Diving in Southeast Sulawesi
The southeast region of Sulawesi, Indonesia is home to some of the most spectacular diving in the entire world. The diversity of marine life found here is as astounding as the water is clear. Out of the 143 islands that make up this area, only 7 are inhabited. A true tropical paradise covered in picturesque white sand beaches and colorful reefs, Sulawesi is as pristine and remote as it gets. The dive sites found here are what every scuba diver dreams of. The most famous area of Southeast Sulawesi is Wakatobi, which now has a National Park covering the entire district and makes up 900,000 hectares of reef, all teaming with life. In fact, Wakatobi has been recognized as having the highest number of reef and fish species on the planet. Because of this incredible diversity of marine life set against a beautiful backdrop of huge pinnacles and spectacular ledges and overhangs, famous underwater photographers make the trek out here year after year. The warmest water temperatures occurring in October but are always in the 29-33 degree C range. Many divers choose to travel here in July and August when the air temperatures are the coolest. No matter when you choose to come, diving in Southeast Sulawesi is sure to be the dive trip of a lifetime!
Dive Sites in Southeast Sulawesi
Aquatic Life in Southeast Sulawesi
Being known as one of, if not the most biodiverse marine areas in the world, Southeast Sulawesi offers scuba divers the opportunity to dive in the most aquarium-like conditions on the planet. In fact, Wakatobi is home to over 900 different species of fish and 750 different coral species. This combination makes for one colorful and active reef! Besides the incredible biodiversity, photographers flock here year after year for the amazing macro-life. Look closely for pygmy seahorses, ghost pipefish, ribbon eels, frogfish, and neon colored nudibranchs. Even though Southeast Sulawesi isn’t famous for large wildlife encounters, you’ll still see plenty of schooling barracuda, blacktip, whitetip, and grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and hawksbill sea turtles.