An extraordinary tour featuring two of Indonesia’s best destinations for pristine reefs, critters, and Mola Mola
Trip Overview
Join us on this amazing snorkeling adventure to two of the Coral Triangle’s most pristine regions. The tour combines the hyper-rich reefs of Wakatobi with the shallows filled with critters of Alor.
During this trip exclusively for snorkelers, we will have the opportunity to visit a variety of snorkeling environments, including dense and colorful coral reefs, black sand with critters, and open sea areas where cool thermoclines draw Mola Mola up from the deep.
Trip Highlights
- Discover some of the greatest marine biodiversity on the planet! Exploring the two regions of Wakatobi and Alor, each with some of the most biodiverse seas in the Coral Triangle, will allow you to spot hundreds of reef fish and invertebrates, and countless types of corals, sponges, and sea fans along 26 guided snorkeling sessions on our dedicated boats.
- Our first stop will be at the Alami Alor, a boutique hotel on the remote Indonesian island of Alor, fully chartered for our group. Most of visited locations will be pristine coral plateaux and drop-offs where reef life thrives, but we will also explore several muck snorkeling spots to look for seahorses, rhinopias, wunderpus octopus and frogfish. In the Pantar Strait, we will have high chances to swim with Mola Mola as they paddle along on the surface.
- Our second stop will be in South Sulawesi, where we will be based at the Wakatobi Resort, dedicated to marine conservation and centered in its own UNESCO-designated national park. The Wakatobi Resort showcases the famed marine biodiversity of the region, and you can expect healthy coral in abundance, a rainbow of reef fish, and easy sea turtle encounters.
- All participants to this tour will be accommodated in waterfront bungalows, featuring sea view and easy water access, at both boutique resorts. Each resort has an amazing house reef, allowing for unlimited underwater exploration between the boat tours.
Trip Itinerary
Pick up at Jakarta Airport and transfer to our hotel. Group dinner and night in Jakarta.
We will be flying together to Alor and will be transferred by road to the Alami Alor. Check-in and guided snorkeling on the house reef.
During 6 full days, we will explore the reefs surrounding the Pantar Strait with our dedicated boats and have 2 snorkel sessions a day (90 minutes each). On one of the evenings, we will have dusk/night snorkeling on the house reef to observe the Mandarinfish and other nocturnal species.
Road transfer to Alor airport and flight back to Jakarta. Free day in Jakarta.
Flight from Jakarta to Bali, group dinner and night in Bali.
We will be flying together to Wakatobi and will be transferred by road and boat to the Wakatobi Resort. Check in and snorkeling on the house reef.
During 6 days, we will explore the reefs of the Wakatobi Marine Park. During 4 days, we will do 3 70-minute snorkel sessions with our dedicated boat per day. We will have one day free to enjoy the house reef and other activities, and another free day with night snorkeling in the evening to observe nocturnal species.
Transfer to Wakatobi airstrip and flight back to Bali.
Accommodation
This trip combines two of the most famous dive resorts in Indonesia: the Wakatobi Resort and the Alami Alor. We will spend 7 nights in each resort.
Accommodation at Alami Alor
For the 1st part of the trip, we fully chartered the Alami Alor, a boutique hotel with only 8 bungalows on the remote Indonesian island of Alor. Alami Alor offers personalized service, waterfront bungalows, and a relaxed, family‑style atmosphere. Surrounded by lush forest and clear waters, it’s an ideal base for exploring vibrant coral reefs and muck sites.
Beachfront Bungalows
All bungalows at Alami Alor are beachfront and feature a full glass ocean-facing frontage, air conditioning, a ceiling fan, a wardrobe & computer desk. The en-suite open-air bathroom with a fresh, hot-water rain shower offers an aerial view of the tropical forest canopy. All bungalows can be arranged with one double bed or twin beds.
Accommodation at Wakatobi Resort
For the second part of the trip, we will spend 7 nights at the Wakatobi Resort. Wakatobi Resort is a world-renowned eco-resort set in a remote corner of Southeast Sulawesi, surrounded by a pristine private marine reserve. Known for its exceptional service and conservation efforts, the resort offers effortless access to vibrant reefs, making it a paradise for snorkeling and underwater exploration.
Ocean Bungalow
At the Wakatobi Resort, all participants will be accommodated in Ocean Bungalows. Ocean Bungalows have private ocean views and commodious front porches with comfortable lounge beds. All have indoor bathrooms and spacious Asian spa-style outdoor showers. Ocean Bungalows can be arranged with one double bed or twin beds.
House Reef
On this trip to Alor and Wakatobi, you will enjoy unlimited snorkeling on the two resorts’ house reefs, some of the most pristine in all of Indonesia.
The house reef at Wakatobi Resort
Wakatobi’s house reef can be divided into several areas, each with its own character.
The main highlights of Wakatobi Resort’s house reef are its shallow coral gardens close to shore and its spectacular reef drop-off. Snorkelers enjoy a diversity of corals, sponges, and sea fans, as well as hundreds of fish and invertebrate species such as Anemonefish, Lionfish, Cuttlefish, Parrotfish, and massive Snappers. Several Green and Hawksbill Turtles call the reef home.
The shallow seagrass meadows and sandy patches attract different species (in particular, critters and large populations of Stingrays) and behaviors. These areas are perfect for relaxed exploration. Crocodilefish, Scorpionfish, and Morays are quite common around the jetty.
The house reef at Alami Alor
Easily accessible at all times from the jetty, Alami Alor house reef offers a very specific environment (different than the sites we will reach during our boat tours) and allows for observing a diversity of fish and critters.
The best snorkeling is found on the South Reef, densely covered by soft corals. Blacktip Sharks and massive Bluefin Trevallies are commonly spotted along the drop off. The back reef allows for observing smaller fish and critters, including Nudibranch, in the sandy areas at high tide.
The jetty area hosts interesting sea life, from large schools of Jacks in the blue to Scorpionfish, Moray Eels, and Starfish around the pillars.
On the day of arrival at Alami Alor, the resort’s snorkel guides will offer us a guided tour of the house reef.
Pricing, Inclusions & Policies
22 Sep.-9 Oct. 2028, 18 days-17 nights: 11,590$/pers.
Prices are based on double occupancy. The trip starts in Jakarta and ends in Bali.
If you’re traveling alone and are willing to share a bungalow with another solo traveler, but don’t see this option in the bungalow selection pop-up, please contact us.
Cost Includes
- Your guides, your tour leader, and all snorkeling activities throughout the trip
- 7 nights at Alami Alor from 23 to 30 September 2028, 7 nights at Wakatobi Resort from 2 to 9 October 2028, 2 nights in Jakarta (22 and 30 September 2028), and 1 night in Bali (1 October 2028)
- All meals except in Jakarta and Bali (only breakfasts and the two group dinners are included), all snacks, cakes, coffee, tea, and drinking water at Alami Alor and Wakatobi Resort, and soft drinks at Wakatobi Resort (excluding bar/minibar/cocktail of the day)
- All transportation and transfers, including flights between Jakarta and Alor, flights between Jakarta and Bali, and charter flights between Bali and Wakatobi, and all boat/road transfers to/from the airports and resorts
- WiFi Internet access throughout the resort in Wakatobi, and in the guest lounge at Alami Alor
- Wakatobi and Alor Marine Park Fee
- Use of the swimming pool at Alami Alor
- Laundry service at Alami Alor
- A contribution to Wakatobi’s conservation program
Cost Excludes
- Air tickets from your home to Jakarta and from Bali to your home
- Snorkeling equipment
- Meals in Jakarta and Bali (only breakfasts and the two group dinners are included)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Soft drinks at Alami Alor
- Spa services
- Laundry service at Wakatobi Resort
- Trip insurance
- Gratuities and tips
Payment Plan (per person) :
| Payment | Amount & Due Date |
|---|---|
| Initial deposit* | USD 950 – Due at booking (confirmation) |
| Interim payment | USD 1500 – Due on 24 December 2027 |
| Balance payment | Balance – Due on 24 June 2028 |
Cancellation policy (per person) :
| Time | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| ≥ D-365 | Deposit converted into a credit note valid 24 months (non-cash refundable). Interim and/or balance paid in advance refundable less USD 150 per person. |
| D-364 to Interim Payment Due Date | Forfeiture of the deposit (non-refundable). Interim and/or balance paid in advance refundable less USD 150 per person (financial/processing fees). |
| Interim Payment Due Date to D-90 | Cancellation fee = deposit + interim payment (non-refundable). If cancellation occurs after the Interim Payment Due Date, the interim payment remains due whether already paid or not. |
| D-90 to D-60 | Cancellation fee = 75% of the Total Trip Price (maximum refund 25%). |
| D-59 to D-0 | Cancellation fee = 100% of the Total Trip Price (no refund). |
Photos from our previous trips to Wakatobi Resort and Alami Alor
Reviews from our previous trips to Wakatobi Resort and Alami Alor
Judi & Jim, Colorado (USA)
“The absolute best trip of our lives”
“We had the absolute best trip of our lives with Planet Snorkeling to Wakatobi Resort. We were a group of 4 couples from Colorado that love travel and adventure – we renamed the trip Snorkel Camp, as we were having so much FUN! When researching Wakatobi, I came up with the trip with Planet Snorkeling – I was amazed at how quickly Guillaume responded to my inquiry and answered all my questions over the months leading up to the tour. He and Miguel were fantastic tour leaders, making all the travel and transitions to Indonesia seamless. The underwater photos taken by Miguel are a beautiful gift and reminded of a wonderful snorkeling trip. We look forward to traveling with Planet Snorkeling again.” (Wakatobi Resort, October 2024)
Victoria & Andrew, Bucharest (Romania)
“A fantastic overview of the huge diversity in the area”
“The snorkeling at Alami Alor was very much like entering some unknown world with completely different landscapes, fish and critters than what we were used to. From the wonderfully quiet and serene volcanic reef to the gently swaying soft corals and anemones, each trip out was unique and provided a fantastic overview of the huge diversity in the area. The guides were genuinely exceptional at finding everything from the smallest of the smalls to biggest of the big (we never even considered that seeing a blue whale was even a possibility!) and did their utmost to ensure we thoroughly enjoyed each and every outing. It was our third wonderfully memorable trip organized by Planet Snorkeling.” (Alami Alor, October 2025)
Ric (UK)
“Planet Snorkeling fills my snorkeling passion to the brim”
“Planet Snorkeling fills my snorkeling passion to the brim. Nothing beats being with a diverse bunch of fellow enthusiasts guided by passionate organizers! ” (Alami Alor, October 2025)
Christine & John, San Diego, California (USA)
“Planet Snorkeling surpassed all expectations and – will be back”
“Planet Snorkeling was invaluable, from the earliest emailed questions (Guillaume was always quick to respond), to meeting us upon arrival, helping with luggage, check in, accompanying us with comprehensive information and support throughout the trip logistics as well as our snorkeling excursions. Miguel was delightful and a highly skilled photographer; it was fun snorkeling together to see the things he found camera-worthy. Planet Snorkeling surpassed all expectations and – will be back!” (Wakatobi Resort, October 2024)
Kerry & Mark, Wellington (New Zealand)
“So much to see, once is not enough we hope to be back”
“Our first trip with Planet Snorkeling so a step into the unknown but it turned out to be one of our best overseas trips. Guillaume was great low key leader, everything seemed to work like clockwork. Alex and Uri and all the Alami Alor staff were fantastic, very approachable and accommodating. Mona the Dive Master was great fun and her staff very knowledgeable. So much to see, once is not enough we hope to be back.” (Alami Alor, October 2025)
Françoise, Mulhouse (France)
“Many fishes and creatures I had never seen before”
“Guillaume is a fantastic tour leader. He is very personable and takes care of all participants. The program allowed me to see many fishes and creatures I had never seen before, thanks to several experienced snorkeling guides being present during each of our organized sessions and a rich house reef available for non-guided sessions.” (Alami Alor, October 2025)
Leslie & Bill, New Hampshire (USA)
“We have visited a number of well known snorkel locations around the world but none can compare to the extraordinary coral gardens and walls of Wakatobi”
“We had high expectations for this trip and they were exceeded. Both Guillaume and the Wakatobi staff were simply outstanding in every way. We have visited a number of well known snorkel locations around the world but none can compare to the extraordinary coral gardens and walls of Wakatobi and their population of virtually every fish species native to that area of the world. We can’t thank Planet Snorkeling and the Wakatobi Resort enough for making this trip an unforgettable experience.” (Wakatobi Resort, October 2024)
