As the DEMA 2024 show approaches, the Dive Gaia team is excited to present exclusive pre-DEMA opportunities for your 2025, 2026 & 2027 bookings. Booking early secures your preferred dates. Please feel free to contact us directly, or consult your preferred scuba travel tour operator for further details on these time limited offers.

About the Gaia Love Vessel

Constructed in marine steel, Gaia Love is a modern motor yacht, purpose built to explore the far-reach regions of Indonesia in comfort and style. Emphasis on divers’ comfort, needs and a bespoke experience on a dive vacation was top priority and hence the attention to details on all the amenities and design.

With 4 decks of interior space, all incorporated in a contemporary setting, divers have the ultimate luxury of space. Within are 6 ensuite rooms on the upper deck and 5 ensuite rooms on the lowers deck, approximately 20 sq. m/215 sq. ft in size. Upper deck rooms features an additional private balcony accessible directly from each room individually.

Situated on the main deck is the restaurant and lounge. Gather to relive the dive earlier or watch a movie from our onboard entertainment system and enjoy our chef prepared snacks at the same time. Moving to the stern on the main deck, a large dive deck awaits you that can accommodate up to 28 divers. Further aft is the boat deck, stores two of three custom, 5 m/18′ diving skiffs and also facilitates your boarding onto the vessel.

The top deck features a bar for evening gatherings and relaxation under the stars . Sufficient shelter is available on the top deck as well as areas for those who wish to soak up some sun. If outdoor dining is preferred, the top deck will be perfect.

Gaia Love has a very well-equipped wheelhouse, from up-to-date navigation equipment to advanced communication systems, life rafts, life vests, EPIRB, fire protection and fire fighting systems.

Type: Motor Yacht (M/Y) • Year Built: 2016 • Length: 132′ (40m) • Beam: 33′ (10m) • Decks: 4 • Cruising Speed: 10 knots • Passengers: 20 • Crew-to-Guest Ratio: 1:1 • Massages: Available • Internet: Available

Gaia Love took home a total of 9 Readers Choice Awards this year in categories including Quality of Liveaboard, Level of Luxury, Quality of Staff and Quality of Food. For more details, visit our website.

Encounters with cuttlefish at Wakatobi are an everyday occurrence, offering divers the chance to witness these other-worldly creatures up close. With their eight arms, three hearts, and blue blood coursing through their gelatinous bodies, cuttlefish may seem like something from another planet. However, they thrive in abundant numbers along the vibrant reefs of Wakatobi, making the area one of the best places in the world to observe and photograph these fascinating marine animals.

Cuttlefish are a dream subject for photographers, not only because they are often cooperative but also because they can be quite entertaining. These creatures are known for their remarkable ability to change color and patterns in the blink of an eye, transforming their appearance from one shot to the next. Sometimes, they blend seamlessly into coral reefs or seagrass beds, making them nearly invisible unless they choose to reveal themselves. Known as “the chameleons of the sea,” cuttlefish possess a unique skill: they can rapidly shift their skin color and texture, using chromatophores—specialized pigment cells—along with iridophores, which create iridescent flashes, to communicate, hypnotize prey, or simply blend into their surroundings.

These mesmerizing displays are particularly striking during courtship. Male cuttlefish vie for dominance without direct physical contact, intimidating rivals until one backs down. The larger male will eventually grab the female with his tentacles and insert sperm sacs into an opening near her mouth. The male then stays close to the female until she lays her eggs.

Cuttlefish encounters at Wakatobi can happen on almost any dive. From the shallow grass beds to deeper reef areas, these creatures roam the vibrant waters, often moving in small groups. Broadclub cuttlefish (Sepia latimanus) are the most commonly seen species in Wakatobi, reaching lengths of over a foot. If you’re lucky enough to be diving at night, particularly on a cruise aboard the Pelagian, you might spot the flamboyant cuttlefish (Metasepia pfefferi). This smaller species doesn’t swim like others; instead, it crawls along the seafloor, flashing vibrant colors as it moves.

While cuttlefish are not currently considered endangered, human impacts do pose a risk to these intelligent creatures. In some regions, they are harvested for food or their cuttlebone, which is used in the pet trade as a calcium supplement for birds. Thankfully, in protected areas like Wakatobi’s marine preserve, cuttlefish continue to thrive.

When diving at Wakatobi, keep an eye out for these sleek, iridescent hunters. Whether camouflaged or displaying their incredible color-changing abilities, cuttlefish offer a captivating glimpse into the wonders of the underwater world.

Ready for some amazing marine life encounters?  Complete a quick trip inquiry at wakatobi.com, or contact their office at office@wakatobi.com.

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Great Wakatobi videos on Wakatobi’s YouTube channel.