Scuba Diver Ocean Planet Issue 04/2016 | Page 76

BUDGET AND LUXURY PRACTICALITIES WHEN Year-round diving with minimal variation. Easterly winds June-October; westerly winds December-April; the sea is never rough. Water temperatures average 28oC, ideal for coral growth so there is rarely coral bleaching. Visibility is 35–50m. Air temperature is warm, generally 26–30oC. HOW Wakatobi is reached by convenient private direct charter flights from Bali to the resort’s own airstrip. 08 Indonesian-style bungalows and villas are tucked into a palm grove overlooking a white sand beach, or perched directly on the shoreline. Just steps away lies the resort’s famous house reef, which has been named the world’s best shore dive. Wakatobi’s fleet of custom-built dive launches visit more than 40 additional sites located within their privately-funded 20-kilometre-long marine preserve. Underwater landscapes range from shallow, sheltered coral gardens suitable for novices and snorkellers to dramatic walls and pinnacles that harbour diverse and thriving collections of marine life that will delight critter watchers and photographers. Services such as photo coaching, personal dive guides and private boat charters represent the ultimate in individualised attention. Wakatobi also operates a 36-metre luxury dive yacht, Pelagian, which cruises to more remote locations in the Wakatobi archipelago. 08 Thriving collections of marine life on the reefs 09 Barefoot luxury – private dining on the beach STAY/DIVE Accommodations include private beachside bungalows and villas. Unlimited house reef shore diving is available day and night, with monitoring 6am–10pm and on-call taxi boats available during daylight hours. Large 25m dive launches make three daily excursions to more than 40 sites within Wakatobi’s private marine preserve. Private guides and boats can be reserved for a tailored dive experience. The resort photographer is available for individualised underwater photo instruction. TOPSIDE Activities include kiteboarding, wakeboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, spa services, Nature walks, island tours, cultural programmes and cooking classes. Meals feature Indonesian and international dishes with dietary requests accommodated. ENTRY Passport with at least six months validity before travel. For more, enquire with administrative staff at [email protected]. WAKATOBI 09 SDOP 74