For those who know us, this is a kind of "back home" cruise in an area that we very well know because we started our operation, in early 2000, in these areas of Sulawesi.
Two itineraries that visit the East coast of Sulawesi and the Togian islands and end in Luwuk. Beautiful dive sites on the East coast in the areas of Ratatotok, Tanjung Flesko, and Gorontalo (fabulous walls and whale sharks !). We then dive the best spots of the Togian islands, especially around the islands of Una2. the two last days are spent in the Tompotika area where Wallacea recently set up a dive resort, Tompotika Dive Lodge, just because we found there, spots that are among of the best dive sites of Indonesia!
Located in the heart of the Asia-Pacific Coral Triangle, in South-East Sulawesi Province, the Wakatobi Islands offer crystal clear waters and underwater life rich in biodiversity, a real paradise for divers. hearts in the World Coral Triangle stretching from the Solomon Islands in the Pacific to Wakatobi and the North to the Philippines. Wakatobi alone would have 900 species of fish and 700 species of coral reefs out of a total of 900 of the world's collections.
WAKATOBI is an acronym for the islands WA-ngi Wangi, KA-ledupa, TO-mia, and BI-nongko. Celebrated for having some of the diving and snorkeling spots in the world. Come here for an enriching experience where you can explore a breathtaking environment, enjoy unique food and culture and have refreshing activities.
The incredible marine diversity and reefs of Wakatobi attract divers and apnea enthusiasts from around the world. With more than 750 different species of coral and 942 species of fish, Wakatobi has the largest number of reef fish species ever recorded. It is the world's second-largest barrier reef on a spectacular 1.4 million ha - of which 900,000 are tropical coral reefs. The varied and colorful marine life in these crystal clear waters with drop-offs, breathtaking cliffs make these underwater places a superb diving destination like no other.
In the village of Mola located on Wangi-Wangi Island, lies a community unique in their way of life and history. These are the Bajo people who believe they are direct descendants of the sea. Formerly known as nomadic "gypsies of the sea", members are educated from childhood in a spirit of hunting and also the preservation of the ocean. They have also developed incredible skills such as walking on the bottom of the ocean and diving at depths of 25 to 50 meters without the aid of diving equipment. It is said that Bajo can survive for months at sea without any provisions or modern equipment. In the past, they lived only on "soppeks" (wooden boats) in nomadic mode. Today they are rather sedentary in traditional floating habitats. With the help of a local guide, visitors have the privilege of traveling the canals between these homes and sharing a first-hand experience of the Bajo way of life.
Anano Beach, or known as the beach with a thousand turtles, is the perfect destination to observe sea turtles in their natural habitat. The incredible white sand beach is home to two types of sea turtles, Honu (green turtles) and Koila (hawksbill turtle). Hopefully, visitors will have the opportunity to see these charming turtles spawn, hatch, and migrate to the sea. The best time to observe the egg-laying is during the full moon where green turtles usually gather on the shore. prepare to lay their eggs in the early hours of the morning. This enchanting beach is not only a favorite of sea turtle lovers but also a popular place for divers and sunbeds.
The surrealistic beauty of Lake Sombano, located in the village of Sombano on Kaledupa Island is absolutely breathtaking. The vast, dense and green mangrove forest is unique in this region and the tranquil saltwater lake in the center of this delightfully picturesque forest is filled with bright red crustaceans that can be seen from the surface. Besides the magical mangroves, the lake is surrounded by a variety of beautiful orchids and fragrant pandanus leaves. This lake is considered sacred by locals and swimming in the lake is possible but discouraged, as local folklore indicates, a mystical black crocodile lives there.