Wakatobi Resort has earned a reputation as one of the world’s top diving and snorkeling destinations. Its pristine reefs, idyllic small-island location, and five-star services and amenities are well known and have been the subject of literally hundreds of articles, blogs, and videos. But even with all this attention and accolades, there are still some things about Wakatobi that are not that well known. Here are 12 tips from the resort staff that can make your stay even better.

COME BETWEEN THE HOLIDAYS. November and December are months where fewer people travel because it’s a period between major holidays. Airfares may be lower at this time and these months offer great diving and snorkeling conditions at Wakatobi.

GO FOR AN AFTERNOON DELIGHT. The dive center offers three boat dives a day. After two morning dives, some guests just want to relax after lunch and finish with a shore dive. This often means fewer divers on the afternoon trips. An afternoon dive is also a great option for people who want to sleep in or linger over breakfast and still get in two boat dives a day.

Dive your way. Guests who wish to sleep in or linger over breakfast can still get in two boat dives a day by jumping on the afternoon boat trip. Photo by Walt Stearns

TAKE A FREE RIDE. You can see more of the dive site that’s been called ‘the world’s best shore dive’ by hopping aboard one of the resort’s taxi boats, which will take you up-current for an easy drift dive along the House Reef ending right at the Jetty Bar.

Wakatobi’s taxi boats provide pick-up and drop-off service that includes taking divers up-current for relaxing drift dives back to the resort jetty. Photo by Marco Fierli, marcof8.com

MAKE NIGHT MAGIC ON THE REEF. Night diving is popular at Wakatobi, but you don’t need tanks to get in on the action. Night snorkeling on the House Reef is equally spectacular, and it’s available for all guests to experience.

THIS PLACE IS FOR THE BIRDS. In addition to the incredible diversity of marine life, Wakatobi also rewards nature lovers above the water. The island is rich in birdlife — including an endemic species! Just ask the front office to organize a Bird Watching session for you or other land tours around the island.

After the dive, the natural habitats surrounding the resort are ideal for bird watching. Photo by Mathis Weatherall

GET A LOT FOR A LITTLE MORE. Spectacular water views and private dive guides are some of the perks you’ll get when you book one of Wakatobi’s Villas. What many divers don’t realize is that these premium accommodations are just a relatively modest up-charge from an Ocean Bungalow. If you enjoy having a private guide why not consider a Villa booking for a little more.

Villas include both one-bedroom and two-bedroom pool models, with package options that include a private guide and other value-added amenities–all for a modest up-charge. Photo by Didi Lotze

PLAY CASTAWAY — IN STYLE. Guests can channel their inner Robinson Caruso with a trip to nearby Sawa island, where they can watch the sunset on a deserted beach while enjoying a delicious aperitivo and hors d’oeuvres. Wakatobi’s concierge team can make the arrangements in advance of your visit.

Contact our concierge team in advance of your visit to make arrangements for a Sawa island outing. Email office@wakatobi.com

ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE. Wakatobi is known for the mouth-watering spreads prepared by our culinary team. But guest options aren’t limited to what’s on the table. The chefs are happy to prepare your favorite dish on request, including special dietary options such as gluten-free, low fat, or low sodium.

Wakatobi’s chefs create a tempting array of culinary offerings and are always happy to accommodate special requests and dietary needs. Photo by Marco Fierli, marcof8.com

ENJOY LUXURY WITH A PURPOSE. Through sharing the benefits of sustainable dive tourism with the surrounding villages over the past two decades, the people of these local communities have come to see the value of the reefs in a different light, as a source of opportunity and connection. Through their experiences and pride, they have joined efforts to keep them pristine. Learn more here >

A portion of every dollar generated at Wakatobi goes to direct protection of the surrounding 20km of reefs and the economic support of the local communities. Photo by Wakatobi Resort

REFRESH YOURSELF ON THE HOUSE. Divers who have been out of the water too long and don’t want to jump right in won’t need to rehash their skills drills before coming to Wakatobi. They can take a refresher course right on our beautiful House Reef.

Take a refresher course right on our House Reef and you’ll be ready in no time to explore Wakatobi’s magnificent reefs and walls. Photo by Marco Fierli, marcof8.com

RUNWAY-TO-REEF-SERVICE.  Did you know that Wakatobi provides a private guest flight from Bali to our own runway on Tomia Island? Our guest flights cut travel time from Bali to our remote island paradise to just 2.5 hours. This eliminates multiple air, land, and sea transfers, and you skip the crowds and long lines. Our guests also enjoy VIP lounge service at Denpasar airport, where they can relax with a full breakfast and a range of amenities before boarding the flight. Learn more here >

Despite our remote location, travel to Wakatobi is far easier than to other destinations in the region.  Our private guest flight from Bali to our own airstrip takes just 2.5 hours. Photo by Didi Lotze

SAIL INTO SUMMERTIME. The months of June, July, and August are known for ocean breezes and slightly cooler temperatures. These are also the months where we offer kite surfing, which is something many guests are delighted to see and eager to try. More about kiting here >

Summer breezes at Wakatobi provide ideal conditions for kite surfing. Photo by Wakatobi Resort

These are just a sampling of the special moments that await you at Wakatobi. And please don’t be shy about asking for something special. Our team is always eager to help no matter how big or small the request. Is it a special occasion trip — birthday, anniversary, honeymoon, graduation, or retirement? Let us know, we are here to help make your visit extra special.

It’s time to book your next Wakatobi visit! We’re here to help.

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