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Wakatobi National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Wakatobi National Park, located in the Southeast Sulawesi province of Indonesia, encompasses approximately 1.39 million hectares of marine territory. Established in 1996, the park was designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2012. Its name is an acronym derived from the four primary islands of the archipelago: Wangi-Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko. This region is a cornerstone of the Coral Triangle, hosting an extraordinary density of marine life, including 750 of the world's 850 known coral species. The park contains diverse habitats such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves, which are vital for maintaining regional fish stocks. The indigenous Bajau people, traditionally known as sea nomads, have inhabited these waters for generations, maintaining a deep cultural connection to the marine environment.

Location: Indonesia
Nearby: Wakatobi (39 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	28	28	28	29	28	28	27	26	27	28	29	29
Rain mm	208	187	189	171	176	163	77	29	26	37	87	205

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Wakatobi is primarily accessed via flights to Matahora Airport on Wangi-Wangi Island, followed by local boat charters or dedicated liveaboard vessels to reach the diverse remote diving locations.

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Best season

The best diving conditions are typically found from March to May and September to November, offering the calmest seas, clearest underwater visibility, and most pleasant tropical weather patterns.

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Terrain & paths

The area consists mostly of open ocean and scattered small islands surrounded by extensive, highly diverse coral reef systems, underwater drop-offs, and shallow coastal seagrass beds.

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What to bring

High-quality snorkeling or scuba diving equipment is absolutely essential, alongside reef-safe sunscreen, lightweight tropical clothing, and motion sickness medication for prolonged boat transfers.

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Parking

Car parking is only relevant at the mainland departure ports or the regional airport. Once in the archipelago, all inter-island and reef travel is conducted exclusively via local motorized boats.

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Safety

Divers must be acutely aware of strong, unpredictable ocean currents along the reef walls. Always follow your divemaster's instructions and ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance covering diving.

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Time needed

To fully appreciate the immense underwater biodiversity across multiple islands, most visitors plan an extended stay ranging from four days to over a week, often based at a specialized dive resort.

Geography

Coordinates

-5.58330, 123.91670

Facts

Total area spans 1.39 million hectares of land and sea.
Home to more than 940 recorded species of fish.
Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2012.
Approximately 750 different coral species are found here.
Located in the Tukang Besi archipelago off Southeast Sulawesi.
Contains the second largest barrier reef system in the world.

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does the name mean?

Acronym for Wangi-Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko islands.

Is it expensive?

It is considered a more exclusive and premium diving destination.

How do you get there?

Flights to Wangi-Wangi from Makassar or Kendari.

How many coral species?

Over 750 of the world's 850 known coral species are here.

Can you see whales?

Yes, sperm whales migrate through these waters seasonally.

Wakatobi National Park: where is it located?

Wakatobi National Park is located in Indonesia.

Wakatobi National Park: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.

Wakatobi National Park: why is it worth visiting?

Wakatobi National Park, located in the Southeast Sulawesi province of Indonesia, encompasses approximately 1.39 million hectares of marine territory.

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