A Wakatobi private boat provides the ultimate in personal attention, snorkeling, and diving freedom.
Wakatobi’s boat crews and dive guides take pride in providing the highest levels of service to each guest. But there’s an even more personal dive or snorkel experience available at the resort: having your own private boat. And while chartering a private dive/snorkel boat for the day might seem like an extravagance, there are numerous reasons when this option makes a whole lot of sense.
It’s about discovering the reefs your way, on your time, on your own, with that one special person, friends, or with family.
Guests of the resort can reserve an entire dive boat, either for their personal use, as a couple, or in a small group. There is a reasonable charge for the charter, which takes place aboard one of the resort’s full-sized private boats and includes the services of a captain, crew, and guide. Hiring a private boat allows divers and snorkelers to create their own itinerary, visiting sites of their choosing on their own schedule.
Rather than return to the resort after dives, they can spend the day aboard, enjoying a catered lunch, dinner on the upper deck, and even breakfast onboard if they wish to get an early start on the day.
Personal Space
There are many reasons to choose a private boat. For some, it’s simply a way to share a special day. Many a couple celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary have booked their own boat and shared a memorable day of diving and relaxing on the water. Throughout the cruise, your crew provides all of the extra touches that Wakatobi is so well known for.
A personal dive guide is there to enhance the underwater experience by focusing entirely on the couple, who can explore and discover each site at their own pace. Upon emerging from the water, they will be greeted with a warm, mint-infused towel, an inviting beverage, and an entire boat deck to call their own.
Capture the Moments
Underwater photographers also frequently charter private boats. With no schedules to adhere to, and no need to accommodate the agendas or profiles of other divers, an avid photographer or videographer is free to spend as much time as desired at any given site. This might mean lingering for an entire dive at a single gorgonian while documenting the life of a pygmy seahorse or making repeated drifts across a seamount to get just the right take.
Seacam founder and CEO, Harald Hordosch, who spent time diving at Wakatobi feels the private boat option provides a vast advantage for any underwater photographer regardless of their level of expertise. “Taking the private boat was a special incentive as the day-to-day dealings with my company often leave me next to no personal time,” says Hordosch.
“Having the private boat gave me the freedom that I would not normally have to focus on underwater photography. We went to the sites of our choosing, I immersed myself into images I wanted to capture, and we enjoyed a nice dinner on the boat under the stars–and forgot about the rest of the world.” ~ Harald Hordosch
Back aboard, there’s no rush to make any needed adjustments to equipment, and huge expanses of deck and shelf space to store cameras and accessories. The crew, who are always attentive to camera equipment, can focus even more attention on their solitary guest, or guests.
“Having a private guide made for an even better experience,” says Hordosch. “Our guide was gifted at finding a wondrous list of captivating subjects and helped us create an itinerary for each day that best suited my expectations. We were able to spend time as and where needed, as well as get the most out of our dive times, and in Wakatobi terms, that’s a lot of minutes–over 70 to be precise.”
Family Time
Families who vacation together at Wakatobi might also consider chartering a boat of their own. This is true whether the children are older and dive-certified or are younger snorkelers. Because many sites at Wakatobi feature shallow reef tops that sit adjacent to deeper structures, it’s almost always possible to accommodate both divers and snorkelers at the same site.
Visiting these sites on a private boat adds even more possibilities. Mom and Dad can perform a dive, then, don snorkel equipment to explore the reefs with their children. The flexible scheduling of a private boat is especially attractive when dealing with the scheduling variables that are always part of family life. No need to rush sleepy kids out the door to catch an early boat, or to stay out longer when you want to return to relax before venturing out once more for an afternoon dive or snorkel adventure. In addition to these practicalities, there is much to be said for the memories that are created by sharing a day together where there are no distractions and a total focus on family fun.
Perfect for CCR
A private boat is also an excellent way to take full advantage of the profiles made possible by extended range and rebreather diving practices. The resort can usually accommodate groups wishing to dive longer or deeper by providing them with a dedicated boat.
There is plenty of room for additional gas supplies and other items on a private boat. Wakatobi’s crew understands the equipment and profiles of CCR divers and is there to provide support with suiting up and other assistance as needed.
There’s no pressure to rush the planning, gearing up and double-checking phases of the mission, and in-water profiles and run times need not be compromised to meet boat schedules or the needs of other divers.
Whatever the motivation, Wakatobi’s private boat service has been described not only as a truly amazing experience but also as an excellent value. It’s not about being an anti-social diver. It’s about discovering the reefs your way, on your time, on your own, with that one special person, friends, or with family. Certainly, something to consider when you are planning your next trip to Wakatobi.
Why not include a private boat experience on your next visit? A guest experience consultant can help you make it happen. Contact us at office@wakatobi.com or complete a quick trip enquiry at wakatobi.com.
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