Gorontalo, Palu & Togian Islands (Central Sulawesi)
Due to the lack of an airport in the region, the Togian Islands dive sites are still off the beaten tourist tracks. Even diving cruises are just starting to explore this wonderful place. Scuba diving in the Togian Islands is fantastic, but the charm of the place extends well beyond the impressive dive sites: peaceful clean sandy beaches shaded by palm trees, water seas in all the scale of blue and green colors, blue skies, and quiet fishing villages. If you are looking for an idyllic tropical setting, with great diving, you’ve come to the right place.
Sheltered by the protective arms of central and north Sulawesi, Tomini Bay is reputedly the calmest deep water bay in the world. There’s an awesome array of reefs in exceptional conditions, stunning underwater topography and fish diversity that some of the world’s better known dive destinations could only dream of. It is the only place in the world where barrier reefs, atolls, and fringing reefs are found together.
Located on the rugged northern coastline of mountains and rolling hills in Tomini Bay, Gorontalo not only has similar richness in biodiversity, but it also has its own unique mix of marine life and many species that are endemic to this area. To date 10 new species, some only ever found in Gorontalo, have been internationally recognised and many more are slated for further investigation.
The Donggala area near Palu is also far away from mass tourism. With its diverse spots for snorkeling and diving the Prince John Dive Resort is yet another great place place for holiday makers seeking for fantastic underwater experiences away from the crowds.
Logistics from Manado to Wakai (Togian Islands) and return
A. From Manado to Gorontalo and return:
1. Daily flights with Wings Air (overnight in Gorontalo prior and after the trip from/to Gorontalo to/from Wakai)
2. Car Rental from Manado to Gorontalo and return (no overnight in Gorontalo needed)
USD 260 per car per way include English speaking driver – leave Manado at 06.00-06.30 AM
B. From Gorontalo to Wakai and return by ferry:
Gorontalo – Wakai (Tuesday, Friday) – ETD from Gorontalo is 17.00 and ETA in Wakai is 05.00 (12 hours)
From Wakai to Kadidiri (Black Marlin Dive Resort) by speedboat (30 minutes)
Wakai – Gorontalo (Thursday, Monday) ETD from Wakai is 17.00 and ETA in Gorontalo is 06.00 (12-13 hours)
From Kadidiri to Wakai by speedboat (30 minutes)