Scuba Diving Bunaken Island

Celah Celah

Located on the south side of Bunaken Island, this dive site is lying just outside Liang Bay, which is a favoured spot for the local villagers to relax and entertain themselves. The curve of island protects the dive sites on the south side of the island, therefore the sea is usually calm above the surface. Below sea level, however, there is often a strong current running parallel to the reef setting you up for stunning drift dives.

Celah means “crack” in Indonesian and almost immediately after jumping into the water you will see why this site has the name it has. Deep walls are the common characteristic of the Bunaken underwater landscape and deep cracks are the main feature on this reef wall. Many of the fissures are wide enough to allow significant coral growth.

The vibrant health and sheer volume of gorgonians and sponges covering the wall make this a preferred site for many scuba divers, particularly photographers. Living among the mesmerising coral formations you will see myriad interesting creatures. From the shy and retiring pygmy seahorses and ghost pipefish to the deceptively ferocious appearance of giant morays and sea snakes. When the current is strong early in the morning look out for dogtooth tuna, and sometimes even eagle rays and blacktip sharks swooping against the ceiling of blue.

The current is not always running at Celah Celah and that is a perfect time to say 'Que sera sera' and instead, take your time to explore the intricacies of the marine life in the crevices of Bunaken Island. This would be a perfect opportunity to test your dive guide's knowledge by asking him to name the many nudibranchs you will find interspersed with harlequin shrimps. At these times you can marvel, at your leisure, at the sunlight streaming through the cracks in dazzling golden shafts.

Celah Celah Reef Basics: Wall diving
Depth: 5 - >40m
Visibility: 20 - 30m
Currents: Can be strong
Surface conditions: Calm
Water temperature: 27 - 29°C
Experience level: Intermediate
Number of dive sites:1
Diving season: All year round
Distance: ~20 km north of Manado Bay (45 mins)
Access: Bunaken and Manado resorts and liveaboards

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