Reconnect -Private Island- resort & Dive Centre

Reconnect is a private eco-resort situated on Buka Buka Island within the Togean Islands archipelago of Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. Established in 2018 by Thomas Despin, the resort was designed to provide a remote sanctuary that avoids the pressures of mass tourism while maintaining a strict commitment to sustainability.

The operation is entirely off-grid, powered by solar energy and utilizing on-site desalination. This isolation is part of the draw, offering a quiet, preserved environment for divers looking to reconnect with the marine world away from the crowds.

The dive centre is an SSI affiliated facility and holds the Blue Ocean diving centre recognition. The team is composed of approximately 25 staff members, primarily locals who have been trained on-site to manage everything from dive operations and hospitality to the technical management of the solar and desalination systems.

Instruction is available in English and Indonesian. The resort's mission is built around environmental stewardship, implementing a zero single-use plastic policy and relying on renewable energy to power the island's infrastructure.

The SSI dive centre offers a comprehensive range of training, from initial entries to advanced certifications. Beginners can start with the Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) programme or work towards their Open Water Diver qualification.

For those looking to progress, the centre provides Advanced Open Water and various SSI specialties. The curriculum is designed to take divers from their first breaths underwater through to more technical reef and wreck exploration.

The centre provides a full range of rental kit for divers. While specific brands are not listed, you can find all the necessary equipment required for reef, wall, and wreck diving.

Safety is a priority on-site, with oxygen security equipment available for use. The resort's remote nature means they manage their own resources carefully, including the desalination of water for all guest needs.

The reefs surrounding Buka Buka Island are vibrant and healthy, characterized by an abundance of soft corals and gorgonians. You will regularly encounter reef sharks and sea turtles navigating the reef flats and walls.

In the open water and around the pinnacles, larger species are common. It is possible to see dolphins and, depending on the season, whale sharks passing through the area.

For those interested in smaller inhabitants, the site offers a variety of colourful reef fish. The biodiversity of the Togean Islands ensures a constant presence of diverse marine life across the different dive profiles.

The best time to visit for diving is between April and November, which marks the dry season. During this period, the seas are typically calm and visibility is at its best, particularly from April to June and September to October.

Between December and March, the sea state can become slightly more agitated during the rainy season. The water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, generally staying between 27 and 30°C.