Bunaken Diving

Hosting some of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world, Bunaken’s protected waters are teeming with life. Whether you go wreck, Tec, wall or reef diving, Bunaken is a feast for the eyes and you can spot pilot and sperm whales whilst you’re there.

 

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Celebes Divers - Kuda Laut

Celebes Divers - Kuda Laut

Bunaken, Indonesia
Celebes Divers - Onong Resort

Celebes Divers - Onong Resort

Bunaken, Indonesia
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Diving in Bunaken

Located off the tip of North Sulawesi are the islands of Siladen, Monado Tua, Montehage, Bunaken and Nain. These 5 islands make up the Bunaken National Marine Park which has some of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world, with exceptional fish variety and world-class walls. The seas surrounding the islands are very deep, in some places dropping to depths of 600-metres, with the islands being pinnacles which reach to the surface. This has created an impeccable topography for wall diving. The oceanic currents which sweep past the marine park supply a steady stream of nutrients to Bunaken’s rich diversity and its not uncommon to see migrating pilot and sperm whales heading to breed.
 
The islands of Bunaken National Park have a number of dive resorts however if you have the time it is worth seeing more of the North Sulawesi region. Many liveaboards will allow you to scuba dive in Bunaken while enjoying the best macro diving at Lembeh Strait and taking a visit to the unique rock formations of the Bangka Islands. It is possible to arrange day trips from Manado Bay however a day trip is not enough to experience the full beauty of Bunaken diving.

Best time to dive

You can enjoy scuba diving in Bunaken all year round but the dry season, between March through to October, will provide the best dive conditions. November to late February can see winds and rains so surface conditions and visibility can reduce slightly, however, there is much less rain here than in other parts of Southeast Asia. Although most marine life can be seen year-round, June is the best month for sharks and July for dolphins and pilot whales. March through to July and August you may be able to witness sperm whales migrating through the region to calf in the Sangihe region of North Sulawesi.

Types of diving

Bunaken diving has been offered the title of having some of the best wall diving in the world. You can find yourself enthralled while drifting along in Bunaken’s signature wall dives, like Celah Celah or exploring the sandy depths of Black Rock encountering macro creatures on par to the standards set at Lembeh Strait. Dramatic drop-offs will find you peering out into the blue trying to spot resident dolphins as the thriving coral reefs will draw your eyes into their intricate patterns and vibrant hues. Technical divers can find themselves descending into unexplored rocky outcrops and those with a passion for wreck diving can explore Manado wreck which sunk in World War II and rests 40-metres below the surface. Those wishing to partake in advanced dive courses will find dive sites here the perfect challenge!

What to see

With over 70% of all fish species known to the Indo-western Pacific found here, scuba diving in Bunaken really is a feast for the eyes. The submerged mountain ranges of the island’s offer drop-offs with an extensive variety of soft and hard corals that provide a home to a vast array of reef fish such as fusiliers, sweetlips, cardinalfish, and damselfish. There are thought to be over 33 species of butterflyfish residing in the Bunaken Islands - how’s that for a kaleidoscope of colour. 
 
Hunting giant trevallies, mating big-eye trevally and never-ending fast-moving schools of triggerfish all make the reef their home as reef sharks, turtles, and eagle rays appear to delight your senses. In the south of the marine park, dugongs are known to feed on seagrass beds and large silvertip and hammerhead sharks have been spotted at some dive sites. Looking out into the blue it is possible to observe the grace of migrating pilot and sperm whales while resident dolphins may show up to play at any moment. Macro photographers can trawl the walls for scorpion fish and nudibranch or search rocky patches for emperor shrimps and candy crabs. It’s safe to say, whether you are a fan of the big or the small, Bunaken diving has it all.

Best places to dive

At Celah Celah, a strong current runs parallel to a coral-clad wall setting visitors up for a stunning drift dive. Celah in Bahasa Indonesian means ‘crack’ and as you descend into the dives sites rocky underwater landscape you’ll understand why. The wall is fissured with deep cracks, where vibrant and extensive gorgonians and sponges grow. If the current slows, you can search the gaps for pygmy seahorses, nudibranch and ghost pipefish taking refuge from the strength of the ocean. Out in the blue, you’ll find eagle rays and blacktip sharks braving the current.
 
Located off the tiny island of Siladen, is the stunning wall dive site of Siladen Point. Macro lovers will delight in scouring the craggy walls for scorpionfish, nudibranch and numerous shrimp species, while they quickly change their camera settings to capture passing pelagics.
 
Tanjung Kopi offers a sloping underwater plateau that descends to 30-metres before dropping off into a vertical wall that plunges to over 80-metres. Ride the ripping current and drift towards the plateau where you can find a suitable rock to hold onto and watch the action in the deeper waters of the wall. Blacktip reef sharks, dogtooth tunas, Napoleon fish, giant trevally, eagle rays, and the occasional hammerhead shark can all be seen enjoying the current. At the southern reef top of Tanjung Kopi, pristine coral gardens can be explored to discover harlequin shrimps, boxer crabs, starry morays and nudibranchs of all shapes and sizes.
 
For both experienced and beginners divers, Lekuan I, II & II allow you to explore the many ledges and overhangs of the walls 3 prongs. The steep walls are home to a throng of green turtles which rest upon rocky outcrops among the tremendous coral growth. As you make your way along the wall, bump-head parrotfish swim past while lionfish and scorpionfish hide within its crevices. Everywhere you look swarms of anthias will enchant you as they flit quickly around the edges of the reef. Make your way to Lekuan II to search its interesting coves and shafts for tuna and other pelagics.
 
A unique wall dive site is found at Mike’s Point. The alluring wall is covered with impressive black corals and gorgonians and has formed into the arrangement of an ancient amphitheatre. As you dive among the presence of the grand structure you will be greeted by reef sharks and eagle rays joining you for the show. The currents here can be particularly strong but remain focused for your chance to spot a large silvertip shark taking his place on stage.

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