Sponges are much more than cleaning accessories, they are the ocean’s original reef builders. Did you know that sponges (Phylum Porifera) are one of the oldest simple multicellular organisms in the animal kingdom? In other words, they’ve been around a long, long time, first appearing in the ocean more than half a billion years ago. […]

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 […]

Wakatobi’s reefs are covered in a colorful carpet of corals, sponges, and gorgonians that shelter a range of interesting creatures. To find one of the area’s most intriguing and bizarre animals of all, look beyond the growth to find a bare spot where coral rubble surrounds a small hole where the Mantis shrimp is hiding. […]

It’s the stuff of daydreams: A luxurious yacht that carries you away to remote and pristine coral reefs; an attentive crew; sumptuous meals; spacious accommodations and a rare opportunity to visit places few will ever have the chance to experience and enjoy. At Wakatobi, it’s easy to turn this dream into a reality. All you […]

Discovering the underwater attractions that lie just off Wakatobi’s beach. by Steve Miller It’s morning, and the dive boats of Wakatobi are just about to head out for the first trip of the day. I’m still onshore at the dive center, halfway through a leak check on my camera housing. But there’s no rush because […]

Once I have had an amazing time somewhere I’m never sure whether or not to return. Will it be as good as the first time? Will things have changed? Well, in the eight years since we enjoyed Wakatobi Resort, we had undergone a transformation–and so had our destination. This remote corner of paradise had gotten […]

Our guests share some of the many reasons why they appreciate and celebrate our resort Everyone appreciates receiving a sincere “attaboy” and we’re no different at Wakatobi. We always value the compliments and positive reviews our guests provide and are flattered to note that words like “best” and “favorite” often pop up when they recall […]

A tour of Wakatobi’s iconic dive boats Wakatobi’s House Reef is one of the most acclaimed shore dives in the world. But to discover the full scope and diversity of our marine preserve, you’ll want to take a boat ride. And not just any boat. Like every other element of the Wakatobi experience, our custom-built […]

Why Wakatobi Resort is an ideal destination for new and advancing divers Wakatobi Resort has earned a reputation as one of the world’s premier destinations for snorkeling, diving and underwater photography. The combination of pristine, protected reefs, marine bio-diversity and a highly-professional support infrastructure make Wakatobi a favorite of experienced divers, underwater naturalists and professional […]

At Wakatobi, it’s easy to get caught up in the show. Remember the excitement when the carnival came to town? The midway envelops you in a blurring parade of festive colors and frenetic activity. Show-stopping beauties steal the limelight, roving bands of juveniles flit in and out of the crowd, and there are plenty of […]