NEW TRIP
Yacht-Based Adventure in Indonesia's famed Coral Triangle
Snorkeling Expedition to Wakatobi
Note: Please be aware that this itinerary is designed to be flexible. We rarely follow the schedule exactly as described due to weather, tides, preferences of trip members, and other factors. The boat captain and your Trip Leader will make decisions to maximize trip safety and your overall enjoyment—come prepared to be flexible!
Overview
This wonderful 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 the Wakatobi Archipelago an “underwater nirvana,” and our yacht-based adventure is designed to get you to the best sites in Wakatobi, 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.
Arrive: Denpasar, Bali
Depart: Denpasar, Bali
Highlights
- Boat-based snorkeling in the magnificent Wakatobi islands, part of the celebrated Coral Triangle
- Explore the underwater realm with an expert Trip Leader who offers an in-depth look into the region's biodiversity
- Snorkel shallow reefs, big walls, and overhangs with massive amounts of marine life
- Travel in comfort aboard a beautiful 8-guest motor yacht with en suite cabins
Itinerary
Please be aware that this itinerary is designed to be flexible. Although we will visit all the places listed on the itinerary, we rarely follow the schedule as described exactly due to weather, tides, preferences of trip members, and other factors. Come prepared to be flexible!
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.
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.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 3, Moderate, according to our trip grading system. You need to be comfortable snorkeling in a variety of conditions, including drift snorkels and occasionally against strong currents. While snorkeling is usually at your own pace, it is sometimes necessary to be able to keep up with the group.
Average Day
Review Trip Level Details
Average Day
- 4-6 hours snorkeling
- 2-3 hours sailing
In Wakatobi, the climate is tropical but drier than in other parts of Indonesia, and the location is nicely protected by the surrounding reefs and islands. Generally speaking, there are two seasons: easterly winds from June to October, and westerly winds between December and April. The air temperature is warm to hot, ranging between 79°F and 86°F. Humidity is about 75% to 85%. Water temperature in September is between 78°F and 81°F, and from November to March ranges between 82°F to 85°F. That water temperature range is ideal for coral growth and there is currently no coral bleaching. Underwater visibility averages about 100 feet. There are no rivers or lakes bringing sediments, therefore visibility is not affected by rain.
The boat has an experienced on-board chef and team. Breakfast and lunch are usually served on the aft deck, and in between snorkeling sessions, hot drinks and snacks are available. Dinner is served in the salon. There are a la carte menus for lunch and dinner, a combination of Indonesian specialties and Western favorites. A selection of wines and spirits are available as well as soft drinks and juices.
During the snorkel excursions, we will take a small dinghy or skiff to each site. It will always stay with the group so that you can return to the boat at any time.
The Wakatobi journey takes place in an extremely remote and uninhabited archipelago in the Pacific. In the case of serious illness or injury, medical attention and swift evacuation are not available. Once we sail from the Wakatobi Resort, we are far away from towns and medical facilities. In the case of serious illness or injury, we will make every effort to reach medical facilities as soon as possible, but be aware that it may take the boat days to return to the Wakatobi Resort. If you have health or medical issues of concern, please discuss them with your physician before considering this trip.
We strongly recommend you bring your own good quality, well-fitted equipment with you, including mask, snorkel, and fins. Try out your gear in a swimming pool before you go to make sure that it works for you and is comfortable.
Client Testimonials
"I had a fantastic time. Wilderness met and exceeded my expectations, which were high. The trip design was top notch."
Brian M.
Sacramento, CA
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.