Wakatobi Diving Liveabaord - Southeast Sulawesi Travel Guides
Liveaboard Diving Wakatobi and Selayar 2008
From July until November M/V Ciska will cruise in the area of the Tukang Besi Islands in southeast Sulawesi. Even Jacques Cousteau was here in the eighties, declaring the area the "probably best diving in the world".
Well, from October onwards you will be able to find out if he was right. The time will be right, as it is the period between the monsoon seasons with very calm weather and usually a flat sea-surface. The area is also called Wakatobi, because the names of the big islands are Wangiwangi, Kaledupa, Tomian and Binongko.
The only other possibility to dive in the area is the expensive Wakatobi Dive Resort. Do not hesitate to compare prices!
The Ciska is a 1999 built wooden ship. It is 25 m long and the engine is 220 hp strong. The maximal speed is 10 knots and up to 10 persons can stay on the boat comfortably
Schedule for Wakatobi, Selayar, Komodo 2005 special trips (prices in EURO):
| Dive | Departure | From | Arrival | To | Availability | Days | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makassar | 06.09.2005 | Makassar | 15.09.2005 | Makassar | 10 | €1119 | |
| Wakatobi, Selayar, Bira | 20.09.2005 | Bira | 29.09.2005 | Kendari | 10 | €1119 | |
| Wakatobi | 04.10.2005 | Kendari | 13.10.2005 | Kendari | 10 | €1119 | |
| Wakatobi, Selayar, Bira | 18.10.2005 | Kendari | 27.10.2005 | Bira | 10 | €1119 | |
| Bira, Selayar, Komodo | 01.11.2005 | Bira | 10.11.2005 | Sape | 10 | €1119 | |
| Komodo, | 15.11.2005 | Sape | 24.11.2005 | Bira | 10 | €1119 |
Details:
The second, third and fourth trip are the classical Wakatobi cruises between the monsoon seasons. Very often the sea is flat like a pancake and you will be able to dive at dive sites which are inaccessible during most of the year.
Trip no. 5 and 6 will cover some of the best diving in Indonesia. The third trip starts in Bira and follows the east coast of Selayar to the south with excellent diving on the way and there is always a chance to see big pelagics on the way. It continues to the east with diving near the famous Takabonerate Atoll and ends in the Komodo National Park. Tthe fourth trip is just the other way round.
The package includes unlimited diving plus dive master (tanks and weights incl.), all meals, coffee/tea, drinking water, normal liveaboard service and island excursions. There is a minimum of three dives a day. So you can reckon with at least 30 dives during a 10 days trip.
Not included are all flights, hotel and transfer costs, soft drinks, beer and the national park fee for the Komodo and Selayar National Park.
The itinerary may be changed due to weather conditions. There is no guarantee that all destinations and possible dive spots may be reached. Safety first!
Minimum dive experience for this trip:
At least 50 dives, Padi Advanced Open Water or CMAS** or equivalent qualification.
There are 10 places available. Early booking is advisable. Last year the trips were booked up very soon.
