Overview
The newest addition to WT’s unique snorkeling program is an exploration of the reefs of Wakatobi National Park, just a short hop from Bali and set in the heart of Indonesia’s celebrated Asia-Pacific Coral Triangle, which boasts the highest coral reef biodiversity in the world. Legendary explorer and conservationist Jacques Cousteau is said to have called Wakatobi an “underwater nirvana,” and our yacht-based adventure is designed to get you to the best sites in this unique archipelago, each one offering a wide variety of distinct habitats—from shallow coral gardens to sheer wall faces encrusted with sea fans and deep overhangs sheltering daisy corals, tube sponges, and even sea turtles. If you’re a serious snorkeler, this is a “must-do”—you’re in for an incredible adventure! An eight-guest motor yacht carries us in comfort through this spectacular hidden paradise.
I had a fantastic time. Wilderness met and exceeded my expectations, which were high. The trip design was top notch.
— Brian M., Sacramento, CA
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-2
Denpasar, Bali / Board Motor Yacht / Snorkeling Adventures
From Bali, take a scenic private charter directly to Wakatobi National Park and board our accommodation, a 35-meter motor yacht that hosts eight guests. Enjoy a snorkeling refresher at the House Reef, with its stunning drop-off and overhangs, then cruise to Binongko Island. The next day, we're introduced to Wakatobi's underwater realm as we snorkel at Fish Wall, the reef at Kampung Populia, and Cavern Wall, all loaded with a plethora of fish, sea fans, and even turtles. Wakatobi National Park is nicely protected by the surrounding reefs and islands and there is no coral bleaching. Underwater visibility averages about 100 feet.
Days 3-8
Snorkeling Kapota Atoll / Komponaone Wall / Kaledupa Wall / Hoga Island / Waitii Corner
Snorkel the hard and soft leather-coral at the shallow reef of Pintu Barat, and at Likuan, explore a steep wall with plenty of overhangs and soft coral. At Orange Wall, we find many black corals, some halimeda patches, and a variety of thriving reef fish. Fish Market Pinnacle brings us an array of topography, and at Hoga Island, we explore a coral slope on the east side, a wall on the west side, and in between, a sandy slope with rock outcrops that host massive numbers of crinoids and coral. The steep wall and sandy slopes of Neptune Garden are full of blue-spotted ribbon-tail rays, sponges, and sea fans. After final snorkeling adventures at Kaledupa Wall and Waitii Corner, depart by private charter for Bali on Day 8, or join our Wakatobi Resort Extension.
Snorkeling Expedition to Wakatobi
