Dive Chronicles: Rediscovering Magic at Kontiki Beach Resort

The Build-Up: Excitement and Challenges

We arrived at Kontiki Beach Resort around 1 p.m., thrilled to dive with Taga Isla Outdoors (Chu and Grethel). A familiar face greeted us—our diver friend Doms, who happened to be diving that day too. To our delight, Val, a CMAS/NAUI/RAID instructor and an old friend, had a table waiting for us despite the packed resort.

Parking, however, was another story. Kontiki’s lot was full, and we had to leave the car in the outer parking area—a minor hassle on an otherwise perfect sunny day. At 31°C (feels like 35°C), with a crisp blue sky overhead, it was the kind of weather that makes you crave the ocean’s embrace.

Dive 1: The Sardine Spectacle

Our first dive kicked off at 2:30 p.m., heading toward Buyong. Descending to a max depth of 22.8 meters (average 12 meters), we were greeted by calm waters with 10-meter visibility. The school of sardines was the highlight, shimmering like a living curtain of silver, their larger sizes this week a testament to their thriving habitat.

Adding to the magic, we stumbled upon a massive white nudibranch—nearly four inches long—gracefully resting on the wall. The dive lasted 1 hour and 12 minutes, and every moment was pure bliss.

Adding to the magic, we stumbled upon a massive white nudibranch—nearly four inches long—gracefully resting on the wall. The dive lasted 1 hour and 12 minutes, and every moment was pure bliss.

Dive 2: Twilight Wonders and Rare Finds

The golden hour bathed the horizon in orange hues as we began our second dive at 5:47 p.m., heading toward Jpark. Visibility improved to 15 meters, and the magic continued.

Spotting the ghost pipefish felt like reuniting with an old friend—it’s been months since our last encounter with this elusive creature. My heart raced when I saw it first, a rare privilege in the diving world.

As if that wasn’t enough, a painted frogfish appeared, camouflaged and perfectly still. These rare sights were joined by a cuttlefish, three vibrant chromodoris nudibranchs on a single branch, and an octopus with regenerating tentacles. The octopus playfully reached out for my hand, a moment that left me in awe of the ocean’s resilience and beauty.

Post-Dive Reflections: Grateful Hearts

After 1 hour and 27 minutes underwater, we surfaced at 7:16 p.m., thoroughly satisfied. Washing our gear under Kontiki’s showers, we reflected on the day’s adventures. Though we’ve explored Kontiki countless times, it never ceases to surprise us. There’s always something new—a testament to the ocean’s infinite wonders.

We wrapped up the evening with a simple dinner of chopsuey and grapes at home, savoring the leftover cheesecake gifted by Taga Isla Outdoors.

Dive Into the Experience

To our readers: whether you’re a seasoned diver or a curious beginner, Kontiki Beach Resort offers a gateway to breathtaking underwater treasures. Book a class or join a dive with Sugbu Diver for a chance to create your own unforgettable stories—and perhaps even see your adventures featured here.

Shout-out to Taga Isla Outdoors for sharing this day with us and for the cheesecake that made it even sweeter! Until the next dive, keep exploring and embracing the ocean’s magic.