Discovering a wealth of rare and elusive marine species at Wakatobi There are thousands of unique creatures to be discovered on the reefs of Wakatobi, including some rare specimens that even veteran marine-life scientists are excited to find. This was the case for Dr. Richard Smith, who once spent years traveling and diving across wide […]

Pygmy seahorses are animals that few people have been lucky enough to see, let alone witness mating or giving birth. But at Wakatobi, divers are granted this pleasure all the time. Follow along to learn about these unique and rare animals, and why Wakatobi is one of the best places on earth to see them. Though you […]

In 2011, marine biologist and accomplished underwater photographer, Richard Smith completed his Ph.D. on the biology and conservation of the pygmy seahorse, a little known group of miniature seahorses resident in the waters of Wakatobi. A great deal of Dr. Smith’s research, which focuses on the gorgonian-associated species, Denise’s (Hippocampus denise) and Bargibant’s pygmy seahorses […]

Discovering the Hidden Life Within Wakatobi’s Sea Fans If you imagine the reefs at Wakatobi Resort as coral jungles, it is the sea fans that become the trees. Yes, they are technically animals—more on that later—but in many respects, the prolific growths of sea fans that cover the walls and slopes of many of our […]

Discovering Wakatobi and documenting the world’s smallest seahorse This story comes from a long-time friend and guest of Wakatobi Resort. Working alongside his late wife Denise, Larry Tackett devoted hundreds of hours to documenting the subtle details of our reefs at Wakatobi Resort. In the process, they became the first divers to witness and document […]

Coral reefs are often described as the nurseries of the sea. Which means that when you are enjoying one of Wakatobi’s signature dive sites, you are immersed in an undersea maternity ward. The process of reproduction is ongoing, and it’s taking place all around you. There are many fascinating ways the marine life of Wakatobi […]

Discovering the menagerie of small creatures living on sea fans At Wakatobi dive sites such as Fan 38, the profusion of colorful soft corals may inspire you to back up and take in the big picture. But after doing so, you might want to move in among the luxuriant groves of sea fans and whips […]

When is a horse not a horse? When it’s a seahorse, of course. Yet despite their equine-like appearance, members of genus Hippocampus are every bit a fish, just like a snapper or a tuna. Ditto for other members of the order Syngnathidae–the snake-like pipefish and bizarre ghost pipefish, which also inhabit the reefs and coastal […]

With all there is to explore and find on the reefs of Wakatobi, it’s smart to check your surroundings often. And yes, do look back! When diving or snorkeling Wakatobi’s reefs, teeming with wondrous and colorful marine life, finding the tiniest, most bizarre critters can quickly turn into a highly addictive passion. While our heads […]

The coral reefs of Wakatobi are so rich with corals, sponges and marine organisms, that the vast majority of creatures are not immediately visible. Camouflaged and hidden amongst the myriad vibrant colors and shapes of the reef, sometimes the impatient amongst us are lead to move quickly and even wonder where all the creatures actually […]