Wakatobi or Maldives in mid-May?

[rye_a]

My wife and I are in the initial phase of planning a mid-May 2-week trip for our 50th birthdays. We are both avid divers. Right now, the two places in contention are Wakatobi and someplace comparable in the Maldives (no resort selected yet). It appears to me that the conditions that time of year are better in Indonesia, and that it may be a little early for mantas in the Maldives. Despite all this, my wife seems to prefer the idea of the Maldives, partially because she has already been to Indonesia for a non diving visit.

Any thoughts or additional information that you can share about these locations that time of year?

Thanks!

 

[CWK]

If I’m not mistaken, you have to go through Bali to get to Wakatobi. You may like to know that Mt Lewotobi in East Flores has not been behaving since December 2023. Bali airport was affected in Nov 24 and again in March 25.

There is just a small possibility that there may be travel interruptions in May.

Bali airport closure

 

[rmorgan]

If you’re thinking of Wakatobi resort, vs a different accommodation in the region, and you mean May of this year, I’d be surprised if they have any room. Might be checking before you spin wheels. Re Maldives, we haven’t been, but my understanding is conditions are rougher in late spring/summer. FWIW, Backscatter’s travel arm, Underexposures dot com, has a “May in the Maldives” on its calendar. Also FWIW, while opinions may diverge, Wajatobi’s worth the wait.

 

[leggera84]

My wife and I are in the initial phase of planning a mid-May 2-week trip for our 50th birthdays. We are both avid divers. Right now, the two places in contention are Wakatobi and someplace comparable in the Maldives (no resort selected yet). It appears to me that the conditions that time of year are better in Indonesia, and that it may be a little early for mantas in the Maldives. Despite all this, my wife seems to prefer the idea of the Maldives, partially because she has already been to Indonesia for a non diving visit.

Any thoughts or additional information that you can share about these locations that time of year?

Thanks!

Hi rye_a,

as far as I know it is regarding the weather transition time in both countries. Especially the beginning of May I have had however fantastic weather and some of my best dives in Maldives. Below an interesting blog about seasons and other diving related topics in Maldives:

Diving in Maldives: The ultimate guide about Reef, Season & Atolls

Being married myself, I would very much recommend to visit Maldives. Compared to Dive Resorts in Indonesia, there are simply more things to do for my wife if she doesn't want to go diving...

I hope the above is helpful for you. Enjoy your holiday!

 

[Blackcrusader]

I am going to Maldives for three weeks in May. Should be fun.

 

[leggera84]

I am going to Maldives for three weeks in May. Should be fun.

Wow, that sounds great. Are you staying in one place or are you trying different spots?

 

[Blackcrusader]

Wow, that sounds great. Are you staying in one place or are you trying different spots?

Fuvamullah Island for 12 diving days then back to Male for one week of diving.

 

[BoltSnap]

Fuvamullah Island for 12 diving days then back to Male for one week of diving.

Do they have good diving from shore, or is it all boat diving?

 

[Blackcrusader]

Do they have good diving from shore, or is it all boat diving?

All boat diving in Fuv Island. I think same in Male in the main island we will be at.