Wakatobi Snorkel Trip June 11-19, 2023

“The Wakatobi snorkel trip with Snorkeling Etc. was the best vacation we have ever had. It was a rare treat to see such pristine reefs and abundant, beautiful, sea life. We truly appreciated that getting to Wakatobi and back turned out to be a completely worry free travel experience. You assembled a wonderful group of people to spend time with. We are ready to go again tomorrow.”

Julie Dunger and Curt Anderson

Experience one the most truly pristine and stunning snorkel destinations in the world.
Wakatobi Eco-Resort is located in S.E. Sulawesi within a National Marine Park that is widely recognized as having the highest number of coral and fish species in the world.

Wakatobi has it all; elegant, air-conditioned bungalows, gourmet, healthy food and personal and friendly service.
The ambiance is intimate and casual. This remote and sublime eco-resort has earned well-deserved awards and rave reviews.  Wakatobi holds just 54 fortunate guests, served by a staff of 150. The staff is truly the most gracious and accommodating I’ve ever encountered.
Best of all, the snorkeling is fabulous.  Hands down the best snorkeling I’ve ever experienced from any resort.
This will be my seventh visit to Wakatobi. Join me and your fellow snorkelers and you’ll understand why it’s worth returning to this snorkeler’s paradise again and again. The reefs at Wakatobi have not been affected by bleaching. The coral is vibrant and healthy and the abundance and variety of marine life is thrilling.
Access to the reefs begins right in front of the bungalows. The House Reef is accessed either directly from the beach or the jetty.

There are over 500 species of coral in a dazzling array of colors, shapes and sizes. When you enter the ocean from the beach you first encounter sea grass which is a nursery to juveniles of many species including parrot fish, filefish and anemone fish. As you swim out you reach the dramatic drop off.  It’s easy to lose yourself in the kaleidoscope of marine life. It’s common to see turtles, bumpheads, rabbitfish, rays, eels, butterfly fish, triggerfish, sweetlips, box fish, puffer fish and jewel-colored anthias. This complex and magnificent ecosystem also includes  more exotic critters like octopus, frogfish, scorpionfish and cuttlefish.  Understandably, Jacques Cousteau dubbed this area “Underwater Nirvana”.

Besides time to enjoy the house reef, our stay includes four days of guided snorkeling to the outer reefs by boat.
There are over 40 sites within a short distance from the resort. During our day boat outings we’ll explore a variety of these extraordinary locations.
Another feature I particularly enjoy about Wakatobi is the accessibility of excellent night snorkeling right off the jetty.  I regularly saw octopus, scorpion fish, twin spotted lion fish and prowling lobsters. This is a snorkeler’s dream vacation. You will have time to snorkel as much as you like as well as ample time to relax with a book under a palm tree or indulge in a massage.

Itinerary:
Your 8 night adventure begins on June 11, 2023.
June 11  Arrival in Bali. Transfer to group hotel on the beach. This evening you’ll meet your fellow travelers over dinner.
June 12  Early morning flight from Bali to Wakatobi. Flight time is approximately three hours.
June 12-19  We’ll  arrive at the private Wakatobi air strip around 11:00am. We’ll be transferred by car and boat to the resort where you’ll spend the next 7 nights. At the resort you’ll be welcomed by the friendly staff and shown to your chosen bungalow or villa.  Prepare for inner happiness!
During our 7 night stay at Wakatobi we’ll explore the outer healthy reefs from a boat exclusive to our group of snorkelers.
Four days will be spent experiencing the diversity of the outer reefs during a morning and afternoon snorkel session. Our comfortable day boat has sun shade, a bathroom and snacks. There is a sturdy ladder for easy boarding from the water.
On the free days you can enjoy the stunning house reef, kayak or paddle board, relax and read a book or have a massage.
June 19 We will depart Wakatobi late morning and will arrive back in Bali around 3:00 pm.
You may continue your travels in Bali or fly to your onward destination.
Please note- due to potential flight delays it’s not recommended to book an onward flight before 6:00 pm on June 19.

What to expect:
-This is a snorkel-intensive program. You should be a proficient swimmer/snorkeler able to snorkel unassisted.
-Four days of outer reef snorkels on our own exclusive and comfortable day boat.  Each of these days will feature two 90 minute sessions accompanied by helpful and experienced Wakatobi  guides.
-Plenty of time to explore and photograph the fabulous house reef at your own pace.
-Evenings are free to enjoy the sunset, a leisurely dinner and the company of your fellow travelers and even partake in some night snorkeling.

This departure is currently sold out. To be waitlisted, please contact Wendy@SnorkelingEtc.com

Price per person based on double occupancy:
$4975.00 per person in an Ocean Bungalow
$4275.00 per person in a Palm Bungalow

~Traveling alone? No problem. If you are willing to share there is no single supplement.
~Villa and extended stay pricing available upon request.

Wakatobi Trip Costs Include:
~Arrival airport transfer to group hotel in Bali.
~One night in Bali on June 11, 2023 in our group hotel. Group dinner included.
~Transfers and round trip flight from Denpasar, Bali to Wakatobi Resort.
~Seven nights at Wakatobi Resort June 12-June 19, 2023
~All meals, unlimited shore snorkeling and four days of snorkeling the outer reefs by boat included.

Wakatobi Trip Costs Exclude:
~International Airfare.
~Alcoholic, sodas and specialty coffees.
~Spa services at Wakatobi Resort.
~Trip Insurance-essential.
~Transfer or hotels accommodations not detailed above.
~Gratuities.

I look forward to returning to Wakatobi.  I hope you can join me for this enchanting snorkel adventure!
Please contact me with any questions or for an application.
See you on the reefs!

Wendy Simon/CEO and fellow snorkel addict
Wendy@snorkelingetc.com
Santa Cruz, CA.
831 254-5001

More Comments from past travelers:
Wakatobi far surpassed my imaginings. The entire experience was like no other, one of my best travel experiences
— Sue Myers

Thank you for creating that amazing snorkeling trip to Wakatobi. It was, in many ways, the trip of a lifetime. The sheer beauty of the place will stay with me forever.
–Karen Sallovitz