Waktobi

Tukang Besi Archipelago, south eastern Sulawesi

Rising from the depths of the Banda Sea, the main islands of Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomea, Binongki - WaKaToBi - dish up large portions of all the world's reef types - fringing, atoll and barrier - and are served with lashings of healthy corals and dense schools of fish. Jacques Cousteau was sufficiently moved to claim this area the finest diving site in the world.

Wakatobi is one of the newest and most exciting diving destinations in Indonesia, winning extraordinary praise from its visitors both for outstanding and accessible diving and the quality of service they receive from the dive operation.

The reefs for Wakatobi diving are unlike others in the region because of the dry climate and uplifted limestone or, in other words, fossilised reefs. This means there is an exceptionally clean environment due to the lack of soil erosion.

Being a national park, fishing is strictly limited and the reefs are protected, meaning plenty of action for you the diver. Local fishing communities obtain a fair share of the income generated by dive tourism in exchange for adopting more sustainable practices, such as leaving large stretches of reef completely untouched. Other contributions go towards education and strengthening local support for the marine park.

Word is beginning to spread about Wakatobi but it is still relatively new. Indeed there are even new sites out there waiting to be discovered, particularly in the outer atolls which are virtually untouched. Dive in and discover the animal attractions here in the Banda Sea.

Wakatobi Diving Season

March to December is the season for scuba diving in Wakatobi. This applies to both the resort vacations and to liveaboard safaris. July and August bring rich plankton blooms and their attendant big marine animals, but also cooler water and lower visibility.

The water temperature varies quite a bit here. This is a quick guide: October maximum of 30°C, the latter half of August minimum of 25°C, March until May the temperature averages 28°C, June, July and September are between 26 to 27°C, October 28 to 30°C November to March averages 28°C. In other words for 99% of the year, the temperature ranges between 26 - 29°C.

Wakatobi Reef Basics

Great for: Small animals, underwater photography, reef life and health and visibility
Not so great for: Wrecks and non-diving activities
Depth: 5 - >40m
Visibility: 15 - 80m
Currents: Gentle
Surface Conditions: Calm
Water Temperature: 26 - 29°C
Experience Level: Beginner - advanced
Number of dive sites: >50
Distance: 1,020 km north east of Bali (2½ hours)
Access: Wakatobi dive resorts and liveaboards
Recommended length of stay: 7 - 11 days

Source : www.divetheworldindonesia.com