Mossman,
I have complete confidence that you are going to enjoy your trip to Wakatobi, I certainly have. You are going at the best time of year, so the dive conditions shold be very good.
As I think about your trip, two thoughts come to mind. First, you mentioned doing some solo diving on the house reef. This is possible, but Wakatobi requires that you be an instructor, have a solo diver certification and dive with a pony (they can rent/loan this to you). These requirements are enforced, so if you do not meet them, you will need to find a buddy. In my experience, finding a buddy to dive on the house reef is pretty easy...there is always somebody who wants to go and the folks in the dive operation will help you connect with him/her.
The other comment is just a suggestion on the flight from Bali to Wakatobi. Usually they run two planes...request that you be on the first flight. The first flight typically goes non-stop and gets you to the resort earlier, providing you with time - if you want - to do a check-out dive on the day of arrival. The second flight is more frequently delayed and sometimes needs to make a stop along the way. All of this translates into a later arrival at the resort.
Oh, a few other things. Wakatobi VI is a bit bigger than the other dive boats. You may want to ask to be on it. Also Kaori, a nice Japanese woman, is an excellent dive guide.
Have fun,
Jason
I have complete confidence that you are going to enjoy your trip to Wakatobi, I certainly have. You are going at the best time of year, so the dive conditions shold be very good.
As I think about your trip, two thoughts come to mind. First, you mentioned doing some solo diving on the house reef. This is possible, but Wakatobi requires that you be an instructor, have a solo diver certification and dive with a pony (they can rent/loan this to you). These requirements are enforced, so if you do not meet them, you will need to find a buddy. In my experience, finding a buddy to dive on the house reef is pretty easy...there is always somebody who wants to go and the folks in the dive operation will help you connect with him/her.
The other comment is just a suggestion on the flight from Bali to Wakatobi. Usually they run two planes...request that you be on the first flight. The first flight typically goes non-stop and gets you to the resort earlier, providing you with time - if you want - to do a check-out dive on the day of arrival. The second flight is more frequently delayed and sometimes needs to make a stop along the way. All of this translates into a later arrival at the resort.
Oh, a few other things. Wakatobi VI is a bit bigger than the other dive boats. You may want to ask to be on it. Also Kaori, a nice Japanese woman, is an excellent dive guide.
Have fun,
Jason