The reefs of Indo-

nesia's Wayag in
the Coral Triangle
show how magical
the underwater
world can be.

The best
island
reefs
>  the heart of the world’s reef life
is the stunning Coral Triangle, stretching
from the Philippines down to Bali and over to
the Solomons. And at the center of this teem-
ing haven — with its 3,000-plus species of reef
fish and about 75 percent of known hard-coral
species — is the small island of Wayag. “The
most biodiverse marine life in the world,” says
islands editor Ty Sawyer. “Really you could
include dozens of other islands from the Raja
Ampat archipelago, but Wayag is my favorite.”
The maze of steep limestone karsts shields this
island from fishing and tourism pressure. So
under the water, the pink pygmy seahorses, red-
tooth triggerfish and the tassled wobbegong
sharks are free to play. “Many of these fish, ­corals
and crustaceans appear to be endemic to the
raja ampat region, found nowhere else on earth,” says Dr.
indonesia Mark Erdmann of Conservation International,
which is helping protect Wayag’s lagoon. “As
deep technical diving makes a debut in the area, even more
new species records are sure to follow as divers plunge into
Raja Ampat’s unexplored twilight zone.” Papua Diving
l e o n j o u b e rt / b itt e n b y s h ar k s . c o m

opens up that world with trips from its dive resorts on Kri
Island as well as snorkeling on Cape Kri, known as a “high-
way of fish.” All-inclusive rates from $310. papua-diving.com

> islands considered and ranked reefs for responsible travelers based
on the sustainable opportunities to snorkel, dive and explore. Research
came from firsthand insight by islands editors Ty Sawyer and Jad
Davenport, both global dive experts, along with reef-conservation
groups, international authorities, local dive operators and islands read-
ers. Agree with the rankings? Disagree? Let us know at islands.com/best.

D e c e m b e r 2 0 0 9 isl a n d s . c om M a r c h 2 0 1 0 isl a n d s . c om 75
 the best

On a dive excur-
sion off Bonaire
(right), Wakatobi
(below) or any of
the island destina-
tions on this list,
you can responsi-
bly marvel at the
beauty of reefs.

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Lord Howe Island, Australia the island’s 100 dive sites. Walk right into
> The Great Barrier Reef de- the water to dive at 1,000 Steps, or ven-
servedly gets about 2 million ture out to Captain Don’s Reef off Klein
visitors a year. But no more than Bonaire, named after Don Stewart, who
400 lucky visitors are allowed at a time on pioneered sustainable travel here. The
Lord Howe. This island has everything: resort Captain Don’s Habitat ­famously
tropical and temperate species, endemic offers unlimited diving every day of
finds that trace back to the Mesozoic era, the year, every hour of the day. Nightly
recognition as a UNESCO World Heri- rates from $145. habitatbonaire.com
tage Site and protection as a government

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marine park. “Lord Howe is probably a Wakatobi, Indonesia
No. 1 photo finish for me,” says Ty Sawyer. > Soak in everything on your
“The snorkeling and diving are incredible dive because you may only
right off its shore, in the lagoon or off get one chance. As part of the
Ned’s Beach. The water clarity is spec- ­Wakatobi Dive Resort’s award-winning
tacular. The marine life is in your face.” Collaborative Reef Conservation Pro-
Outside the luxury Capella Lodge, the gram that pays “reef lease” fees to 17 local
rare black cod, 500 other fish species and villages to limit fishing pressure, many of
countless more adventures await. Nightly the sites in this part of the Coral ­Triangle

from top: jad davenport; reinhard dirscherl/fototeca 9x12

rates from $650. capellalodge.com.au are a once-per-stay treat. “We carefully
balance our guests’ desires against loving

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bonaire something to death,” says Wakatobi’s
> “Arguably the most pristine Stuart Blum. From non-limit diving
coral-reef environment in the on the house reef to a 10-day diving
“The ­snorkeling Caribbean.” So says the U.S. cruise throughout the protected marine
National Oceanic and Atmospheric park on the house yacht, there’s plenty
and diving are ­Administration. We agreed, as islands to love. Nudibranchs in the sea grass,
­incredible right off and the Caribbean Tourism Organization funky hairy squat lobster at “the Zoo”
its shore. The water awarded the Bonaire National ­Marine site, oriental sweetlips on the “Mag-
clarity is spectacu- Park the Sustainable Tourism Award in nifica” plateau — enjoy it responsibly,
2008. And islands readers say, “It’s the all from a world-class resort accessible
lar. The marine life place for snorkeling and diving.” Only only by private air charter. Seven-night
is in your face.” one boat at a time is allowed at each of packages from $2,640. wakatobi.com

76 M a r c h 2 0 1 0 isl a n d s . c om
 the best

feet and plummets to over 6,000. It’s the

Grand Canyon of the Caribbean.” Dive
at “Over the Wall” to see reef sharks
and spinner dolphins. Venture into the
blue holes to see the sea monster Lucsa,
Beautiful by Nature
or so the legend goes. Don’t worry, the
family-run, all-inclusive Small Hope Bay
Lodge offers one-on-one dives to explore THE SANDS AT GRACE BAY ALEXANDRA RESORT
those underwater caves. Eight-day dive
packages from $2,245. smallhope.com

9
What lies beneath Namena, Fiji
the Rock Islands
of Palau (right) > “The marine equivalent of
and along the the Serengeti.” That’s how Rick The Sands at Grace Bay is an oceanfront, all-suite resort on This extraordinary resort combines Caribbean charm with
underwater walls MacPherson, conservation pro-
of Sipadan Island Providenciales, Turks & Caicos. Surrounded by lush gardens and contemporary comfort. Located directly on Grace Bay Beach,
(below) are coral grams director of the Coral Reef Alliance, free-form pools, all 114 suites feature expansive views and the resort offers beautiful accommodations, watersports, fitness
and other sea life describes the outer reef of the Namena range from studios to three-bedroom suites. Amenities include: and tennis centers, spa services, 2 restaurants and bars and
worth protecting. Marine Reserve. “From swirling schools Hemingway’s Restaurant, Spa Tropique services, non-motorized warm friendly service.
watersports and the nearby Provo Golf Club.
of hundreds of jack, barracuda and fuse-

7
877-77 SANDS (72637) 1-800-284-0699
But with great care, he can lead you to the Niihau, Hawaii liers to big mature groupers tucked in www.TheSandsTC.com www.AlexandraResort.com | Info@AlexandraResort.com
mandarinfish and giant tridacna clams > This “Forbidden Island” is coral nooks, Napoleon wrasse, bump-
that will leave you gaping in wonder. rarely seen by travelers to Hawaii head parrotfish, sleeping whitetip sharks, SEVEN STARS LUXURY RESORT ROYAL WEST INDIES
­Local hotel rates from $87. samstours.com — thankfully. Off this private, no- big patrolling gray reef sharks,” he says,
tourists island that’s a two-hour boat ride “the entire food chain is on display.” The

6
Sipadan Island, Malaysia west of Kauai, endangered monk seals reef success story comes in part from a
> Massive schools of chevron are free to glide past pillow stars on a new five-year no-take policy. Moody’s
barracuda patrol off Barracuda 280-foot wall. More stunning than a top- Namena, on the one-mile-long island
Point. Green sea turtles find side rainbow, that’s just one sight on the of Namenalala, offers up-close views Like no other place… A luxury beachfront property on world famous Grace Bay with
footing on the sheer underwater walls that Vertical Awareness dive with Seasport of that success. Five-night dive pack- Centrally located, stylish and luxurious, Seven Stars exudes the surprisingly affordable rates. Featuring studio, one and two
easy elegance and spellbinding beauty that defines the Turks & bedroom suites with private balconies and kitchens. Visit us
circle this tiny island. It’s clear why Jacques Divers. Ty Sawyer ranks Niihau the best ages from $1,750. moodysnamenafiji.com Caicos Islands. online to take advantage of our unprecedented specials.
Cousteau himself declared Sipadan “an Hawaiian dive experience and among

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Reservations@SevenStarsGraceBay.com

from top: ethan daniels; reinhard dirscherl/fototeca 9x12

untouched piece of art” 30 years ago. After the Pacific’s best diving. The Niihau Belize islands
that, divers from around the world came Arches, the hard coral, the unexplored > Lighthouse, Blue Hole, 866.570.7777 800 332 4203

5
Palau to see Sipadan for themselves. So to re- vibe — it’s the truly hidden Hawaii. Turneffe — these are just www.SevenStarsGraceBay.com www.RoyalWestIndies.com | info@royalwestindies.com

> Famous as one of the “Seven capture that “untouched” magic, all resorts Dive trips from $295. seasportdivers.com a few of the must-do dives
Underwater Wonders of the were removed from the island as of 2005, on the Belize Barrier Reef, second larg- OCEAN CLUB RESORTS THE MERIDIAN CLUB ON PINE CAY

8
World,” Palau exceeds lofty ex- and last year the government applied for Andros Island, Bahamas est in the world and encompassing eight
pectations. Diving at Blue Corner and UNESCO World Heritage Site status > Dive Andros’ barrier reef — marine reserves. In one of his more than
snorkeling in Jellyfish Lake are iconic to protect and publicize Sipadan. Div- the third largest in the world 100 dives there, Jad Davenport marveled
marvels in their own right. Local dive ers now stay in neighboring Mabul island. — and you’ll realize that rank- at 20-foot stalactites, dripstone pillows
guides and the Palau Conservation Soci- This June, PADI Diving Society will take ing the world’s best reefs is harder than and an eight-foot bull shark that wasn’t
Ocean Club and Ocean Club West Deluxe Beachfront Suites sit Experience the REAL Caribbean
ety are ensuring that future travelers will its Ocean Safari trip to Sipadan with Bor- counting 3,000 fish species. islands skittish. You don’t have to go too deep
on the powder-soft sands of Grace Bay Beach on the island of A Private Island Experience
enjoy these reefs that explode with 1,300 neo Divers, the same tour operator that contributing editor Jad Davenport says for loggerhead turtles, stingrays and the Providenciales. When you stay at one, you’re always a guest at No Crowds, No Jet Skis, No Cars, No High Rise Buildings
fish species and 700 corals where Pacific introduced Cousteau to this masterpiece. of Andros: “It’s untouched, the water is occasional octopus. “I love that you can the other. Enjoy 3 pools, 3 restaurants, 3 tennis courts and TRANQUILITY-Pure and Simple
currents swirl together. Sam’s Tours, for Safari rates from $2,400. padi.com/borneo crystal clear and the wall starts from 100 see more snorkeling here than diving more -- all the shared amenities of two luxury resorts. reservations@meridianclub.com
example, now has a ratio of one guide to most places,” says reader Angela Pierce.
six divers to help ensure the protection Ramon’s Village Resort on Ambergris 800.457.8787 649.941.7011 or 1.866.746.3329
OceanClubResorts.com www.MeridianClub.com
of the marine environment. Still, some Caye whisks divers to those sites and
places are just too fragile to see. “Some
of the oldest coral in Palau could not
Barracuda, green sea ­turtles — it’s clear more. You may love this reef so much,
you’ll think it’s the best in the world. Win a Trip to the Turks & Caicos Islands!
sustain even the slightest impact from why Jacques Cousteau ­himself declared And you could be right. Nightly rates
a ­diver,” says Sam Scott of Sam’s Tours. this “an untouched piece of art.” from $145. ramons.com islands.com/best Go to islands.com/winturks&caicos

78 M a r c h 2 0 1 0 isl a n d s . c om

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