Diving in Northeast Sulawesi
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Northeast Sulawesi's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Northeast Sulawesi, ecoregion. This region features 49 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Northeast Sulawesi 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 Northeast Sulawesi (1)
Popular Spots in Northeast Sulawesi (49)
Angels Window Bukabuka Isl.
Angels Window at Bukabuka Island features a dramatic drop-off wall with a notable opening in the reef that descends to a depth of 6 meters. This unique formation allows sunlight to filter through, creating the characteristic 'Angel’s Window' effect. The site is home to a variety of marine life, including pelagic species such as Dogtooth Tuna, Jacks, Giant Trevally, and Blacktip Sharks. Additionally, divers can observe smaller species like Purple Anthias, damsels, Butterflyfish, morays, and crabs. The warm water temperatures contribute to a comfortable diving experience.
Apollo
Apollo is a healthy reef located near the southern beach of Una Una, with depths starting at 22 meters and extending beyond 40 meters. This site is known for the potential to observe a Barracuda tornado, which can be seen throughout the year, although sightings are not guaranteed. In addition to barracudas, divers may encounter schools of Jack fish, fusiliers, bat fish, and yellow snapper. The reef is also adorned with various sponges, contributing to its ecological diversity.
Artemis
Artemis features a long, winding wall that descends beyond 60 meters, with the reef's top located approximately 3 meters from the shore. The site is characterized by tube sponges and overhangs, creating distinct silhouettes. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including eagle rays, ghost pipefish, and orangutan crabs, alongside the typical inhabitants of Una Una such as sponges, snappers, fusiliers, and batfish.
Aviator
Aviator is a shore dive site characterized by a diverse underwater landscape. Divers can explore a pinnacle, navigate alongside a steep wall, and swim over an open sandy seabed. The site is home to various marine species, including pufferfish, blacktip sharks, turtles, damselfish, and yellowtail fusiliers. Notable coral formations include large fan corals, massive barrel corals, and tube corals, providing a vibrant backdrop for underwater exploration.
Batu Gila - Una Una
Batu Gila is a deep pinnacle located in the southern region of Una Una, beginning at a depth of 26 meters and extending beyond 100 meters. This site is challenging to find and often experiences strong currents. However, divers can expect excellent visibility and a rich diversity of marine life. Notable features include large tube and barrel sponges, along with substantial schools of various fish. Hammerhead sharks have been reported at depths around 60 meters near the reef's edge.
Bima Sakti 1
Bima Sakti 1 is characterized by a Zig-Zag Mini Wall featuring overhangs and offers clear visibility. The site is home to healthy hard coral reefs, rubber sponges, barrel sponges, sea fans, and sea worms. The name 'Bima Sakti' refers to a small island located behind the sand banks. Divers can encounter a variety of marine life, including larger species such as Blacktip Sharks, Napoleon Wrasse, Jacks, Trevally, Tuna, Turtles, and Eagle Rays, as well as smaller species like Shrimp, Blennies, Hawkfish, and Purple Anthias.
Bima Sakti 2
Bima Sakti 2 is characterized by a vertical drop-off wall that showcases pristine coral reefs. Divers can observe purple anthias swimming above the extensive coral structures. At a depth of 25 meters, there is a possibility of encountering Blacktip Reef Sharks. In the shallower areas, divers may spot a variety of marine life including Sexy Dancer Shrimp, Orangutan Crab, Crinoid Shrimp, Nudibranchs, Fire Goby, Arrow Crab, and Skeleton Shrimp.
Bima Sakti 3
Bima Sakti 3 offers exceptional visibility, allowing divers to see the seafloor at depths of up to 45 meters under optimal conditions. The site is home to a variety of marine life, including schooling Surgeonfish, Butterflyfish, Moorish Idol, Purple Anthias, and Domino Damsels. Additionally, divers may encounter larger pelagic species such as Speed Jacks, Dogtooth Tuna, and Blacktip Sharks. Smaller species like Candy Crab and Juvenile Sweetlips can also be observed. The entry to this dive site is from the shore.
Black Forest (Candi City)
Black Forest, located at Candi City, is characterized by its distinct hard coral formations, including temple, cabbage, and mushroom corals. The dive site reaches a maximum depth of 24 meters, with the majority of the underwater exploration occurring around 15 meters. The site is named for its unique temple coral structures, reminiscent of the Black Forest region in Germany. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including cuttlefish, mandarin fish, and bird-nosed wrasse, along with numerous nesting fish within the cabbage coral.
Castil Point
Castil Point presents a unique underwater landscape characterized by a flat-bottom reef interspersed with large rock formations that resemble a fragmented castle. Divers can observe Blacktip Reef Sharks in the flat areas, and with some luck, up to three Eagle Rays may also be seen. After approximately 15 minutes of diving, heading left leads to a drop-off where a shallow zone teems with small marine life. This area is home to Glass Shrimp, Fire Gobies, Hermit Crabs, Skeleton Shrimp, and Nudibranchs, providing diverse opportunities for observation.
Circus point
Circus Point is characterized by a gentle slope teeming with a variety of small marine organisms. The reef is predominantly composed of Acropora corals and features large coral structures alongside two sponge types: Tube and Barrel. Divers can observe a range of marine life including Sexy Dancer Shrimp, Blennies, Boxfish, Coconut Octopus, Pajama Cardinalfish, and Nudibranchs. There are occasional sightings of Blacktip Reef Sharks and Dogtooth Tuna, adding to the site's biodiversity. The entry to this dive site is from the shore.
CoDo Reef
CoDo Reef is characterized by a diverse underwater environment that includes a vibrant reef, a gradual slope, and a steep wall. This site is rich in marine life, allowing divers to encounter species such as eagle rays and sharks. The varied topography provides opportunities to explore different depths and habitats, making it suitable for divers of all levels. The entry to the site is from the shore, facilitating easy access for divers.
Cookie monster
Cookie Monster is characterized by a steep wall that transitions into a gradual reef slope, providing a rich habitat for diverse marine life. The site is home to various species including trumpet fish, schools of yellow-tailed fusiliers, turtles, anchovies, nudibranchs, crabs, gobies, and blennies, all amidst vibrant coral formations. This underwater environment offers a dynamic experience for divers at varying depths.
D.C Point
D.C. Point is situated directly in front of a dive center, providing easy access for divers. The dive starts on a gentle slope, leading to a reef slope that can be explored after approximately 10 minutes of descent. The site is home to a variety of marine life, including Damsel Fish, Fire Gobies, Hermit Crabs, Nudibranchs, Crinoid Shrimp, and Peacock Mantis Shrimp. Additionally, divers may encounter Hawksbill Turtles, Blacktip Reef Sharks, and Eagle Rays during their exploration.
Fate Arena
Fate Arena offers a gradual slope leading to vibrant coral gardens, with depths suitable for divers of various experience levels. The site is home to hard corals and a diverse array of marine life, including blacktip reef sharks, batfish, and sea turtles. The underwater environment provides excellent visibility, making it ideal for a scenic dive. This site is accessed via shore entry.
French Tuba Garden
French Tuba Garden features a prominent vertical wall covered in colorful tube sponges, transitioning into a sloping seabed that descends into deeper waters. This combination of wall and slope supports a rich diversity of marine life. Divers can expect to encounter various fish species, including parrotfish, napoleon wrasse, damselfish, and butterflyfish, along with triggerfish and groupers among the coral formations.
G 6 Point
G 6 Point is situated near Glamping Number 6 and features a prominent drop-off wall characterized by overhangs and an opening at the top of the reef. The site is rich in hard coral formations, barrel sponges, tube sponges, sea fans, and feather stars. Marine life commonly observed here includes Speed Jacks, Midnight Snapper, Dogtooth Tuna, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Nudibranchs, Shrimp, Crabs, Anchovies, Purple Anthias, Boxfish, Pufferfish, and Purple Goby.
Greta’s Place
Greta’s Place features a gently sloping wall located between Sanctum and the main village of Una Una. The dive site begins at a depth of 5 meters and is characterized by large sponges and a diverse range of hard and soft corals. It is typically explored along the right shoulder. Divers can expect to see a variety of reef fish, with notable sightings of unicorn fish and giant barracuda. The site is best experienced in the morning light for optimal visibility.
Hattivatti
Hattivatti is a shore dive site characterized by an abundance of tube corals, some of which exhibit signs of bleaching, resembling the fictional Hattivattis from Tove Jansson's works. Divers can encounter a variety of marine life, including the large and colorful Napoleon wrasse, blacktip reef sharks with their distinctive black-tipped fins, and eagle rays that move gracefully through the water. The site is located at coordinates -0.824500, 121.595000.
Hong Kong
The dive site at Hong Kong features a sloping reef located to the south of the island, reaching a maximum depth of 24 meters. This area is notable for its large populations of yellow snapper and schooling batfish. Divers may also encounter a resident white-tipped reef shark, along with blue-spotted rays and turtles that are frequently observed in the vicinity.
Ihana
Ihana is a shore entry dive site characterized by a long reef that runs parallel to the coastline. The dive begins in a shallow sandy area that provides a protected environment, making it suitable for novice divers. The reef is home to a diverse array of marine life, including a nursery of yellow snapper. Additionally, divers can observe macro species such as sea horses, as well as larger marine animals like eagle rays and cuttlefish.
Jam
Jam is a dive site located between Sanctum Una Una and Pinnacle 1, accessible by boat in approximately 2 minutes from the resort. The dive begins at a depth of 30 meters and traverses through a network of reefs, concluding at a small wreck situated around 10 meters deep. Divers may also have the opportunity to connect with Pinnacle 1 and the Sanctum house reef during their dive. Notable marine life includes barracuda tornadoes, along with a diverse array of fish and nudibranchs that can be found among the cabbage coral.
Japanese Cargo Wreck
The Japanese Cargo Wreck is located in Leato Selatan, Gorontalo. The wreck, approximately 73 years old, is at a depth of around 20 meters and features various structural elements characteristic of wartime vessels. Marine life includes a range of fish species and some coral growth around the wreck site.
Jungle
Jungle is a wall dive located just three minutes from the Sanctum Una Una dive resort, situated within a bay adjacent to a rainforest. The site features a steeply sloping wall and is best visited during dry conditions, as rainfall can lead to reduced visibility due to river runoff. The underwater landscape is adorned with vibrant sea fans and sponges, and divers can observe luminous fire anemones along with a diverse array of reef fish, including the notable Napoleon Wrasse.
Karlas Garden
Karlas Garden is characterized by a reef slope that gradually descends, leading to deeper waters rich in marine biodiversity. Divers can expect to encounter various species, including turtles, fast-moving jacks, powerful dogtooth tuna, and large schools of yellowtail fusiliers. The site provides a smooth transition from shallower areas to deeper depths, making it accessible for divers of varying experience levels.
Kingston Wall
Kingston Wall is a dive site located off the main village of Una Una, featuring a winding wall that descends from a depth of 5 meters to over 60 meters. A notable feature of the site is a finger that extends to the north of the island, beginning at approximately 15 meters and dropping to 34 meters. To the west, there is a sandy slope that provides an opportunity for macro photography. The wall is adorned with various tube and barrel sponges, and the upper section of the reef is particularly striking. Divers may encounter a variety of reef fish, including Togean Toby's, especially during the months of November and December.
Lighthouse Bukabuka
Lighthouse Bukabuka is situated to the north of Buka-Buka Island, directly in front of the lighthouse. The dive site features a gentle slope that transitions into a reef slope on the right side, showcasing a well-organized garden of Cabbage Coral. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including Blacktip Reef Sharks, Eagle Rays, Turtles, Speed Jacks, Giant Trevally, Surgeonfish, Snapper, Sweetlips, Butterflyfish, Anthias, and Stonefish.
Little India
Little India features a gently sloping reef that begins with a field of temple coral. As divers progress, the landscape transitions into a sponge-covered area, characteristic of the surrounding reefs in Una Una. The diverse marine life, including various reef fish, adds to the site's appeal, providing an engaging experience throughout the dive.
Mandiri
Mandiri is characterized by a clam-shaped deep wall located to the north of the island. Divers may hear volcanic activity beneath the surface, as the site is situated near the walking point to the volcano's summit. The wall is adorned with both hard and soft corals, providing habitat for various marine life, including schooling jacks and spotted eagle rays, along with a diverse array of reef fish. The entry to this site is from the shore.
Menara II
Menara II is characterized by a winding wall located off the main village of Una Una. The site features a mix of hard and soft corals, providing habitat for a diverse array of reef fish. A notable feature is a cave that divers can enter individually. The marine life includes hunting blue-fin trevallies, passing giant barracuda, and large schools of fusiliers and black snappers, making it an engaging dive site for observing various species.
Nurek Point
Nurek Point is a dive site located at coordinates -0.752200, 121.770200, accessible from the shore. The dive begins with a gentle slope that leads down to a reef characterized by Finger, Acropora, and Cabbage Corals. The depth ranges from 18 to 30 meters, providing good visibility throughout the year. While small marine creatures are not abundant, divers may encounter 5-6 Blacktip Reef Sharks during their dive.
Pinnacle 1
Pinnacle 1 is a triangular underwater formation characterized by both a slope and a vertical wall. The dive site begins at a depth of 5 meters, making it suitable for divers of varying experience levels, including Open Water students. This location is accessible from the shore and is ideal for both daytime and nighttime diving. During night dives, divers can observe bioluminescence, as well as marine life such as banded coral shrimp and octopus. Daytime encounters may include schooling black snapper, eagle rays, sharks, Napoleon wrasse, and occasionally barracuda in large groups.
Pinnacle 2
Pinnacle 2 is a dive site characterized by a prominent underwater pinnacle that begins at a depth of 5 meters and extends beyond 60 meters. It is located approximately five minutes from the Sanctum Una Una Dive Resort and is accessible via shore entry. The site features both a wall and a slope, providing a diverse environment covered with sponges, fire coral, and a variety of reef fish. Divers may encounter marine life such as Napoleon Wrasse, tuna, jack fish, and eagle rays. This site is suitable for beginner divers practicing up to 12 meters, while also offering opportunities for more experienced divers to explore deeper pinnacles nearby, including Satellite.
Rap God Point
Rap God Point is characterized by a connecting reef that features hard corals and orange sponges. The reef begins at a depth of 16 meters and gradually slopes up to 5 meters. In the local language, 'Rap' translates to reef, while 'God' signifies its notable quality. Divers can encounter a variety of marine life, including Hawksbill and Green Turtles, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Eagle Rays, Barracuda, Crocodile Fish, Purple Anthias, Butterflyfish, Shrimp, Clownfish, and Crabs.
Reconnect House Reef Bukabuka
Reconnect House Reef Bukabuka features a Mini Wall drop-off with depths ranging from 45 to 50 meters, influenced by tidal conditions. The site is characterized by prominent hard coral formations and vibrant orange sponges. Marine life includes various species such as Nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs, gobies, and numerous Purple Anthias. Larger species observed in the area include Giant Trevally, Blacktip Reef Sharks, and Eagle Rays.
Right Bet
Right Bet features a prominent vertical wall that transitions into a gradual slope, providing a variety of marine life and coral formations at different depths. Divers can observe species such as turtles, parrotfish, nudibranchs, shrimp, crabs, and occasionally blacktip sharks, contributing to a rich underwater ecosystem.
Ring of fire
The Ring of Fire dive site features a vertical wall that descends into deeper waters, transitioning into a gentle slope at its base. This area is abundant with marine life, including colorful nudibranchs, various shrimp, crabs, and a notable purple goby. Divers may also encounter blacktip reef sharks and eagle rays swimming through the site. The entry to this dive is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore its rich underwater ecosystem.
Rock and Ray
Rock and Ray is characterized by a gradual wall that descends into deeper waters, showcasing a variety of vibrant corals and a rich diversity of marine life. This site is suitable for divers of all experience levels, as it offers opportunities to observe both shallow and deep-water species. Notable marine encounters include eagle rays and sharks, set against a backdrop of a varied underwater landscape. The entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore this dynamic environment.
Ruta Cuarenta
Ruta Cuarenta presents a reef slope that transitions into a steep wall, followed by a sandy bottom and a gradual incline. This variety of underwater terrain supports a rich diversity of marine life. Divers may encounter colorful nudibranchs, active sexy dancer shrimp, inquisitive hermit crabs, and striking fire gobies during their exploration.
Secret Wonderland
Secret Wonderland is characterized by a steep wall adorned with overhangs that provide refuge for a variety of marine species. The site is rich in biodiversity, featuring schools of yellow-tailed fusiliers, vibrant fire gobies, inquisitive batfish, as well as cardinal fish and pajama cardinal fish. The wall structure creates an engaging environment for exploration, making it a notable dive site.
Sixtinne Wall
Sixtinne Wall is characterized by its steep vertical drop, providing a habitat for a variety of coral species and marine life. Divers can expect to encounter dogtooth tuna, blacktip sharks, and turtles in this area. The site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers. The underwater topography presents an engaging environment for exploration.
Space X
At Space X, divers can enter from the shore and descend to a depth of 16 meters. Here, a notable feature is the impressive schooling behavior of Barracuda, which creates a swirling formation reminiscent of a galaxy above the reef. The site is also home to larger species such as Blacktip Sharks, Dogtooth Tuna, and Giant Trevally. In addition, divers can observe a variety of smaller marine life, including Butterflyfish, Damsels, Moorish Idol, Anchovies, Angelfish, as well as various invertebrates like Crab, Octopus, and Shrimp.
Sponge world
Sponge World is characterized by a prominent wall featuring various overhangs, richly populated with vibrant tube sponges, orange sponges, and delicate fan corals. This site provides opportunities for encounters with marine species such as great barracuda, swift speedjacks, turtles, eagle rays, and blacktip sharks. The entry to the site is from the shore, allowing divers to access the underwater landscape directly.
Survival Bukabuka Island
Survival Bukabuka Island is an advanced diving site characterized by an underwater seamount. The top of the reef begins at a depth of 16 meters, leading to a steep drop-off wall that offers a rich marine environment. Divers can observe large schools of yellow-tailed fusiliers, along with pyramid butterflyfish and surgeonfish. Additionally, sightings of green turtles and blacktip reef sharks are possible. The site typically has excellent visibility of up to 30 meters, with medium to strong currents present, making it suitable for experienced divers.
Tanjung Gurita
Tanjung Gurita, also known as 'Octopus Cape,' is characterized by its diverse underwater topography, beginning with a small cave, transitioning into a reef slope, and concluding with a mini wall. This site is known for its macro photography opportunities, where divers may encounter species such as Glass Anemone Shrimp, Anemone Crab, Whip Coral Shrimp, Arrow Crab, Leaf Scorpion Fish, Emperor Shrimp, Pontohi Seahorse, and Lembeh Sea Dragon. While octopuses were once common in this area, they are now rare, but divers might still find one concealed within the reef. The entry to the dive site is from the shore.
Tanjung Pasir
Tanjung Pasir, translating to 'Sand Corner', serves as an ideal location for confined water training and introductory dives, such as the Discovery Scuba program. The site is suitable for divers of all experience levels, featuring a sandy slope with consistently clear visibility throughout the year. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including numerous yellow margin triggerfish, along with diverse fish species and coral formations.
Tanjung Sabine
Tanjung Sabine offers a gradual slope that leads divers to a mini wall, providing a gentle descent before reaching a drop-off characterized by more dramatic underwater formations. This site is rich in reef life, where divers can encounter various marine species including Blacktip Reef Sharks, Parrotfish, Damselfish, Moorish Idols, and Pyramid Butterflyfish.
The Abyss
The Abyss is a wall dive located off the jungle-fringed shore of Una Una, featuring a steep drop-off and dramatic underwater silhouettes. The dive site is characterized by a rich diversity of marine life, including both soft and hard corals, a variety of reef fish, and large sea fans measuring over 5 meters. A small cave can be found at a depth of 15 meters, adding to the site's unique features. The entry to this dive site is from the shore.
Wrong Entry
Wrong Entry is a shore dive site characterized by a vertical drop-off wall and overhangs. The site offers excellent visibility and is adorned with vibrant corals and sponges. Divers can expect to encounter pelagic species such as Dogtooth Tuna and Blacktip Sharks, along with schooling Batfish. During safety stops, divers can observe ancient corals and Purple Anthias, enhancing the underwater experience.