Diving in Celebes Sea
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Celebes Sea's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Celebes Sea, sea. This region features 100 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Celebes Sea has something for every underwater explorer. Browse detailed spot information, check current conditions from recent dive logs, and connect with the local diving community to make the most of your visit.
Regional Context
🏛️ Marine Hierarchy
🌍 Associated Countries
Countries in Celebes Sea (3)
Popular Spots in Celebes Sea (100+ spots)
Alung Banua
Alung Banua is a wall dive located in Bunaken National Park, Indonesia, featuring steep vertical formations with numerous crevices and caves. At a depth of around 20 meters (66 feet), divers can explore caves while observing a variety of marine life, including schooling snappers, parrotfish, and sea turtles.
Bakungan
Bakungan is situated approximately 5 minutes from the Nunukan Islands, near the Virgin Cocoa Islands. This dive site is known for its calm conditions, making it one of the more tranquil locations within the atoll. It is suitable for snorkeling and offers a shallow dive experience. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of macro life, including turtles, which are frequently sighted, as well as leopard sharks, moray eels, nudibranchs, and crabs.
Bantukan
Bantukan is situated 20 minutes from the Nunukan Islands on the southwest side of Maratua Atoll. The dive site features a gently sloping reef with a sandy bottom at a depth of approximately 12 meters. It is recommended to dive here during high tide for optimal conditions. Marine life commonly observed includes mackerel, true squid (cuttlefish), head scallops, and various macro species, alongside both hard and soft corals.
Baracuda Point Kakaban
Baracuda Point is situated on the southwest tip of Kakaban Island, approximately 50 minutes from Nabucco Islands and 20 minutes from Nunukan Islands. The dive site is characterized by variable currents, including down and up currents, with the best diving conditions occurring during strong currents. Divers may experience negative entries at times. Marine life at this site includes gray and whitetip sharks, large barracuda, schools of spiny mackerel, mobula rays, and octopus, along with various macro species. The underwater landscape features beautiful corals, making it a notable dive location.
Barracuda Point
Barracuda Point is a dive site with depths ranging from 5 to 40 meters. It is known for large schools of chevron barracudas and other marine life such as jacks. The water temperature is between 27 to 29 degrees Celsius, with visibility reaching about 30 meters.
Barracuda Point 1
Barracuda Point 1 is situated on Mantehage Island, located north of Sulawesi. This dive site features a wall dive characterized by a rich diversity of marine life, including green turtles, white and black tip sharks, eagle rays, and Napoleon fish. Additionally, divers can observe nudibranchs, shrimp, crabs, and pygmy seahorses among the vibrant coral and sponges. The site is accessible from the shore, making it suitable for both freediving and scuba diving.
Barracuda Point 2
Barracuda Point 2, situated on Mantehage Island in North Sulawesi, is characterized by a wall dive that showcases a rich diversity of marine life and vibrant coral formations. The site is suitable for various diving activities, including freediving, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Notable marine species include green turtles, white and black tip sharks, eagle rays, and Napoleon fish, along with a variety of nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs, and pygmy seahorses. The entry to this dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers of different skill levels.
Batu Gosoh 1
Batu Gosoh 1 features a series of submerged pinnacles that ascend from depths of 60 meters to as shallow as 3 meters. Divers typically begin their exploration from the internal lagoon and navigate towards these pinnacles. The site is known for strong currents, making it more suitable for experienced divers. Marine life commonly observed includes nudibranchs, shrimps, turtles, and jackfish, with occasional sightings of dugongs.
Batu Hitam
Batu Hitam is situated on the mainland of Manado and is characterized as a muck diving site. The location is accessible via a shore entry and is approximately 15 minutes from the nearest access point. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of small marine life, including frogfish, seahorses, nudibranchs, shrimp, octopi, and crabs, making it an excellent spot for observing unique critters.
Batu Kangan
Batu Kangan is situated approximately 7 minutes northeast of the Nabucco Islands. This dive site features steep rock formations and an old fishing net that has become encrusted with coral, providing habitat for various small marine creatures. Divers should approach the wall by keeping their left shoulder towards it. The optimal time for diving here is during high tide, which enhances visibility and conditions.
Batu Kapal
Batu Kapal is situated on Nain Island, located north of Sulawesi. This dive site features a wall dive characterized by a rich diversity of marine life, including green turtles, white and black tip sharks, eagle rays, and Napoleon fish. The area is also home to various invertebrates such as nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs, and pygmy seahorses. The site is suitable for freediving, scuba diving, and snorkeling, with conditions that cater to a range of skill levels. Entry to the site is from the shore.
Batu Mandi
Batu Mandi offers a gradual descent starting at a depth of 3 meters, surrounded by diverse coral formations. As you continue, the site features a wall that extends down to 30 meters. This location is suitable for both diving and snorkeling. From the outset, divers can observe various marine life, including nudibranchs, crabs, and shrimps, along with an array of corals and sea fans.
Batu Tiga
Batu Tiga consists of three distinct pinnacles, with the first pinnacle starting at a depth of 5 meters. Divers can gradually descend to the second pinnacle, located around 20 meters deep, and further to the third pinnacle, which reaches a base depth of approximately 30 meters. The first two pinnacles are adorned with a variety of corals, gorgonians, and nudibranchs. Near the third pinnacle, divers may encounter pygmy seahorses and Coleman shrimps.
Big Fish Country
Big Fish Country is a notable dive site located approximately 7 minutes northeast of Nabucco Islands. The site features a channel that transitions into a wall at a depth of 26 meters. Strong currents are prevalent, making it ideal for experienced divers. A reef hook is necessary for this dive. Marine life sightings include gray reef sharks, white tip sharks, eagle rays, turtles, black spotted stingrays, marlin, and large schools of barracuda.
Big Fish Wall
Big Fish Wall begins with a sandy coral slope that transitions into a vertical wall at depths of 40 to 50 meters. The site is best explored during moderate currents, with divers advised to keep their right shoulder towards the reef. The dive typically concludes on the reef top at an area known as Big Fish Country or within the adjacent channel. Marine life commonly observed includes nurse sharks, gray reef sharks, eagle rays, and large schools of barracuda and tuna, alongside various macro life.
Bolung Buy
Bolung Buy is situated on the mainland of Manado and is recognized for its muck diving opportunities. The site is accessible via a shore entry. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including mandarin fish, frogfish, seahorses, nudibranchs, shrimps, octopus, and crabs. This location is particularly noted for its unique underwater ecosystem, making it a suitable spot for observing diverse critters.
Bolung Mandarin
Bolung Mandarin is situated on the mainland of Manado and is characterized as a muck diving site. It is accessible via a shore entry. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including Mandarin Fish, Frogfish, Seahorses, Nudibranchs, Shrimps, Octopus, and Crabs. This location provides an opportunity to observe these species in their natural habitat.
Bualo
Bualo is situated within the coral triangle in Bunaken National Park, featuring a wall dive characterized by a diverse array of marine life and vibrant coral formations. The site is suitable for freediving, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Notable marine species include green turtles, white and black tip sharks, eagle rays, Napoleon fish, nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs, and pygmy seahorses.
Bunaken Timur 1
Bunaken Timur 1 is a steep wall dive reaching depths of up to 30 meters, featuring numerous caves and cracks. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life including schools of fusiliers, anthias, and butterflyfish, as well as soft and hard corals. Look out for possible sightings of whitetip reef sharks and sea turtles in this advanced dive site.
Bunaken Timur 1
Bunaken Timur 1 is situated within the coral triangle in Bunaken National Park. This site features a wall dive characterized by a rich diversity of marine life, including green turtles, white and black tip sharks, eagle rays, and Napoleon fish. Additionally, divers can observe various nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs, and pygmy seahorses. The entry to this dive site is by boat, making it accessible for both scuba diving and freediving activities.
Busa Bora Barat
Busa Bora Barat features a coral garden that begins at a depth of 3 meters and descends to a sandy bottom at 30 meters. The site includes three notable coral blocks that are teeming with marine life. Divers can observe a variety of species here, including pygmy seahorses, frogfish, cuttlefish, and numerous nudibranchs, alongside vibrant hard and soft corals.
Busa Bora Kampung
Busa Bora Kampung features a healthy coral garden that extends from a depth of 3 meters to 18 meters. As divers descend, they will encounter a sandy bottom that hosts a variety of marine life. The site is notable for its diverse hard and soft corals, along with sightings of frogfish, cuttlefish, and various nudibranchs.
Busabora 1
Busabora 1 is located near the small town of Sabora on Bangka Island. The dive site features a reef that gradually slopes down to depths of 20 meters or more, characterized by numerous coral blocks situated on a sandy substrate. Divers can observe a variety of marine life, including snappers, sweetlips, and various reef fish. Notably, rare pygmy seahorses, squid, and cuttlefish can also be found in this area. The site is accessible from the shore.
Capri Point
Capri Point is located 15 minutes north of Maratua Island and features a steep reef characterized by crevices, small bays, and overhangs that are rich in macro life. Divers should approach the reef with their right shoulder facing it. Notable marine life includes pygmy seahorses, spotted stingrays, and thresher sharks, along with a variety of macro creatures and snails.
Celah Celah
Celah Celah is a dive site near Bunaken Island featuring a deep drop-off and a wall with numerous cracks and canyons. Divers can encounter reef sharks, eagle rays, various fish species, and both soft and hard corals at depths of up to 20 meters (66 feet). The site is accessible from the shore and is suitable for divers of all experience levels, with moderate currents present.
Cha Cha
Cha Cha is a wall dive situated within Bunaken National Park, located in the Coral Triangle. The site is characterized by a rich diversity of marine life, including green turtles, white and black tip sharks, eagle rays, and Napoleon fish. Additionally, divers can encounter nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs, and pygmy seahorses. The entry to this site is from the shore, making it accessible for various diving activities including freediving, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
City Extra
City Extra, located in the Manado region, is a dive site ideal for macro photography. The depth ranges from 5 to 20 meters, featuring a seagrass bed that hosts a variety of marine life including seahorses, ghost pipefish, frogfish, mimic octopuses, flamboyant cuttlefish, and flying gurnards.
Cleaning Station Sangalaki
Cleaning Station Sangalaki is located north of the Sangalaki Islands, approximately 60 minutes from Nabucco Islands and 30 minutes from Nunukan Islands. The site features a shallow sandy bottom and is best explored during moderate to strong currents. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including manta rays, mabolo rays, Kuhl's rays, blue spot stingrays, leopard sharks, cuttlefish, dolphins, hawksbill turtles, and Indian walkman. This site is accessible by boat.
Coral Eye House Reef
Coral Eye House Reef is accessible from the shore and caters to divers of all experience levels. The dive site features a coral garden that begins at a depth of 1 meter and extends down to a sandy bottom at 13 meters. The area is populated with a variety of colorful hard and soft corals. Marine life includes resident barracuda, frogfish, crabs, shrimp, and numerous nudibranchs, providing a diverse underwater experience.
Coral Mountain Bay
Coral Mountain Bay is located 15 minutes from both Nabucco Islands and Nunukan Islands. Divers typically approach the reef with their left shoulder facing it. The site is characterized by a diverse range of hard and soft coral species, providing habitat for various marine life. Notable sightings include nudibranchs, macro life, whitetip sharks, and larger fish that are often found in the current. The entry to the dive site is from the shore.
Coral Mountain Bay
Coral Mountain Bay is located 15 minutes from both Nabucco Islands and Nunukan Islands. The dive site features a reef that divers approach with their left shoulder facing the coral. The area is rich in biodiversity, showcasing various hard and soft coral species. Notable marine life includes nudibranchs, macro organisms, whitetip sharks, and larger fish that are often seen in the current. The site is suitable for divers looking to explore a vibrant underwater ecosystem.
Coral Table Dance
Coral Table Dance is located 20 minutes from the Nabucco Islands at the northern end of the Maratua Islands. This dive site features a prominent wall that descends steeply, followed by a slope and another steep wall. Divers should keep their right shoulder against the wall while exploring. The area is notable for its abundance of large table corals, as well as healthy populations of hard and soft corals. Macro life is also prevalent, providing opportunities for close-up observations.
Critter Circus
Critter Circus is located 30 minutes west of Murex Dive Resort in Manado. The dive site features a sandy slope with horned sea stars and seagrass, transitioning to a rocky wall and a flat reef. Divers can expect to see bottle brush corals and yellow staghorn corals, along with a variety of macro marine life.
Dragonet Housereef
Dragonet Housereef is situated on the mainland of Manado, near the southern tip of Sulawesi, approximately 15 minutes from Manado Bay. This site is recognized for its diverse marine life, benefiting from its location within the golden triangle of the world's coral reefs. Divers can encounter a variety of species including mimic octopus, cuttlefish, white tip and black tip reef sharks, turtles, groupers, blue-ring octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, frogfish, and ghost pipefish. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers of various skill levels.
Drop Off
The Drop Off is a popular dive site located just 10 meters from the beach. It features a vertical wall that descends to approximately 600 meters. Divers can observe a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, bumphead parrotfish, jacks, barracudas, and both grey and whitetip reef sharks.
East Wall
East Wall is situated on the eastern side of the reef, approximately 17 minutes from Nabucco Islands and 13 minutes from Nunukan Islands. This dive site features a steep wall that descends to depths of 30 to 35 meters, followed by a sandy slope. Divers should keep their left shoulder towards the wall during the dive. Notable marine life includes leopard sharks, leaf fish, pygmy seahorses, and marlins, alongside a variety of hard and soft corals.
Enengpahembang
Enengpahembang Dive Site features a muck dive offering depths from 10 to 25 meters. Expect to see a variety of nudibranchs along a gently sloping seabed and other macro marine life. This site is accessible by shore entry.
Engine Point
Engine Point is situated on the mainland of Manado and is characterized as a muck diving site. It is accessible via a shore entry and is approximately 15 minutes from the nearest access point. This site is known for its diverse array of small marine life, including frogfish, seahorses, nudibranchs, various shrimp, octopi, and crabs.
Fantasy Wall
Fantasy Wall is located at the northern tip of the Maratua Islands, approximately 30 minutes from Nabucco Islands. This dive site features a stunning vertical wall adorned with numerous gorgonians. Divers can approach the wall from either the right or left shoulder. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including a variety of gorgonians, eagle rays, and macro organisms. However, due to strong currents, coral coverage is limited. The entry to the site is from the shore.
Fukui Point
Fukui Point is a dive site off the southwest coast of Bunaken Island at a maximum depth of 15 meters (50 feet). This site features sandy slopes with both soft and hard corals, making it suitable for divers of all skill levels. Marine life includes giant clams, Napoleon wrasses, black snappers, and blackfin barracudas.
Gasoline Station
Gasoline Station is situated on the mainland near the southern tip of Sulawesi, just outside Manado Bay. This dive site is known for its diverse marine life, including species such as reef octopus, batfish, scorpionfish, mantis shrimps, and cuttlefish. The underwater landscape features vibrant corals and is particularly appealing for those interested in observing unique bottom-dwelling creatures. The site is accessible via a shore entry, making it convenient for divers.
Gorgonzola
Gorgonzola is located east of the northern tip of Maratua Islands, approximately 20 minutes from Nabucco Islands. This dive site features a stunning reef top and a wall that descends to a sandy plateau at a depth of 30 meters. Divers should keep their right shoulder towards the wall while exploring. The area is home to healthy hard and soft corals, along with numerous gorgonian sea fans. Notable marine life includes schools of bumphead parrotfish, along with a variety of smaller fish and macro species.
Hanging Gardens
Hanging Gardens is a dive site off the south part of Sipadan Island featuring a wall with hard and soft corals, sea fans, and barrel sponges. Common marine life includes sweetlips, damselfish, clownfish, and lobsters, with possible sightings of sea turtles and sharks. Depth ranges from 5 to 40 meters, accessed via shore entry.
Helga Point
Helga Point is situated on Nain Island, located north of Sulawesi. This dive site features a wall dive characterized by a rich diversity of marine life, including green turtles, white and black tip sharks, eagle rays, and Napoleon fish. The area is also home to various invertebrates such as nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs, and pygmy seahorses. The entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers and snorkelers alike.
Iyan's Place
Iyan's Place is located approximately 20 minutes from the Nabucco Islands at the northern tip of the Maratua Islands. This dive site features a distinct topography with a steep wall that transitions into a slope, followed by another steep wall. Divers should keep their right shoulder against the wall while exploring. The site is notable for its abundance of large table corals, along with healthy populations of hard and soft corals. Additionally, divers can expect to encounter a variety of macro life throughout the dive.
Jack Point
Jack Point features a steeply sloping reef that descends to depths of 40 meters, transitioning into a sandy slope. The area includes narrow bays characterized by sand and rubble. Divers should maintain their right shoulder towards the reef during the dive. Notable marine life includes feather stars, healthy corals, sponges, leopard sharks, eagle rays, and various macro organisms.
Jalan Masuk
Jalan Masuk is situated on Nain Island, located in the northern region of Sulawesi. This dive site features a wall dive characterized by a rich diversity of marine life, including green turtles, white and black tip sharks, eagle rays, and Napoleon fish. The area is also home to various smaller species such as nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs, and pygmy seahorses. The site is accessible from the shore, making it suitable for freediving, scuba diving, and snorkeling activities.
Johnnys House
Johnnys House is situated on the southwest coast of Maratua Islands, featuring a steep wall dive. This site does not showcase extensive coral formations, but divers can expect to encounter fusilier fish, snapper, and other schooling species. The presence of a limited number of hard and soft corals can also be noted. The entry to the dive site is from the shore.
Kakaban Wall
Kakaban Wall is located on the southwest tip of Kakaban Island, approximately 50 minutes from Nabucco Islands and 20 minutes from Nunukan Islands. This dive site features a long, deep wall that is generally sheltered from strong currents. Divers can observe a diverse array of healthy hard and soft corals, along with various small colorful fish. Notable marine life includes white tip reef sharks and barracudas, making it a rich environment for underwater exploration.
Kapalai House Reef
Kapalai House Reef is a shore dive site located at coordinates 4.226500, 118.685100. The site is known for its clear waters and diverse marine life. Divers can expect to encounter various species of nudibranchs, as well as giant moray eels, lionfish, and pipefish. The area is particularly notable for the abundance of turtles, which are often studied by researchers due to their nesting activities in the region.
Kelapa dua
Kelapa Dua is located on the southeast tip of Kakaban Island, approximately 45 minutes from Nabucco Islands and 15 minutes from Nunukan Islands. This dive site features a prominent wall with generally good visibility. Divers may encounter unique marine life such as pygmy seahorses, electric clams, and occasionally thresher sharks. The shallower areas are adorned with soft corals, adding to the site's biodiversity. The entry to the dive site is from the shore.
Langkawit
Langkawit is located at the southwest tip of Maratua Atoll, offering a dive site that caters to macro enthusiasts. The top of the reef is situated between 5 to 10 meters deep. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including soft corals, fan corals, hard corals, parrotfish, and various macro organisms such as nudibranchs and worms. The site is accessible via shore entry.
Lekuan 1
Lekuan 1 is situated within the coral triangle in Bunaken National Park, featuring a vertical wall dive rich in marine biodiversity. The site is characterized by a variety of corals and sponges. It is suitable for freediving, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Divers can expect to encounter species such as green turtles, white and black tip sharks, eagle rays, and Napoleon fish, along with nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs, and pygmy seahorses.
Lekuan 1
Lekuan 1 is situated within Bunaken National Park, characterized as a wall dive that supports a diverse array of marine life. The site is home to various species including green turtles, white and black tip sharks, eagle rays, and Napoleon fish. Additionally, divers can encounter nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs, and pygmy seahorses. This location is suitable for freediving, scuba diving, and snorkeling, providing opportunities to explore its rich underwater ecosystem.
Lekuan I (Turtle City)
Lekuan I, part of Bunaken Marine Park, is a popular dive site featuring a vertical wall that starts at a sandy slope and descends to deeper depths. Divers will find various crevices home to diverse marine life, including damselfish and other small reef species. The site is suitable for both snorkelers at the top coral garden and divers exploring the wall's depths.
Lekuan Ii
Lekuan II is a vertical wall dive site that reaches depths of about 65 meters (213 feet). It features canyons and overhangs with soft corals, black corals, and large sponges, along with a variety of marine life including nudibranchs, lobsters, sea turtles, moray eels, and various species of fish such as butterflyfish, scorpionfish, and snappers. You may also encounter whitetip and blacktip sharks, as well as eagle rays.
Lekuan Pygmy
Lekuan Pygmy is a dive site located within Bunaken National Park, reaching a maximum depth of 22 meters (72 feet). Divers can expect to see various marine life including whitetip and blacktip reef sharks, eagle rays, green turtles, Napoleon wrasses, crabs, and pygmy seahorses. The site is suitable for advanced divers, as well as freedivers and snorkelers, with good visibility.
Leo point
Leo Point is situated approximately 5 minutes east of Nabucco Island. The dive site features a terraced slope that leads to a sandy plateau at depths of 27 to 30 meters, followed by a drop-off. Divers should orient themselves with their left shoulder towards the reef. Notable marine life includes blotched sting rays, leopard sharks, grey reef sharks, garden eels, and ribbon eels.
Leo Wall
Leo Wall is located approximately 10 minutes east of the Nabucco Islands. This dive site features a coral slope that transitions into a steep wall, with a sandy plateau at a depth of 30 meters. Divers are advised to keep their left shoulder towards the wall during the dive. Notable marine life includes spiny lobsters, squid, leopard sharks, spotted eagle rays, banded sea snakes, and turtles that can often be found resting in overhangs. Macro life is also present, providing additional interest for divers.
Lighthouse Maratua
Lighthouse Maratua is located 25 minutes north of the Nabucco Islands on the northern side of Maratua Islands. This dive site features a steeply sloping wall that leads down to a sandy plateau at depths of 40 to 45 meters. The site is best experienced during moderate to strong currents, which can enhance the dive experience. Marine life commonly observed here includes spotted eagle rays, gray reef sharks, thresher sharks, whale sharks, barracuda, spiny mackerel, and tuna, along with various macro species.
Lighthouse Virgin Cocoa Islands
Lighthouse Virgin Cocoa Islands features a coral reef that begins at depths of 5 to 10 meters. Below this, a steep wall descends to a sandy bottom at approximately 70 meters. The wall includes several overhangs, providing interesting structures for exploration. The site is known for its diverse coral species and abundant marine life, including various reef fish that create an aquarium-like experience for snorkelers. In the deeper blue waters, divers may encounter leopard sharks, manta rays, and dolphins.
Likuan 2
Likuan 2 is situated within the coral triangle in Bunaken National Park, featuring a wall dive that supports a diverse array of marine life. The site is home to various species including green turtles, white and black tip sharks, eagle rays, and Napoleon fish. Additionally, divers can observe nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs, and pygmy seahorses. This location is suitable for freediving, scuba diving, and snorkeling, providing opportunities to explore its rich underwater ecosystem.
Likuan 3
Likuan 3 is a wall dive situated within the coral triangle in Bunaken National Park. The site is characterized by an abundance of marine life, including various corals and sponges. Divers can expect to encounter species such as green turtles, white and black tip sharks, eagle rays, and Napoleon fish. Additionally, smaller creatures like nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs, and pygmy seahorses are also present. The dive site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers and snorkelers alike.
Likuan Iii
Lekuan III is a wall dive featuring a sandy slope with coral rocks and a vertical wall. Common marine life includes fusiliers, mackerels, batfish, sea turtles, and various sharks. Visibility is generally good with low to medium currents, making it suitable for all levels of divers.
Likuan Pygmy
Likuan Pygmy is situated within the coral triangle in Bunaken National Park, featuring a wall dive that supports a diverse array of marine life. The site is known for its vibrant corals, sponges, and various species including green turtles, white and black tip sharks, eagle rays, and the unique pygmy seahorse. This location is suitable for freediving, scuba diving, and snorkeling, providing opportunities to observe nudibranchs, shrimps, and crabs. The entry to the site is from the shore, allowing for easy access to the underwater ecosystem.
Lumantang
Lumantang is located approximately 10 minutes north of Nabucco Islands and features a long wall dive adorned with numerous gorgonian sea fans. Divers typically position themselves with their right shoulder against the wall. The site is known for its healthy coral formations and offers opportunities to observe macro marine life, grey reef sharks, spotted eagle rays, and various larger fish species, particularly in areas with current.
Mandarin Lagoon
Mandarin Lagoon is located approximately 4 minutes from the Nabucco Islands and is ideal for twilight diving. The dive site features a shallow sandy bottom at depths of 5 to 6 meters. Divers can observe the mating behavior of mandarin fish just before sunset, followed by opportunities for night diving. Notable marine life includes mandarin fish, pyjama cardinals, giant nudibranchs, squid, moray eels, and flatworms.
Mandolin
Raymond's Point is a wall dive site featuring a canyon that leads to a cave at 40 meters (130 feet). The site hosts diverse marine life, including various corals, angelfish, snappers, groupers, Napoleon wrasses, and larger species like whitetip and blacktip sharks. This dive is suitable for advanced divers due to the depth.
Manta Point Sangalaki
Manta Point, located southeast of Sangalaki Island, is a shallow dive site characterized by a sandy bottom. The site is accessible by boat and is approximately 60 minutes from the Nabucco Islands and 30 minutes from the Nunukan Islands. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including manta rays, mobula rays, cownose rays, blue spotted stingrays, leopard sharks, octopuses, dolphins, hawksbill turtles, and Indian whalemen, along with various macro species.
Midnight Snapper Run
Midnight Snapper Run is located approximately 7 minutes from the Nabucco Islands, oriented towards the south-southeast. The dive site features a steep slope leading to a sandy plateau at depths of 23 to 28 meters, adjacent to a steep wall. Divers should position themselves with their left shoulder towards the wall for optimal exploration. Notable marine life sightings include feather tail rays, spotted stingrays, leopard sharks, gray reef sharks, and garden eels.
Mike'S Point
Mike's Point is a wall dive site within Bunaken National Park, featuring steep drop-offs and various coral formations such as gorgonians, lettuce coral, and black coral. Marine life includes angelfish, scorpionfish, Napoleon wrasses, and larger species like whitetip reef sharks and eagle rays. This site is accessible for diving year-round and is suitable for advanced divers.
Molas Shipwreck
The Molas Shipwreck is a WWII Dutch freighter located at a maximum depth of 38 meters (125 feet), with the wreck's upper section at 26 meters (85 feet). Divers can observe a variety of marine life including nudibranchs, mantis shrimps, ribbon moray eels, barracudas, and reef sharks around the wreck.
Molas Shipwreck
The Molas Shipwreck is situated off the mainland of Manado and is accessible via boat. This dive site is characterized as muck diving, taking approximately 15 minutes to reach. It is known for its diverse array of small marine life, including frogfish, seahorses, nudibranchs, shrimp, octopi, and crabs, making it an excellent location for observing these critters in their natural habitat.
Muka Kampung
Muka Kampung is a drift dive located in front of the main village of Bunaken Island. Divers can expect to see eagle rays, stingrays, Napoleon wrasses, tuna, mandarin fish, nudibranchs, and various crustaceans along a drop-off. The dive site is accessible by boat, with a water temperature of 26 - 30 °C and good visibility throughout the year.
Nabucco Jetty
Nabucco Jetty serves as the house reef for the Nabucco Islands Center. The site features a shallow reef with a sandy bottom, reaching a maximum depth of 5 meters. Diving is optimal during high tide. It is also an excellent location for snorkeling. Marine life includes blue spotted rays, turtles, octopus, nudibranchs, anemones hosting clown fish, and mantis shrimp.
Negeri
Negeri is a wall dive situated within Bunaken National Park, known for its rich biodiversity. The site features an array of marine life, including green turtles, white and black tip sharks, eagle rays, and Napoleon fish. Divers can also encounter nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs, and pygmy seahorses. The entry to this dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for various diving activities, including freediving and snorkeling.
Nunukan Express
Nunukan Express is situated directly in front of the Nunukan Islands and is characterized by strong currents that can enhance the likelihood of encountering large schools of fish. The dive site features a small cave at approximately 30 meters, adorned with various corals. Towards the end of the dive, divers will find a sandy slope. Notable marine life includes schools of spiny mackerel, large groupers, and barracudas, along with hard and soft corals and macro life present in the sandy areas.
Odyssey Point 1
Odyssey Point 1 features a gradual slope from the mainland, reaching depths of 25 meters. The site is characterized by a continuous stretch of corals, allowing divers to move easily with the current. Visibility can vary significantly, influenced by tidal conditions, ranging from 3 meters to over 10 meters. Marine life is abundant, with sightings of various small critters including nudibranchs, mantis shrimp, ribbon eels, and moray eels, along with numerous reef fish species.
Onong’s House Reef
Onong’s House Reef is situated within Bunaken National Park, known for its rich biodiversity. This dive site features a wall that is home to a variety of marine life, including octopuses, clownfish, stonefish, cuttlefish, lionfish, nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs, and pygmy seahorses. The site is accessible from the shore, making it suitable for freediving, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
Pala Pala
Pala Pala is characterized by an extensive wall and a large cave featuring a significant entrance. The dive reaches a depth of 36.8 meters, making it challenging to complete with a single tank. Divers should carry a reliable primary light source along with a backup and ensure they have sufficient air for a decompression stop. Inside the cave, reef sharks are commonly observed resting on the sand bed, typically swimming away upon diver entry.
Pandanan House reef
Pandanan House Reef is a shallow dive site characterized by a gentle slope and a sandy bottom. The area is rich in colorful corals and hosts a variety of marine life, including clownfish, turtles, and reef sharks. This site is particularly suitable for beginners and is best explored during high tide. It also offers opportunities for snorkeling. Access to the site is via shore entry.
Pandoga Point
Pandoga Point is located southwest of the Nunukan Islands, approximately 35 minutes from Nabucco Islands. This dive site features a vertical wall that reaches depths of up to 35 meters, characterized by numerous craters and overhangs. At the base of the wall, divers will encounter a sandy plateau. Marine life at this site includes thresher sharks, hammerhead sharks, various soft and hard corals, turtles, and macro species such as nudibranchs and orangutan crabs.
Pangalisan
Pangalisan is situated within Bunaken National Park, a key area in the Coral Triangle. This site features a wall dive characterized by a rich diversity of marine life, including green turtles, white and black tip sharks, eagle rays, and Napoleon fish. The underwater landscape is adorned with various corals, sponges, and smaller creatures such as nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs, and pygmy seahorses. The entry to this dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers and snorkelers alike.
Pangalisang
Pangalisang is a drift dive site featuring strong currents. At depths ranging from 10 to 30 meters, divers can see schooling snappers, barracudas, batfish, fusiliers, leaf fish, ribbon eels, and nudibranchs. Occasional sightings of whitetip reef sharks are also possible.
Panglima Reef
Panglima Reef is located to the north-west of Mabul Island, with a depth starting at 5 meters from the shore and extending approximately 50 meters into deeper waters. The site may experience longshore currents influenced by tidal changes, making it suitable for beginner divers interested in drift diving. The reef is known for its macro life, featuring clusters of nudibranchs, stingrays, and turtles. Divers may also encounter schools of yellowstripe snappers, crocodile fish, and occasional sightings of whale sharks.
Paradise II, Mabul
Paradise II in Mabul is characterized by a shallow reef teeming with a diverse array of hard and soft corals. This site is suitable for both novice and experienced divers. During dives, divers can observe a variety of colorful fish species, including parrotfish and wrasse. Additionally, there is a possibility of encountering larger marine life such as reef sharks and turtles. The site is accessible via shore entry.
Posi Posi 1
Posi Posi 1 features a gradual slope from the mainland, descending to a depth of 25 meters. The site is characterized by a continuous stretch of corals, allowing divers to easily navigate with the current. Visibility can vary significantly due to tidal conditions, ranging from 3 meters to over 10 meters. The marine life includes a variety of small critters such as nudibranchs, mantis shrimp, ribbon eels, and moray eels, along with a diverse array of reef fish.
Posi Posi 2
Posi Posi 2 features a gradual slope from the mainland, descending to depths of 25 meters. The site is characterized by coral formations that extend along the entire area, allowing divers to navigate with the current. Visibility can vary significantly due to tidal conditions, ranging from 3 meters to over 10 meters. This location is also suitable for night dives, where divers may encounter various nocturnal marine life, including reef octopuses and rabbit worms.
Raymond’s Point
Raymond's Point is situated within Bunaken National Park, characterized by a vertical wall dive that supports a diverse array of marine life. The site is home to species such as green turtles, white and black tip sharks, eagle rays, and Napoleon fish. Additionally, divers can observe nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs, and pygmy seahorses among the vibrant corals and sponges. This location is suitable for various diving activities, including freediving, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
Ron'S Point
Ron's Point is a dive site featuring a sandy slope that transitions into a coral wall at depths ranging from 5 to 30 meters. Divers can see various marine life, including sharks, eagle rays, barracudas, and moray eels, as well as numerous coral species. The site is located within Bunaken National Park in Indonesia, making it rich in biodiversity.
Rumah Makan Nelayan
Rumah Makan Nelayan is situated on the mainland of Manado, directly accessible from the beach in front of the Nelayan Restaurant. This site offers convenient shore diving opportunities. The underwater environment consists of a mix of coral reefs, sandy areas, and various artificial reef structures, making it suitable for muck diving. Divers can expect to encounter a diverse range of marine life, including frogfish, seahorses, nudibranchs, shrimp, octopus, crabs, Mandarin fish, angelfish, and bannerfish.
Sachiko
Sachiko is a wall dive situated in the heart of the Coral Triangle within Bunaken National Park. The site is characterized by a diverse array of marine life, including green turtles, white and black tip sharks, eagle rays, and Napoleon fish. Additionally, divers can observe various nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs, and pygmy seahorses. The entry to this site is from the shore, making it accessible for both scuba diving and snorkeling.
Sachiko'S Point (Lucky Point)
Sachiko's Point is a dive site in Bunaken National Marine Park featuring a steep wall with abundant marine life. Divers can expect to see over 300 species of fish, including triggerfish, angelfish, and groupers, along with large corals and gorgonian sea fans. The site is accessible by boat.
Sahaung
Sahaung is a notable dive site characterized by two prominent pinnacles. Divers can expect to encounter a diverse array of marine life, including white tip reef sharks, rays, and eagle rays. The site is also home to various nudibranchs and seahorses, contributing to its rich biodiversity. The entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore its underwater features.
Sahaung 1
Sahaung 1 is a notable dive site characterized by two prominent pinnacles. Divers can explore a diverse underwater landscape adorned with vibrant corals and sea fans. The site is known for its rich marine biodiversity, with frequent encounters with white tip reef sharks, rays, and eagle rays. Additionally, divers may spot nudibranchs and seahorses among the marine life. The entry to this site is from the shore.
Sahaung 2
Sahaung 2 is characterized by its two prominent pinnacles, providing a unique diving experience. The site is known for its rich biodiversity, where divers can encounter white tip reef sharks, rays, and eagle rays. Additionally, sightings of nudibranchs and seahorses are common. The entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore the underwater ecosystem.
Sea Fan City
Sea Fan City is located near the Nunukan Islands, approximately 30 minutes from Nabucco Islands. This dive site features a colorful wall that is home to various marine life. Notable species include scorpion fish, stone fish, sea cobras, nudibranchs, turtles, crabs, shrimp, and pygmy seahorses among the fan corals. The entry to this site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers. The underwater landscape is characterized by vibrant coral formations and diverse marine ecosystems.
Sea Wall
Sea Wall is located approximately 14 minutes from Nabuco Islands and 16 minutes from Nunukan Island. This site features a coral garden where divers should orient themselves with their left shoulder towards the reef. The underwater landscape is rich with various gorgonians, hard and soft corals, and feather stars. Notable marine life includes frogfish and a variety of micro life, making it a diverse ecosystem for exploration.
Sea Wall Garden
Sea Wall Garden is located approximately 15 minutes from both Nabucco Islands and Nunukan Islands. This dive site features a steep wall that descends to depths of 20 to 25 meters, followed by a sandy slope. Divers can observe a variety of healthy hard and soft coral species, along with marine life such as lobsters, marcole creatures, and spotted stingrays.
Sempini 2
Sempini 2 is a dive site that begins on a sandy bottom at a depth of 3 meters, gradually descending to 25 meters. This location is particularly appealing for macro enthusiasts, as divers can observe a variety of marine life including nudibranchs, crabs, frogfish, and shrimp while navigating the sandy substrate.