Explore Bunaken

Located off the tip of North Sulawesi are the islands of Siladen, Manado Tua, Montehage, Bunaken, and Nain. These five 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 meters/1,968 feet, with the islands being pinnacles that reach to the surface. This has created an impeccable topography for wall diving. The oceanic currents that sweep past the marine park supply a steady stream of nutrients to Bunaken’s rich diversity, and it's 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.

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    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 with 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 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 the Manado wreck, which sank in World War II and rests 40 meters/131 feet below the surface. Those wishing to partake in advanced dive courses will find dive sites here the perfect challenge!

    Top Wildlife Sightings in Bunaken

    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.

    Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

    Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
    Green Turtle

    Green Turtle
    4.3k Sightings
    J
    189
    F
    104
    M
    320
    A
    303
    M
    230
    J
    246
    J
    516
    A
    659
    S
    635
    O
    476
    N
    353
    D
    244

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 200

    Alamy-WaterFrame
    Moray Eel

    Moray Eel
    890 Sightings
    J
    35
    F
    10
    M
    72
    A
    86
    M
    35
    J
    53
    J
    116
    A
    149
    S
    142
    O
    76
    N
    66
    D
    50
    Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
    Hawksbill Turtle

    Hawksbill Turtle
    589 Sightings
    J
    19
    F
    8
    M
    31
    A
    40
    M
    35
    J
    49
    J
    92
    A
    67
    S
    94
    O
    47
    N
    82
    D
    25

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 600

    iStock/ultramarinfoto
    Wrasse

    Wrasse
    486 Sightings
    J
    12
    F
    3
    M
    27
    A
    42
    M
    28
    J
    38
    J
    47
    A
    72
    S
    93
    O
    29
    N
    63
    D
    32

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 25

    iStock/Juliosanjuan
    Eagle Ray

    Eagle Ray
    222 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    8
    M
    5
    A
    4
    M
    16
    J
    12
    J
    17
    A
    58
    S
    34
    O
    39
    N
    13
    D
    16

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 28

    Udo Kefrig
    Clownfish

    Clownfish
    1.6k Sightings
    J
    65
    F
    18
    M
    124
    A
    122
    M
    64
    J
    83
    J
    196
    A
    243
    S
    228
    O
    208
    N
    148
    D
    86

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3000

    SSI-Peter-Schinck
    Nudibranch

    Nudibranch
    1.5k Sightings
    J
    49
    F
    13
    M
    113
    A
    168
    M
    82
    J
    86
    J
    167
    A
    208
    S
    263
    O
    168
    N
    127
    D
    93

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
    Butterfly Fish

    Butterfly Fish
    1.3k Sightings
    J
    50
    F
    1
    M
    108
    A
    103
    M
    46
    J
    78
    J
    140
    A
    188
    S
    204
    O
    188
    N
    145
    D
    86

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    iStock-wrangel
    Triggerfish

    Triggerfish
    1.2k Sightings
    J
    36
    F
    14
    M
    90
    A
    89
    M
    41
    J
    65
    J
    136
    A
    219
    S
    200
    O
    129
    N
    96
    D
    82

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Shutterstock-Rich Carey
    Angelfish

    Angelfish
    1.2k Sightings
    J
    50
    F
    5
    M
    86
    A
    76
    M
    45
    J
    62
    J
    132
    A
    183
    S
    192
    O
    160
    N
    129
    D
    75
    Show More

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 100

    iStock-burnsboxco
    Parrotfish

    Parrotfish
    1.2k Sightings
    J
    43
    F
    16
    M
    76
    A
    55
    M
    30
    J
    63
    J
    149
    A
    183
    S
    211
    O
    145
    N
    105
    D
    78

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 12

    iStock/cinoby
    Lionfish

    Lionfish
    1k Sightings
    J
    30
    F
    16
    M
    74
    A
    77
    M
    51
    J
    54
    J
    137
    A
    164
    S
    140
    O
    121
    N
    82
    D
    57

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 8

    Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl
    Bannerfish

    Bannerfish
    873 Sightings
    J
    17
    F
    21
    M
    81
    A
    67
    M
    24
    J
    20
    J
    106
    A
    167
    S
    138
    O
    98
    N
    89
    D
    45
    iStock-June Jacobsen
    Whitetip Reef Shark

    Whitetip Reef Shark
    847 Sightings
    J
    35
    F
    17
    M
    59
    A
    59
    M
    50
    J
    12
    J
    90
    A
    139
    S
    143
    O
    93
    N
    80
    D
    70

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
    Pufferfish

    Pufferfish
    846 Sightings
    J
    29
    F
    9
    M
    76
    A
    52
    M
    34
    J
    43
    J
    111
    A
    158
    S
    132
    O
    90
    N
    83
    D
    29

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 7000

    iStock-Michael Zeigler
    Crab

    Crab
    786 Sightings
    J
    29
    F
    5
    M
    72
    A
    79
    M
    55
    J
    43
    J
    112
    A
    96
    S
    100
    O
    71
    N
    78
    D
    46

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3

    Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo
    Trumpetfish

    Trumpetfish
    752 Sightings
    J
    24
    F
    2
    M
    25
    A
    42
    M
    33
    J
    46
    J
    81
    A
    156
    S
    126
    O
    76
    N
    78
    D
    63

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3400

    Shutterstock-Shane Gross
    Shrimp

    Shrimp
    752 Sightings
    J
    17
    F
    0
    M
    55
    A
    68
    M
    56
    J
    39
    J
    95
    A
    112
    S
    103
    O
    81
    N
    80
    D
    46

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 85

    iStock-mirecca
    Surgeonfish

    Surgeonfish
    634 Sightings
    J
    23
    F
    11
    M
    44
    A
    23
    M
    19
    J
    41
    J
    53
    A
    94
    S
    120
    O
    91
    N
    72
    D
    43

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 80

    iStock/Extreme-Photographer
    Stingrays

    Stingrays
    631 Sightings
    J
    37
    F
    8
    M
    37
    A
    50
    M
    39
    J
    54
    J
    70
    A
    76
    S
    105
    O
    42
    N
    43
    D
    70

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 150

    Shutterstock-aquapix
    Sweetlips and Grunts

    Sweetlips and Grunts
    619 Sightings
    J
    15
    F
    2
    M
    58
    A
    48
    M
    28
    J
    38
    J
    63
    A
    77
    S
    94
    O
    91
    N
    75
    D
    30

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
    Scorpionfish

    Scorpionfish
    540 Sightings
    J
    14
    F
    6
    M
    36
    A
    68
    M
    25
    J
    25
    J
    47
    A
    52
    S
    87
    O
    57
    N
    92
    D
    31

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 25

    AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel
    Boxfish

    Boxfish
    538 Sightings
    J
    18
    F
    2
    M
    42
    A
    33
    M
    20
    J
    56
    J
    68
    A
    77
    S
    67
    O
    68
    N
    58
    D
    29

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 350

    Alamy-Andre Seal
    Damselfish

    Damselfish
    402 Sightings
    J
    5
    F
    2
    M
    55
    A
    41
    M
    11
    J
    29
    J
    50
    A
    58
    S
    55
    O
    20
    N
    40
    D
    36

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    iStock-Hoatzinexp
    Jackfish

    Jackfish
    401 Sightings
    J
    14
    F
    3
    M
    12
    A
    22
    M
    19
    J
    27
    J
    51
    A
    62
    S
    80
    O
    65
    N
    12
    D
    34

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 110

    iStock-Rainer von Brandis
    Snapper

    Snapper
    365 Sightings
    J
    12
    F
    2
    M
    21
    A
    21
    M
    18
    J
    28
    J
    47
    A
    49
    S
    54
    O
    42
    N
    42
    D
    29

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Soldierfish

    Soldierfish
    347 Sightings
    J
    10
    F
    0
    M
    31
    A
    15
    M
    18
    J
    25
    J
    43
    A
    59
    S
    59
    O
    22
    N
    27
    D
    38

    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.

    Dive Centers

    3will Bunaken Dive Resort

    3will Bunaken Dive Resort

    3will bunaken dive resort , Pangalisang Beach, 95000 Bunaken, SA - Indonesia

    Dive Sites

    Eric B. (#3298528)
    Muka Kampung <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.6)</span>

    Muka Kampung (★4.6)

    Located in the middle of the coral triangle at Bunaken National Park. This dive site is a wall dive abundant marine life, beautiful coral, sponges, and more. Perfect for freedive, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
    Aqualung
    Lekuan 2 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

    Lekuan 2 (★4.5)

    Located in the middle of the coral triangle at Bunaken National Park, this dive site is a wall dive thriving with marine life like beautiful corals, sponges, and more! Perfect for freediving, scuba diving, and snorkeling as well.
    Scubapro
    Lekuan 1 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

    Lekuan 1 (★4.5)

    Located in the middle of the coral triangle at Bunaken National Park, this dive site is a wall dive thriving with marine life like beautiful corals, sponges, and more! Perfect for freediving, scuba diving, and snorkeling as well.
    Aqualung
    Bunaken Timur 1 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

    Bunaken Timur 1 (★4.5)

    Located in the middle of the coral triangle at Bunaken National Park, this dive site is a wall dive thriving with marine life like beautiful corals, sponges, and more! Perfect for freediving, scuba diving, and snorkeling as well.
    Aqualung
    Likuan Pygmy <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    Likuan Pygmy (★4.4)

    Located in the middle of the coral triangle at Bunaken National Park, this dive site is a wall dive thriving with marine life like beautiful corals, sponges, and more! Perfect for freediving, scuba diving, and snorkeling as well.
    Mares, Janez Kranjc
    Lekuan 3 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

    Lekuan 3 (★4.5)

    Located in the middle of the coral triangle at Bunaken National Park, this dive site is a wall dive thriving with marine life like beautiful corals, sponges, and more! Perfect for freediving, scuba diving, and snorkeling as well.
    Mares, Janez Kranjc
    Pangalisan <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Pangalisan (★4.3)

    Located in the middle of the coral triangle at Bunaken National Park, this dive site is wall dive with abundant marine life, beautiful corals, sponges, and more. This site is perfect for freediving, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
    Mares
    Fukui <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Fukui (★4.3)

    Located in the middle of the coral triangle at Bunaken National Park. This dive site is a sloping dive with abundant marine life, beautiful corals, sponges, and more. This site is perfect for freediving, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
    Mares, Janez Kranjc
    Alung Banua <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Alung Banua (★4.3)

    Located in the middle of the coral triangle at Bunaken National Park, this dive site is a wall dive thriving with marine life like beautiful corals, sponges, and more! Perfect for freediving, scuba diving, and snorkeling as well.
    Mares
    Celah Celah <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Celah Celah (★4.3)

    Located in the middle of the coral triangle at Bunaken National Park, this is a wall dive with abundant marine life, beautiful corals, and sponges. A perfect site for freediving, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
    Aqualung
    Bunaken Timur 1 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    Bunaken Timur 1 (★4.4)

    Located in the middle of the coral triangle at Bunaken National Park, this dive site is a wall dive with abundant marine life, beautiful corals, and sponges. A perfect site for freediving, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
    Mares
    Mandolin <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

    Mandolin (★4.5)

    Located in the middle of the coral triangle at Bunaken National Park, this dive site is a wall dive thriving with marine life like beautiful corals, sponges, and more! Perfect for freediving, scuba diving, and snorkeling as well.
    Mares
    Cha Cha <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    Cha Cha (★4.4)

    Located in the middle of the coral triangle at Bunaken National Park, this dive site is a wall dive thriving with marine life like beautiful corals, sponges, and more! Perfect for freediving, scuba diving, and snorkeling as well.
    Mares
    Sachiko <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Sachiko (★4.3)

    Located in the middle of the coral triangle at Bunaken National Park, this dive site is a wall dive thriving with marine life like beautiful corals, sponges, and more! Perfect for freediving, scuba diving, and snorkeling as well.
    Mares
    Tanjung Parigi <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Tanjung Parigi (★4.3)

    Located in the middle of the coral triangle at Bunaken National Park, this dive site is a wall dive thriving with marine life like beautiful corals, sponges, and more! Perfect for freediving, scuba diving, and snorkeling as well.