion: wildlife photography. An avid diver since 1974, Wayne has been involved in the art of underwater photography and has seen his work published internationally, while Pam is also an accomplished photographer with many photo awards under her belt. Four years ago, the Osborns made their first trip to Wakatobi.

Other divers had spoken about Wakatobi in revered tones, and described it as a unique, magical place, Wayne recalls. “Five visits to the resort and now 250 dives later, Wakatobi has certainly lived up to that reputation, he says.

Wakatobi’s reefs showcase the unparalleled marine biodiversity of this region, Wayne says. It’s humbling to drift past huge gorgonian fans that may be a hundred years in the making, and to take in the complex sponge colonies and soft corals that festoon the reef walls with audacious and vibrant colors. At Wakatobi there is never a shortage of photo subjects, and my most complex decision for each dive is whether to shoot wide angle or macro.

One of the many reasons the Osborns return to Wakatobi year after year is for the varied reef topography and wide range of marine life found here. Photo by Wayne Osborn

When he and Pam are at Wakatobi, Wayne says his most complex decision is whether to shoot macro or wide angle. Macro seems to have been a good choice for capturing this Coral Cod. Photo by Wayne Osborn

World class diving and snorkeling

What truly sets Wakatobi apart from any other dive resort, Wayne says, is the deeply ingrained service ethic that permeates all aspects of the operation. It is almost impossible to carry your camera gear any distance, as the dive staff consider it an insult if they haven’t placed it on the boat or returned it to the camera room before you have even thought about it. It is indulgent and we have been permanently spoiled, but that’s Wakatobi, world class on every front.The boat captain and crew take great pride in their skill at handling and maneuvering the boats, he says. And this is only exceeded by the dive guides; they are not just excellent spotters, they are knowledgeable and understand the habitats, animal behaviors and subtle clues for finding the exotic marine life or certain critter you have been hunting for years. Since our first trip a few years ago, I take for granted that all the support we need is seamlessly provided. Thanks to the dive guides and boat captains, I can concentrate on my photography and easily complete three to four very productive and long dives each day.”

The Osborns claim they are now “permanently spoiled” by the “indulgent” services provided by Wakatobi’s dive center staff. Photo by Wayne Osborn

Pam also enjoys Wakatobi’s reefs, but in different ways. After years of diving, she now exclusively snorkels, and considers Wakatobi one of the best places in the world to do so. You don’t have to scuba dive to appreciate and enjoy a vast majority of this area’s sites, she says. Snorkeling, whether it’s on the boat trips or around the House Reef, is a very rich experience. Pam especially appreciates the warm water, shallow formations and diversity of the sites. We stay at Wakatobi for about 18 days each year, and the time is equally rewarding for both of us. While Wayne is out on the boat scuba diving, I spend many hours snorkeling.” Like her husband, Pam has a keen interest in photography, and carries a housed camera system on her snorkel explorations. Photography gives you a different outlook, she says. It makes you take the time to truly look at what is before you, and puts you fully in the moment. At Wakatobi time just seems to disappear into a maze of colorful marine life.

“At Wakatobi time just seems to disappear into a maze of colorful marine life.”

The House Reef is an ever-changing environment that never fails to captivate, Pam says. There is a wealth of marine life right off the jetty and beach; it’s a treat to take mask, snorkel and camera out on the House Reef and get lost in all there is to see, she says. During one trip Pam found a Peacock mantis shrimp on the house reef and observed it for several days in a row. The shrimp’s colors were so vibrant compared to the surroundings, and it would come out of the burrow and hunt around the bottom for bits of coral, creating quite a collection, she adds.

Pam found this trio of peppered moray eels during an early evening snorkel on the House Reef. Photo by Pam Osborn

Cleaning stations are found any time of day on Wakatobi’s reefs and are a favorite subject for those who enjoy photographing marine life behavior. Photo by Pam Osborn

I also look for cleaning stations, where fish seem almost in a trance as the cleaners go over them. And I pay special attention to anemones, which often hold not only clownfish but lots of porcelain crabs and tiny shrimp. Pam enjoys watching peacock flounder change color as they move over the reef, and has learned to spot hiding octopus that she says “I probably swam over many times in the past without noticing.

Barefoot luxury

Shoreside amenities are yet another thing that sets Wakatobi apart, says Pam. It’s a far cry from a typical dive lodge or hotel-style room. The bungalows are very spacious and surrounded by lush foliage, which gives you even more privacy and frames your very own patch of beach, she says. Wakatobi is a quiet retreat away from the world, but with all the creature comforts, plus million dollar views,” she says. Pam particularly enjoys washing off the salt in the outdoor shower is an indulgent pleasure; “I really enjoy the resort’s aromatherapy soaps and lotions.

“We have never eaten better in any dive resort. Wakatobi’s food is simply a cut above the rest.”

The food and restaurant service is by far the best I have experienced in any dive resort, Wayne says. In fact it is more like a five star hotel experience.We have never eaten better in any dive resort, Pam says. Wakatobi’s food is simply a cut above the rest. Honestly, combined with the service from the staff, this is a reason alone to travel to Wakatobi.” The Osborns also appreciate that variety of cuisine offered by Wakatobi’s chefs. “They prepare something for everyone, and there are absolutely no concerns for those who have a special diet or requirements. We particularly enjoy dinnertime, as the ambiance is elegant, but at the same time you are completely relaxed. This is barefoot luxury at its finest.”

The end of another day at Wakatobi, referred to as a “welcoming ritual” by the Osborns. Photo by Walt Stearns

A final highlight of each day at Wakatobi, Pam says, is a visit to the Jetty Bar. There’s no better way to relax. On the days when we we are not night snorkeling or diving, we go to the bar just before sunset, and watch the sun shoot a rainbow of pastels, reds and oranges into the heavens. After dark, flashes of phosphorescence appear in the water, a welcoming ritual, it just doesn’t get any better than this.

The Osborns also value the personal relationships they have forged with members of the staff. After three visits, most of the staff seem like old friends, Wayne says. Equally important as these personal relationships, the Osborns say, is the relationship of Wakatobi Dive Resort to the ecosystem and surrounding community. It’s wonderful to see the very positive impact the resort has for the local economy and the marine environment,” Pam says. “As a visitor, you feel like your money has contributed to the region’s sustainability.”

For all these reasons and more, Wakatobi has now become the Osborn’s favorite diving destination among the many they have encountered around the world. There is no doubt, they say, that they will be back again, and soon. Many thanks to Wayne and Pam Osborn for their ongoing support, and for contributing the beautiful imagery on this page.

Wayne and Pam Osborn. Photo by Wakatobi Dive Resort

The Osborns live in Perth, Western Australia. Their image portfolio includes whales on the Great Barrier Reef and the humpback migration along the Western Australian coast. Wayne was elected a Fellow International of the New York based Explorers Club in 2004, and is a fellow of the Australia and New Zealand chapter. Wayne was also recognized as the ANZANG Nature Photographer of the year in 2012. Recently, Pam’s image of a tridacna clam taken on the Wakatobi House Reef in 2014 has been shortlisted for both the 2015 Natural History Museum (UK) Wildlife Photographer of the Year and the 2015 Australian Nature Photographer of the Year (ANZANG). Learn more about Wayne and Pam on their website www.wayneosborn.com.au.

Pam took this image of a Tridacna clam on the Wakatobi House Reef in 2014. It has been shortlisted for both the 2015 Natural History Museum (UK) Wildlife Photographer of the Year and the 2015 Australian Nature Photographer of the Year (ANZANG). Good luck Pam! Photo by Pam Osborn

If you’ve never been to Wakatobi, it’s time to go! If you have been, like the Osborns, you know what you’re in for, and we hope to see you again soon. Contact us at office@wakatobi.com or complete a quick trip inquiry at wakatobi.com.