Manado Diving in Bunaken

Bunaken Island National Marine Park

The Manado area and Bunaken Marine Park are among the highlights of Indonesia scuba diving and have earned plaudits throughout the world.

The fact that when scuba diving in Manado, you can see over 70% of all fish species that exist in the Indo-Western Pacific, says it all. Marine biodiversity is the name of the game in Indonesia generally and in Bunaken diving specifically. The Park is adored by marine biologists, photographers and recreational divers alike since the richness of its waters ensure that no two dives are the same and that there is always plenty to see, study, photograph and marvel at.

Highlights

Lekuan I, II and III: Often referred to as three different dives sites, this area is one of those sites that typify why diving in Bunaken is such a dream for many divers. Excellent as a day or night dive, this site has some of the superb, healthy and varied coral that makes Manado famous and against this pristine backdrop you can enjoy turtles, Napoleon wrasse, tuna and plenty more.

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How to Dive Manado

There are a lot of resorts around the Manado - Bunaken area of a variety of standards and not all are very good value for money. We recommend two resorts in the area:

Tasik Ria Resort, Manado - An impressive and professional PADI 5 Star Resort and dive operation with high quality boats and dive staff.

Bunaken Cha Cha Resort, Bunaken Island - a well managed and personable beachside resort, situated within the marine park itself.

If you have time it really is worth seeing more of North Sulawesi than just the Bunaken area. Consider adding a few days stay in Lembeh where you can enjoy the best macro diving and critters in the world. Lembeh is really a must for any divers visiting the area.

Diving Season

Optimum conditions are more or less between the months of April and November but it is possible to dive Bunaken all year round without running into conditions that are less than acceptable.

Reef Summary

Great for: Small animals, wall dives, underwater photography, drift diving, reef life and health, dive value-for-money and advanced divers
Not so great for: Wrecks and non-diving activities
Depth: 5 - >40m
Visibility: 20 - 35m
Currents: Normally gentle but can be strong
Surface Conditions: Calm
Water Temperature: 27 - 30°C
Experience Level: Beginner - advanced
Number of dive sites: ~25
Access: Manado dive resorts
Recommended length of stay: 7 - 10 days

Dive Site Descriptions

For more on the detailed Bunaken dive sites:

• Manado tourist information

View a map of:
• Sulawesi  -  Indonesia

• Scuba diving vacation enquiries

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