Christmas in Wakatobi! December 23-31, 2018

“I just did my tally on all the fish from my ID file for Wakatobi. 265 species! That totally blew my mind.”
-Evie Chauncey, Wakatobi snorkel trip Oct. 2016

“After a lifetime of snorkeling adventures in Hawaii, the Caribbean, the South Pacific, and Australia, this place beats them all by miles – it is so wonderful to see the most pristine and most diverse reef we have ever seen!  On the very first snorkel, I screamed through my snorkel because I was so excited.  So happy.”
-Cathy Bach, Wakatobi July 2017

I spent Christmas of 2015 at Wakatobi and I have to say it was the most magical Christmas I’ve ever had.
I can think of no better way to celebrate…well, anything! than exploring the out of this world reefs right in front of the resort.
Wakatobi  has it all; elegant, air-conditioned bungalows, gourmet 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.

Best of all, the snorkeling is fabulous.  Hands down the best snorkeling I’ve ever experienced from a resort.
I’ve just returned from my third stay at Wakatobi and I’m more enchanted than ever. I’m thrilled and relieved to report 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.

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. 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 pier.  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 eight night adventure begins on December 23, 2018.
December 23  Arrival in Bali.Transfer to group hotel on the beach. This evening you’ll meet your fellow travelers over dinner.
December 24 Early morning flight from Bali to Wakatobi. The 3-hour charter flight is on highly regarded Garuda Airlines.
December 24-December 31   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!
Our week of activities include four days of boat snorkels to the outer reefs. Each of these days we’ll go out for a morning and afternoon snorkel session. We’ll explore the nearby healthy reefs from a boat dedicated to our group of snorkelers.  Our comfortable day boat has sun shade, a bathroom and snacks. We won’t be roughing it!
On the free days you can enjoy the stunning house reef, kayak or paddle board,  relax and read a book or have a massage.
December 31– We will depart Wakatobi late morning and will arrive back in Bali around 3:00 pm.
Continue your travels in Bali or fly to your onward destination.
Please note- don’t plan to fly onward before 6:00 pm on December 31.

What to expect:
-This is a snorkel-intensive program. You should be a proficient swimmer/snorkeler able to snorkel unassisted.
-Days that feature boat outings offer approx. two 2-hour sessions.
-Snorkel sessions are accompanied by the helpful and experienced crew provided by Wakatobi Resort.
-Evenings are free to enjoy the sunset, a leisurely dinner and the company of your fellow travelers.
Price per person based on double occupancy:
$4195.00 per person in a Palm Bungalow.
$4795.00 per person in an Ocean Bungalow.
Price based on single occupancy:
$5600.00 single rate in a Palm Bungalow
$6640.00 single rate in an Ocean Bungalow
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11 night option:
 Consider staying at Wakatobi for New Year’s!
My motto is, if a little is good a lot is better.  Stay through New Years and return to Bali on Jan. 4.
This opportunity includes 1 night in Bali and a total 11 nights at Wakatobi with 6 days of boat snorkels.
Price based on double occupancy in an Ocean Bungalow $6355.00
Price based on single occupancy in an Ocean Bungalow $9240.00
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These departures are currently full. Please contact me if you’d like to be wait listed.

Wakatobi Trip Costs Include:

• Arrival transfers in Bali to group hotel, transfers and round trip flight to Wakatobi.
• One night in Bali on December 23 in our group hotel. Dinner included.
• Seven nights in Wakatobi December 24-December 31.
• All meals, unlimited shore snorkeling and 4 days of snorkeling the outer reefs by boat included.

Wakatobi Trip Costs Exclude:

• International Airfare
• Drinks and spa services at Wakatobi Resort
• Transfer or hotels accommodations not detailed above
• Gratuities

I look forward to returning to Wakatobi.  I hope you can join me!
Please contact me with any questions or for an application.
See you on the reefs!
Wendy@snorkelingetc.com
Snorkeling Etc. Inc.
831 254-5001

More comments from past passengers:
Wakatobi far surpassed my imaginings. The entire experience was like no other, one of my best travel experiences.— Sue Myers, Wakatobi Snorkel Trip Dec. 2015

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, Wakatobi snorkel trip Dec 2015.