Misool & Wakatobi Safari

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Duration

Feb, Mar, Apr, May

Month

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Arguably two of Indonesia’s finest snorkeling destinations combined into one complete tour, our Misool & Wakatobi Safari is a once in a lifetime experience spread over 18 full days of adventure. We’ll be based out of Misool Eco Resort in the very south of Raja Ampat and Wakatobi Resort in the Wakatobi National Park just off of Sulawesi. Both locations offer something different in terms of the snorkeling experience. Our time in Raja Ampat will be spent surrounded by massive schools of fish, good possibilities of manta ray encounters and densely packed soft coral reefs that rise to the surface. In Wakatobi we can expect excellent visibility with endless coral reefs which play host to a huge range of marine life large and small. The main differences between the locations is the topography and reef structure but also in the make up and variety of the reefs themselves.

Misool Resort is a paradise brimming with pristine coral reefs and more exotic marine species than you possibly count in a single trip. The resort is exceptionally comfortable given its remote location. Because of the amazing conservation efforts taken on by the resort, the surrounding waters are extremely densely populated. This can be witnessed on the doorsteps of the resort with its abundant house reef and naturally occurring black tip reef shark nursery.

Wakatobi Resort is situated at the geographical center of the Coral Triangle, the most marine bio-diverse environment in the world. Wakatobi in particular is recognized as having the highest number of coral and fish species found anywhere on the planet and has a truly amazing house reef, which one can easily explore from the resort’s pier. The islands and reefs in the Wakatobi National Park have been preserved from the negative effects of large-scale tourism as the area is only accessible by private charter flight and liveaboard boats.

While both these areas can have some current, which brings in the nutrient-rich water that helps keep the reef alive and healthy, our local guides will choose protected sites, or appropriate times to enter the water to avoid being in current. If we are ever in a current, we will always drift with the water and not try to swim against it. You should be comfortable in the water with some upper body strength to climb back up the ladder onto the boat.

Marine Life Guide marine life guide Raja ampat

This tour is partnered with Misool Foundation. Find out how we support Misool Foundation via this tour here.

Please Note: The 2024 & 2025 itineraries are slightly different but still include 7 nights at Misool, several days in Bali, and 7 nights at Wakatobi, please enquire for details.

Day 1 - Arrive in Jakarta

Upon arrival at Jakarta International Airport (CGK) make your way to our Jakarta hotel where you can check-in and relax.

Meet your tour leader and group in the lobby for a late check-in for your flight to Sorong.

Day 2 - Transfer to Misool Resort

Upon arrival into Sorong, we will be met by Misool staff and transferred to the pier where we will board our boat to Misool. The boat ride can take 4-5 hours, but we have food and a loo on the boat, and a shaded area too. The beauty of this region is breathtaking above and below the water, so this transfer provides a great opportunity to see the beautiful islands jutting out from the bright blue waters.

Upon arrival at the resort we will check in to our bungalows, have lunch and an orientation, and then a snorkel on the house reef, before dinner.

Meals at Misool are served in the beautiful outdoor restaurant set over the water, with stunning views of the North Lagoon.

Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, while dinner is plated and served. Tea is served mid-afternoon when baked goods, savory, and sweet are served. The resort has a hydroponics lab and grows much of the ingredients we will eat right there. Other products are sourced from nearby local villages.

Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

Day 3 - 8 - Snorkeling from Misool Resort

Our days here will start with a delicious buffet breakfast, followed by a snorkel trip on the boat. Most the snorkel sites are between 10 and 30 minutes from the resort. We will then return back to the resort for a big buffet lunch and some downtime, before heading back out to another site. Each snorkel session will last between 60 – 90 minutes. We will always have boat support so you can take a break back on the boat if you wish. Local snorkel guides will be with us in the water and available to point out interesting creatures we may encounter.

We will also have plenty of opportunities to snorkel the expansive and healthy house reef, arguably one of the best in the world. Also highly recommended is a night snorkel or two- the reef completely transforms at night when the nocturnal creatures come out to hunt, including eels, sharks, cuttlefish, octopus, squid, crabs, shrimps…. the list is long.

Evenings, when not snorkeling, can be enjoyed at the bar with a soft drink or beer, looking at fish ID books or photos and reminiscing about all the fabulous things encountered each day.

Day 9 - Transfer to Sorong and overnight

After breakfast we check out and transfer back to Sorong, where we spend a relaxing evening at the Aston Hotel, in anticipation of our early morning flight to Bali.

Day 10 - 11 - Bali

Upon arrival in Bali we will transfer to Sanur, about 30 – 45 minutes from the airport. This lovely seaside town will be our base for our time in Bali.

After checking into the Griya Santrian, our home base for the couple of days we spend in Sanur. That first afternoon you are welcome to relax by the pool or enjoy the spa facilities, or walk arounf the beach, shops and restaurants. The following day we will offer a land tour to some of the incredible sites around Bali.

*Please note: The 2024 tour will use the Griya Santrian Resort in Sanur.

Day 12 - Transfer to Wakatobi Resort

After an early transfer to the airport, we check in for our charter flight to Wakatobi. We will then go to the VIP lounge for a light breakfast. Upon arriving at the private airstrip at Wakatobi, we check in, have some lunch and an orientation, with an optional house reef snorkel.

The house reef is famed for having the largest number of coral and fish species anywhere in the world. It is accessible off the resort’s pier, and we are able to snorkel it at our leisure.

Day 13 - 18 - Snorkeling from Wakatobi Resort

Our days here will start with a sumptuous breakfast buffet, followed by a snorkel session at one of the nearby sites. Here too we will have boat support and in-water local snorkel guides.

We return to the resort for a delicious lunch, which is served in large dishes that we can all share, as is the traditional “family style” eating of the Indonesian people.

Pristine shallow coral reef with snorkeler

After a break, we head back out for another snorkel session.

Some days we may do two morning sessions by boat and a scheduled house reef snorkel as not to miss anything on the awesome reef.

Night snorkels, as discussed above, are highly recommended.

Day 19 - Transfer to Bali

After a leisurely breakfast, we check out and take our charter flight back to Bali where we bid farewell to our new friends, and the tour ends.

Misool

One of the world’s most remote snorkel resorts, Misool Eco Resort is located on its own private island. The Water Cottages and villas on the north side of the lagoon rise on stilts over tranquil waters, shaded by limestone cliffs – each one with a set of steps that lead you into the water and the house reef which is just a few fin strokes away.

panorama of misool resort's rooms and balcony

The villas on the south side of the lagoon are set on a sandy pristine beach (and a couple nestled in the trees). At the end of a day’s snorkeling, you can kick back in the built-in hammock for sunset and stargazing. The restaurant is set back from a white sand beach and serves up a variety of western and Indonesian treats throughout the day.

Sankara Suites (2023 Tours Only)

Sankara Suite Guest Room

The Sankara Suites & Villas is located in Ubud, around 1.6 miles from Ubud Market and Ubud Palace. Featuring views of the valley and surrounding greenery, the resort houses an outdoor swimming pool and spacious suites decorated with Balinese elements. Each room has a terrace or balcony with a seating area and a private bathroom with toiletries and a bath. A continental or à la carte breakfast is available every morning at the property. Guests can enjoy American and Asian dishes at the restaurant or have a cocktail at the bar.

Griya Santrian (2024 & 2025 Tours)

Griya Santrian is located in the center of Sanur on the white sandy beach. It features an outdoor pool, a well-furnished spa, and elegant rooms with balconies. A continental or à la carte breakfast is available every morning at the property. Guests can enjoy American and Asian dishes at the restaurant or have a cocktail at the beach bar. The resort is conveniently located within walking distance to all the areas best restaurants, not to mention is right on a beach foot path so you can comfortably walk along the expansive beach.

Wakatobi

Despite it’s secluded location, the resort has beautiful luxurious accommodations built in tune with the environment using ethically and locally sourced materials and labor. The resort offers additional creature comforts like a full-service spa, a jetty cocktail bar with amazing sunset views, a small library and audio-visual room, and a souvenir shop.

Wakatobi Resort's rooms

The food at the resort is refined, and the professional chefs combine fresh ingredients to create a variety of Indonesian, Asian and International dishes.

All special dietary requirements will be catered for (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free etc).

Resort Guide

Snorkel Boats

Misool and wakatobi boats

Misool Resort: Spacious fiberglass speedboats with enough room to easily store snorkeling equipment. The boats do not have a toilet on board but do offer a full canopy for sun protection and a ladder to help exit the water. Distances from the resort average twenty-five minutes.

Wakatobi: Large wooden boats complete with gear up area and full canopy for sun protection. Marine toilets with showers are on all boats as well as freshwater bins for equipment and cameras. The average travel time from the resort to the sites is fifteen minutes. Exit the water via ladders on the side of the boat.

On this page you will find our Tour Dates & Pricing (see below contact form), a Booking Form and Details of Payment schedule including deposit and final balance. If you have any further questions please complete the form and we will reply within 24hrs – 48hrs.

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Tour Dates 2024

Please Note: The 2024 tour will use the Griya Santrian Resort in Sanur, instead of Sankara Suites.

4 – 22 April 2024

Tour Price: $10,575 USD per person

Tour Dates 2025

Please Note: The itineraries vary per tour- please enquire for more details.

23 February – 14 March 2025

Tour Price: $11,375 USD per person

11 – 28 April 2025

Tour Price: $11,175 USD per person

Single Supplement: On request

How to book your place

Initial deposit to secure your booking $800 per person

12 Months before departure interim deposit of $1500 per person

6 Months before departure interim deposit of $1000 per person

Balance due 3 months before departure

Misool Inclusions:

7 nights’ accommodation and full board (all meals) in a water cottage or south lagoon villa (North Lagoon Villas carry a surcharge)
1 night in a Jakarta hotel with transfers
1 night in Sorong Hotel with breakfast & transfers
Services of local snorkel guides
Entrance fees & marine park fees
12 boat snorkeling sessions over 7 days
Unlimited House Reef Snorkeling

Bali Inclusions:

2 nights at Griya Santrian Hotel with breakfast
Half-day Bali land tour

Wakatobi inclusions:

7 nights’ accommodation Ocean Bungalow and full board (all meals)
2 x 70 minutes boat snorkeling sessions per day for 6 days (12 boat snorkel sessions)
Unlimited House Reef Snorkeling
Free WiFi high speed internet access via satellite
24 hours tea / brewed coffee / hot chocolate/drinking water, and daily snacks
Aromatherapy bath products in all rooms
Optional Village Tour on last day

Travel inclusions:

All domestic flights, overland and sea transfers are included:

Jakarta – Misool – Bali – Wakatobi – Bali

Exclusions: