If you think there isn’t a dive resort that can exceed your expectations, you’d be oh-so-wrong. Wakatobi Dive Resort will redefine your idea of casual resort luxury—and also give you an unparalleled underwater experience. As one guest wrote in July 2024: “What a spectacular place—a piece of heaven that we will most certainly return to. We have had an exceptional time at Wakatobi. Every aspect, from the diving, snorkeling, service and food, has been superb. What has made it extra special and in a league of its own is the small personal touches. Thank you to the entire team—restaurant staff, dive crew and management—for making our stay so wonderful. Congratulations on creating an unforgettable experience for all your guests.”

Ever since founder Lorenz Mäder opened the resort in 1995, he has been reimagining the dive resort experience. Every detail in this award-winning resort has been thoughtfully created, from its traditionally designed villas and bungalows to its exclusive five-star amenities. The owners also created one of the world’s largest privately protected marine reserves, home to hundreds of fish and coral species, to ensure the future of this pristine habitat. It all begins with the resort’s geographic location. Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, is considered one of the world’s finest for diving and snorkeling. Wakatobi is nestled on a glorious stretch of white sand beach overlooking the western Pacific’s Banda Sea.

Divers can make boat dives and explore nearby reefs, atolls and bays that shelter the region’s rich Coral Triangle biodiversity. From shore, divers and snorkelers can access the resort’s shallow coral lagoon. Accommodations include traditionally styled bungalows set in a waterfront palm grove or oceanfront villas with private plunge pools. All accommodations are within easy walking distance of the open-air dining pavilion and central longhouse, which has a lounge area, multimedia facilities and the dive center. The culinary team creates gourmet cuisine and accommodates special dietary requests. Guests can choose a wide range of treatments and be pampered at the on-site spa. The resort can also arrange land-based excursions, such as tours of local villages. Wakatobi will be elevating its luxury accommodations in March 2025, when it opens its Villa Residences. Guests who value privacy will love the secluded oceanfront location, in-residence catering and private butler tending to their needs and desires. The villas offer private access to the beach, courtyards with pools, master suites with expansive bathrooms, and private boat services from a dedicated pier, as well as private dive and snorkel guides. It all adds up to an incredible dive vacation where you can forget about your busy life and truly relax.

Explore Further

VISIT THE “ISLAND OF THE GODS”

You’ve traveled far to experience the spectacular diving, so why not add on to your stay and immerse yourself in Balinese Traditions and culture? Private guides are available to transport you to towering volcanoes, emerald-green rice paddies, Hindu temples, dazzling beaches and cultural dance performances. Wakatobi’s VIP Concierge service can help plan an unforgettable visit to Bali.

UNDERWATER ART, SCIENCE AND MAGIC

Experience a new dimension in diving on a Wakatobi “fluo dive.” During this unique night dive, you’ll use a special UV light that makes marine life glow in vibrant colors.

2025 Readers Choice Awards

Wakatobi Dive Resort and its on-site dive operation were voted to the top 10 in multiple categories, including Best Overall Dive Resort, Best Overall Dive Operator and Quality of Resort.