Explore 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.
Top Dive Sites Map
Diving in Bunaken
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!
The best Months to dive in Bunaken
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.
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