A Guided Snorkeling Adventure to Two of the World’s Most Extraordinary Underwater Wonderlands
March 27 – April 14, 2023
November 17 – December 5, 2023
April 4-22, 2024
We highly recommend joining this once in a lifetime Misool and Wakatobi snorkeling trip in Indonesia. This extraordinary 19 day adventure combines two of arguably the best snorkeling destinations on Earth, in one amazing trip, with a couple days of relaxation in beautiful Bali in the middle. Misool is in Raja Ampat, and is our favorite snorkeling destination ever. And Wakatobi, southeast of Sulawesi, is very high on our list of places to visit next and extremely well regarded by experienced snorkelers.
Both of these resorts are within the famed geographic area known as the Coral Triangle, home to the greatest marine biodiversity in the world. You will see more fish and coral species on this trip than anywhere else.
The very remote Misool Eco Resort is the crown jewel of the southern area of Raja Ampat. This resort supports incredible conservation efforts that protect a 500 square mile Marine Protected Area and No Take Zone.
Wakatobi is in the geographical center of the Coral Triangle, off southeastern Sulawesi Island. The Wakatobi National Park is renowned for having some of the richest, healthiest and most bio-diverse reefs to be found on Earth.
Where Are Misool and Wakatobi and What Is the Itinerary for This Trip?
Misool and Wakatobi are in Indonesia, and both are within the Coral Triangle.
Misool Eco Resort is on a small island in a very remote southern section of Raja Ampat.
Wakatobi Resort is on a small island southeast of Sulawesi.
For this trip you will fly into Jakarta, where you will have a room at the Jakarta Airport Hotel. You will meet your group, rest, and take a late flight to Sorong.
Once in Sorong you will be transferred to the Misool Eco Resort on their own large and comfortable enclosed motor boat. You will spend seven nights at Misool, before heading back to Sorong, for one more night there.
You will then fly from Sorong to Bali, to spend two nights relaxing and enjoying the arts and culture of Ubud.
Next you will fly to Wakatobi where you will spend seven more nights.
Finally you will fly back to Bali, your final destination. You can head home from Bali, or extend your trip.
What Is Misool Like?
Misool’s reefs are absolutely brimming with life. Thanks to their conservation efforts it is one of the rare places where sea life is not only flourishing, but has increased in health and diversity in recent years.
Right off the docks you can see schools of trevally and Bumphead Parrotfish. Green turtles and walking sharks are common. Take it from us.
In 2020 we experienced likely the best snorkeling of our lives at Misool, and we started donating monthly to their conservation foundation, because we were so impressed with the good they are doing. It is extraordinary!
Many of the underwater pictures on this page we took during that trip.
Watch the movie below, to get a sense for what Misool is all about.
“There is greater biodiversity — that is to say, a larger number and greater diversity of fish, coral, and mollusks on these reefs than anywhere on earth. A single football field-sized patch of Misool’s reefs has nearly five times the number of coral species as the entire Caribbean Sea.” – Marine biologist Dr Mark Erdmann
This adventure will not lack for snorkeling variety, or time in the water!
Unlimited Beach Snorkeling
Because you are staying at Misool Eco Resort you will have the opportunity to snorkel right from the beaches, to your heart’s content. As you can see in the picture below there is a north lagoon, a south lagoon, and the reef to either side of the dock to snorkel. We found the house reef snorkeling to be exceptional. There are areas full of healthy corals, with fish in the thousands. Seeing small reef sharks and turtles is common.
Many Snorkel Boat Trips Included
Over the course of your stay at Misool you will have 12 snorkel boat sessions. These adventures take your snorkeling only group out to a variety of neighboring shallow reefs and walls that are as spectacular as the house reef. Most of these boat rides are only 5-15 minutes away.
Night Snorkeling
You will also have the opportunity to do some guided night snorkeling at the resort.
You will see a huge variety of hard and soft corals, and just clouds of fish, including large schools of Bumphead Parrotfish, and a very high chance of seeing giant Manta Rays at a nearby cleaning station.
Beautiful Misool Accommodations and Fantastic Food All Included
You will be spending seven nights at Misool Eco Resort. The resort was built entirely with reclaimed wood using their own saw mills on site. Your group will be staying in the Water Cottages around the North Lagoon. That means your room is right over the water, with your own steps down into a shallow lagoon with great snorkeling. And when you have a desire to hang out on a beach, you can venture over to South Beach. It is one of the most picturesque beaches we have ever been on.
Your room will have air-conditioning, an open air private bathroom with hot water, and a veranda with lounges.
All food is included, and served at the beach-front restaurant. You can expect Asian and Western cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh, local, organic produce, and fish line-caught outside their no-take zone. They can accommodate dietary needs and restrictions with advance notice. There are four meals served a day (second breakfast anyone?), plus snacks, and afternoon tea. Alcohol is an extra cost item, and pork is not served.
You may also choose to partake in the resort’s wellness spa treatments at The Lookout or in your own room. They offer massage and beauty treatments that feature their signature products, created every morning in their kitchen.
Relax and Enjoy the Arts and Cultural Sites of Bali
After your time in Misool and one night in Sorong, you will spend two nights in Bali at The Sankara Suites and Villas, which is in Ubud, Bali’s cultural hub.
This will be a time to relax at your stunning suite, enjoy the local art scene, the wonderful and varied restaurants, and the surrounding forests.
You can also choose to go on an optional day land tour of the surrounding sites, including local temples and rice terraces.
What Is Wakatobi Like?
After a refreshing break in Bali you are off for the last stage of this once in a lifetime snorkeling adventure, Wakatobi!
The resort is located within the Wakatobi National Park, a UNESCO Marine Biosphere Reserve. It’s the third largest marine park in Indonesia, and has been described by Jacques Cousteau as “Underwater Nirvana”.
Situated at the geographical center of the Coral Triangle, the waters in this archipelago are among the most bio-diverse in the world. Wakatobi has high numbers of coral and fish species, so the reefs are a joy to explore.
Wakatobi Resort is an ideal base for a snorkel tour. You have unlimited access to the house reef during your stay and two 90-minute boat snorkeling sessions per day for six days.
The underwater topography found around the resort makes it ideal for snorkeling with a shallow shelf which hosts seagrass and mini coral bommies – providing refuge for filefish, anthias, juvenile triggerfish, and critters like Blue Ring Octopus and frogfish. It is common to snorkel with cuttlefish, and to see pipefish on the shallow house reef.
Head to the reef crest for the liveliest section of marine life, including reef fish in abundance. This is where fish life congregates and schools together before the wall plunges to the depths.
Out in the blue there are possibilities of larger pelagic species and cruising turtles.
Surely one of the most impressive house reefs for any resort location in the world, this magnificent wall and reef top offers flexible snorkeling opportunities throughout the day and night.
Like Misool, your time at Wakatobi will be packed with snorkeling opportunities.
Unlimited House Reef Beach Snorkeling
Wakatobi has one of the best house reefs for snorkeling anywhere in the world. And you will have unlimited access to that house reef right off the beach in front of your Ocean Bungalow.
12 x 90-Minute Boat Snorkel Trips
Although the house reef is magnificent, there is an entire national marine park to explore. So your group and leader will head out on a snorkel boat twice each day to explore neighboring reefs, each with their own unique marine life and underwater topography.
Night Snorkeling
You will also have the opportunity to do some night snorkeling at the resort around the wharf.
Wakatobi Accommodations and Dining
Wakatobi Resort is completely secluded. You reach it by both a charted flight from Bali, which lands on a private airstrip, followed by a short speed boat ride.
Despite its location, the resort offers beautiful, luxurious accommodation built in tune with the environment using ethically and locally sourced materials and labor. They also offer other creature comforts like a full-service spa.
All food is included, and served at the Beach Restaurant. 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.).
And at the end of the day, the Jetty Bar offers the ideal location to take in a wonderful Wakatobi sunset and watch the stars come out, along with your favorite drink – be it cocktail, wine, beer or juice.
Trip Details and How to Sign Up
We expect this trip to fill quickly. Your spot is reserved with your deposit. Contact Ben below for deposit instructions.
2023 Trip Dates:
March 27 – April 14 – One double occupancy south lagoon villa available.
November 17 – December 5 – Trip full, request to be waitlisted below.
2023 Trip Price:
$10,375 US per person
2024 Trip Date:
April 4-22 – One male south lagoon villa share space available.
2024 Trip Price:
$10,575 US per person
The initial deposit for this trip is $800 US per person. At 12 months before departure there is a $1500 US per person interim deposit. There is a second interim deposit of $1000 due six months before departure. The final balance will be due three months before departure. A few payment options are available including debit and credit cards.
Individual travelers – Ben will happily find someone of the same sex for you to share a room with to avoid the single person supplement. If he cannot find you someone, no single supplement surcharge will apply.
Misool Inclusions:
- 1 night Jakarta Airport Hotel with transfers
- Domestic flights in Economy class with 20 kg/44 lbs baggage (Jakarta – Sorong – Bali)
- 7 nights accommodation in a Water Cottage at Misool Eco Resort with full board (all meals) and refreshments
- Unlimited house reef snorkeling
- 12 boat snorkeling sessions
- Services of local snorkel guides
- Free local use of kayaks and stand up paddle boards
- Government tax and Marine Park Fees – approximately $100 US per person
- 1 night Swiss BelHotel Sorong with breakfast & transfers
Bali Inclusions:
- 2 nights The Sankara Suites and Villas, Valley Suite accommodation with breakfast
- Ubud Land Tour
Wakatobi Inclusions:
- Domestic flights in Economy class with 20 kg/44 lbs baggage (Bali – Wakatobi – Bali)
- 7 nights accommodation in Ocean Bungalow and full board (all meals)
- Unlimited House Reef Snorkeling
- 2 x 90 minutes boat snorkeling sessions over 6 days (12 boat snorkel sessions)
- Free WiFi high speed internet access via satellite
- 24 hours tea / brewed coffee / hot chocolate / drinking water, and daily snacks
- Optional Village Tour on last day
Exclusions
- International flights
- Lunch and dinner in Ubud, Bali
- Snorkel equipment
- Tips
- WiFi at Misool Resort (available for a fee but limited)
- Travel insurance
- Spa services
Trip Organizers
Ben and his U.K. based team are the organizers of this trip (more about them below). Galen & Nicole from TropicalSnorkeling.com are promoting this trip, but all sign ups, trip organization and payments are made to and managed by Ben’s team. TropicalSnorkeling.com does receive a referral fee in exchange for promoting the trip, at no extra cost to attendees.
How to Sign Up or Learn More?
Use the contact form below to contact Ben and his team to request more information about them and express your interest in signing up. They will get back to you shortly with full details.
More About Ben and Our Partnership
Ben (pictured with Nicole) is our friend and snorkeling trips partner. He and his team are based in the U.K. and have over 20 years of experience guiding in Asia and beyond. He has been running his own business since 2010 and is primarily offering guided snorkeling trips, but he started with diving. He began offering snorkeling specific trips because he was aware that snorkelers often get the short end of the stick when thrown in with divers. He and his team love the freedom and low stress of snorkeling, and are very aware of the different needs of snorkelers versus divers, in terms of the reef depth, and calm surface conditions needed.
From our experience going on one of his snorkeling trips we found it very well organized, the guides were fantastic and very helpful, and the underwater experiences were exceptional. Snorkeling groups really get the benefit of all of Ben and his guides’ years of experience in the water, and with different resorts and liveaboards.
All of his trips are small groups of 12-18 guests, or with a similar ratio of snorkelers to guides. And for where they visit, and how packed they are with experiences, they are affordable.
His company is licensed and insured. Barring extreme circumstances they do not cancel trips, and all funds are held in a trust until the trip is completed giving you 100% financial security if they or any of their suppliers go out of business before the trip happens.
Learn More About the Resort
The Sankara Suites and Villas – Ubud, Bali
Completed Trip Dates
November 24 – December 12, 2022