l.babcock 2 Posted April 28, 2008 SDI offers a solo certification, they are a division of TDI. someplaces require it to dive solo. it requires you to dive with a redundant air supply. (pony bottle, doubles.ect} Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scubaskeeter 3 Posted April 29, 2008 Diving "The Blade" alone is worth any hassles. I did not stay at Wakatobi, but was on a liveaboard and that site is fabulous in fish and geology. Have fun!! OK, I'll be at Wakatobi in less than two months with my fiancee who has never dived Indo waters before. I figured Wakatobi would be a good jumping-off point for her Indo experience, being a novice diver.I have been reading mucho negative feedback regarding Wakatobi recently....and honestly, I am getting worried. Fortunately, we will be spending some top-side time in Ubud and in the highlands of Sulawesi with the Toraja. Can anybody lift my dwindling enthusiasm with some positives about Wakatobi? (At this point, even if you have to exaggerate I'll be satisfied eg, the desserts are pretty good, etc...) Thanks... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hoovermd 0 Posted April 29, 2008 Just got back from Wakatobi... can't say enough positive about it. We are mostly liveaboard divers so are pretty spoiled. Sure, folks can find something to bitch about anywhere but here are the major positive points for me: 1) 70 mins off a boat is plenty. Remember that there are other folks on the boat too 2) The reefs are so healthy it was hard to find a safe "finger spot". 3) The house reef is available from 6AM-10PM It is nice for photos when the current isn't ripping. It is a really fun ride when it is! 4) Viz was decent to good Took only Macro lenses so as not to be disappointed. 5) DMs are great. If you want to follow, do so... if you want to go off with your buddy you can do that too. The function of the guide is "critter spotter" not baby sitter. 6) Boat Crews were happy and helpful Cameras were handled professionally and with great care. 7) Camera room was secure, comfortable and had plenty of space. 8) Diving was on a civilized schedule. Briefings for the 2 AM dives at 7:40AM and the PM dive at 2:40PM 9) The Jetty Bar was nice, and the booze was not too expensive when you consider that it is a small island. 10) The locals at Wakatobi (and Bali for that matter) were soooo happy to see us. Not too common nowadays given the shitty U.S. Foreign Policy. 11) Critter life on the reef was pretty good. 12) Few biting bugs Even the mosquito lure wife unit didn't get too many bites The bites I got didn't itch much (not at all like the Peruvian mosquitoes) Don't bother packing gloves as they are not allowed. Now for the negatives: 1) 110V power is clean but somehow funky. Batteries took a long time to charge My Maha charger fully charged batteries only on the refresh cycle, not the charge one. 2) The concept of vegetarian is understood but the variety leaves a bit to be desired The resort is comprised mostly of Swiss & Germans and veggie isn't a big culture there It was hard to get a complete protein mix each day but they try to accommodate If you like Tofu and brown sauce you can have that each day if you like. Would I go back? Probably so, but there are so many places in the world to explore Here is one of the shots we took: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Graham Abbott 0 Posted May 18, 2008 For quite some time I've been hearing a few rumours that Wakatobi are indeed becoming more regulated than when I was managed the resort over 6 years ago. Now they have up to 50 divers there at one time so they have to regulate things more to keep it safe for numbers like that. I managed the resort over 6 years ago now and sadly ended my employ there on very bad terms though no hard feelings or vibes between us now! I can say that anyone who has never been to Indonesia will be blown away with Wakatobi resort and the diving offered there. For those who’ve travelled a lot in Indonesia and dived with a few of the better live aboard operators you may think Wakatobi is not as good! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMW 0 Posted May 18, 2008 For quite some time I've been hearing a few rumours that Wakatobi are indeed becoming more regulated than when I was managed the resort over 6 years ago. Now they have up to 50 divers there at one time so they have to regulate things more to keep it safe for numbers like that.I managed the resort over 6 years ago now and sadly ended my employ there on very bad terms though no hard feelings or vibes between us now! I can say that anyone who has never been to Indonesia will be blown away with Wakatobi resort and the diving offered there. For those who’ve travelled a lot in Indonesia and dived with a few of the better live aboard operators you may think Wakatobi is not as good! Good to know. I will be at Wakatobi next month... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
c6 cowboy 0 Posted May 19, 2008 Damn!!! Just give me your ticket and I will take your spot! Relax, have fun and be glad you can still dive... jke Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scubarews 2 Posted May 23, 2008 I just saw your post, but we had a great time at Wakatobi and found the diving relaxed. They do have rules, but that is because they unfortunately have had some divers that have damaged the reef and they are very protective of it. Sort of like a mother would be of her kid. I wrote a detailed trip report you can find on my website at www.scubarews.com. Just scroll down on the home page for the link. You will love Ubud, but those monkeys are a little aggressive. You must have the crispy Duck! Don't worry about it, you will have a great time. Ron Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
