Dive Sites of Bunaken
To dive in the deep waters of the Bunaken Island National Marine Park is to be among some of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world, with outstanding fish variety and world-class wall diving. The clear, warm waters contain astonishingly high numbers of species, whether corals, sponges or fish. As examples, diving in Bunaken you can see seven times more genera of coral than Hawaii, 33 species of butterflyfish and over 70% of all fish species known to the Indo-western Pacific.
Bunaken diving is very popular with fun divers and marine biologists both of whom can take great pleasure from the diversity of coral and fish found here. You will surely encounter marine life here that you have not come across elsewhere.
Oceanic currents sweep into Bunaken bringing a steady supply of nutrients. It's a sure certainty that where there is plenty of food in the sea, there will be an abundance of marine life, and you can be here to witness this rich harvest too. From the smallest commensal shrimp to black tip reef sharks and eagle rays, there is something for everyone in this very special destination.
The park is located just out of Manado Bay in the Sulawesi Sea, off the northern tip of Sulawesi, and features some two dozen dive sites spread across an area of 75,000 hectares and the five islands of Bunaken, Siladen, Manado Tua, Montehage and Nain.
Included in the measures to protect this eco-treasure, is the creation of the Marine Park for which all divers must buy a pass - 150,000 Rupiah used to fund conservation and village development programmes. The most obvious issue to be tackled is the rubbish generated by Manado City which ends up floating in the sea. Although you won't see much rubbish at the Bunaken diving sites or on beaches in front of your resort, you will see it on boat journeys and if you take a walk on the beach away from resorts. Although the sea life is clearly thriving despite this plague, things could obviously do with some improvement, so in Bunaken your few dollars really do make a difference!
Diving Season
You can dive in Bunaken all year round but, overall, the best diving conditions are from April to November.
Bunaken Diving Reef Basics
Depth: 5 - >40m
Visibility: 20 - 35m
Currents: Usually gentle but can be strong
Surface Conditions: Calm
Water Temperature: 27 - 30°C
Experience Level: Beginner - advanced
PADI Course Compatibility: Great for Underwater Photography and Deep Diving
Distance: ~18 km north of Manado Bay (40 mins)
Access: Manado diving resorts
Dive Sites
More detailed information on the Bunaken Island dive sites:
Dive The World Recommendations: Depan Kampung and Mandolin Point.
Other dive sites in Manado:
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 Bunaken diving enquiries
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