Wakatobi

Michael Wicks · Issue 42, May/Jun 2008 · pp. 46–49

Products mentioned: Canon Rebel xTi, Ikelite housing, EF17-85 IS USM, 100mm macro, DS51 strobe

I chose the title more for its oxymoronic inference than any other reason. For in truth the chances that you will see at least one Pygmy per day are almost as high as seeing clown fish. As a dive guide told me at one point over a pint of Bing Tang, “Mate, everyone comes here looking for THE Pygmy shot but there’s so much more here.” And he was so right. We really did see seahorses almost every day. Some pregnant, some more colorful than others but the real draw to Wakatobi is what it’s known for; the ever reaching spectacular coral reefs. You will start around 6:30 in the morning in order to give enough time for breakfast before your first dive briefing; some of us were already up at 5:30 downloading pictures from our memory cards to prepare for the day. It may sound early but since 9 PM is Wakatobi midnight it’s not too grueling. Most everyone is in their bungalows by 9 and asleep not t…