Explore Central Sulawesi

Diving in Central Sulawesi offers an unparalleled experience in an underwater Eden, perfect for both novices and seasoned divers. The region boasts warm, crystal-clear waters that reveal a vibrant underwater world teeming with life. From the colorful reefs and dramatic walls to intriguing caves and historic wrecks, the marine environments here provide a diverse range of exploration opportunities. The Donggala peninsula, near the capital Palu, the secluded Togian Islands, and the idyllic Banggai Archipelago each offer unique dives that cater to different interests.

One of the standout features of Central Sulawesi is its relatively unfrequented dive sites, allowing for tranquil diving experiences surrounded by endemic species and pristine conditions. The Gulf of Tomini, encircling the Togian Islands, is renowned for being the calmest deep-water bay globally, promising smooth diving adventures. The Banggai Islands are ideal for liveaboard trips, offering a chance to explore these remote waters thoroughly, while Donggala provides easily accessible sites with an abundance of critters, a fascinating wreck, and occasional sightings of dugongs. For underwater photography enthusiasts, the region's diverse marine life and clear visibility create perfect conditions for capturing breathtaking images. With each dive cluster having its distinct season, there’s always a new underwater bounty to discover in Central Sulawesi.

Places to explore

Mares

Togian Islands

Togean consists of white sands and lush rainforests is remote enough that you either need to go and stay there or do a liveaboard to explore them properly.

Courses and Events

React Right - Course Combination (FA, CPR, AED, O2)

React Right is SSI’s emergency first response course and provides you with the training and knowledge you need to act as a first responder in a medical emergency. In this flexible dive program, you can choose which subjects you want to learn about, including primary assessment, first aid, CPR and primary stabilization techniques. You can also learn about oxygen administration in diving emergencies and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) basics. Using a combination of academic sessions and practical training scenarios, this program will give you the tools and confidence you need for emergency response. By the time you are certified, you will be able to act as an emergency first responder, provide first aid and CPR, administer oxygen and provide AED support in a medical emergency. Earn your SSI React Right specialty certification. Get started today!
On Request

Stress & Rescue

The SSI Diver Stress and Rescue specialty program teaches you the skills you need to protect yourself and other divers. You will learn how to identify stress, how to prevent accidents and be taught practical techniques to conduct rescues and provide emergency care. With a combination of pool and open water practice sessions, you will become well prepared and confident at handling emergency and rescue situations. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Diver Stress and Rescue Specialty certification.

30 March
€332.66
IDR 6,500,000.00

Deep Diving

The SSI Deep Diving Specialty will teach you all you need to dive to depths between 18 and 40 meters, through a mixture of academic sessions and open water dives. You will learn to plan and safely complete your deep diving adventures and use computers and gas consumption calculations to get the most from your deep dives. Upon completion, you will earn your SSI Deep Diving Specialty certification and be able to explore beautiful deep dive sites wherever you choose. This SSI Specialty is also a prerequisite for some advanced training, making it the next logical step to take in your dive education.
On Request

Specialty Instructor Recreational Sidemount Diving

Professional Sidemount Training Takes Sidemount to the next level. Sidemount isn't just a configuration - it's a signature. Perfect hydrodynamics, optimized gas management, total freedom of movement and absolute control. This professional training course is designed for Divemasters and Instructors who want to stand out, broaden their skills and master a system that has become indispensable in the modern world of diving. More than a course, it's an upgrade of your professional profile. Mastery. Performance. Confidence. Personal equipment mandatory

04 April +10 More
€450.00

Basic Diver

In the SSI Basic Diver program, you will learn the skills and knowledge you need to try diving up to 12 meters deep with an SSI Professional. It is a great way to explore the underwater world more fully as you try diving. The entire Basic Diver program can be credited towards the Scuba Diver or Open Water Dive programs within 6 months, so you can take the next step in your dive adventure.

06 April +21 More
€102.36
IDR 2,000,000.00

Enriched Air Nitrox (32%)

In the SSI Enriched Air Nitrox Level 1 (32%) program, you will learn to safely use Nitrox up to 32% oxygen to increase your no-decompression limits and improve your safety margin on dives. You'll gain the knowledge you need to analyze your tank, plan Nitrox dives and understand the benefits and precautions of using enriched air. This course is ideal for certified divers who want to get the most out of their underwater explorations.
On Request

Assistant Instructor + Instructor Training Course

To join the SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC), you must be a certified Divemaster or hold an equivalent qualification. This comprehensive program is part of SSI’s 2-Step Instructor Training Approach. It begins with the Instructor Training Course combination, supported by immersive digital learning. After successfully completing the ITC, you will attend the Instructor Evaluation (IE) to become an SSI Open Water Instructor. As a certified instructor, you’ll be able to independently teach key SSI programs such as Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress & Rescue, and Dive Guide. Need more time or want to gain hands-on experience before becoming a full instructor? You can take the Assistant Instructor portion as a standalone step. This allows you to assist with real student courses, build valuable teaching experience, and then complete the Instructor Evaluation at your own pace. The possibilities are endless – start your scuba diving instructor career now!
On Request

Dive Activity

Diving in Central Sulawesi

In Central Sulawesi, diving enthusiasts will find a treasure trove of underwater experiences. The region boasts several exceptional dive sites, each offering a unique adventure. One of the highlights is the wreck dive at the "Batu Gong," where divers can explore a sunken vessel teeming with marine life. For those who prefer shore dives, "Togian Islands" provide easy access to vibrant coral gardens and diverse underwater ecosystems. Here, night dives reveal the fascinating nocturnal behaviors of reef creatures, offering a captivating spectacle. Central Sulawesi also caters to a variety of diving preferences with both shore and liveaboard diving options. Shore dives allow for relaxed exploration at one's own pace, while liveaboard trips provide access to more remote and untouched sites, enhancing the diving experience. This balance ensures that divers of all skill levels can enjoy the region's rich marine biodiversity and unique underwater landscapes to the fullest.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Central Sulawesi

Central Sulawesi, a gem for divers, boasts vibrant marine life, with its reefs teeming with species like clownfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish. The rich coral gardens create a haven for these common reef fish, offering divers a picturesque underwater experience.

During specific seasons, divers can encounter majestic creatures like sharks and rays. Blacktip and whitetip reef sharks are occasionally spotted, particularly around deeper drop-offs. Sea turtles are frequent visitors to seagrass beds, while eagle rays often glide gracefully through the open waters. The best time for divers hoping to see these larger species is typically between April and October.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

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

Total number of species: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame

Moray Eel
367 Sightings
J
13
F
24
M
18
A
24
M
16
J
12
J
48
A
71
S
42
O
35
N
47
D
17

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

Total number of species: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto

Wrasse
217 Sightings
J
3
F
10
M
8
A
14
M
11
J
9
J
29
A
35
S
38
O
10
N
31
D
19

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

Total number of species: 27

iStock-Global_Pics

Barracuda
210 Sightings
J
5
F
16
M
15
A
12
M
10
J
5
J
13
A
41
S
21
O
34
N
27
D
11
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography

Green Turtle
141 Sightings
J
2
F
4
M
19
A
6
M
4
J
4
J
10
A
30
S
17
O
14
N
23
D
8
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov

Hawksbill Turtle
105 Sightings
J
2
F
4
M
6
A
5
M
5
J
2
J
27
A
20
S
16
O
11
N
7
D
0

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

Total number of species: 25

iStock/Juliosanjuan

Eagle Ray
42 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
1
A
4
M
1
J
1
J
2
A
9
S
4
O
12
N
3
D
3

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

Total number of species: 28

Udo Kefrig

Clownfish
510 Sightings
J
10
F
35
M
28
A
29
M
23
J
12
J
74
A
104
S
69
O
47
N
46
D
33

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

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey

Angelfish
408 Sightings
J
13
F
23
M
16
A
18
M
19
J
14
J
74
A
81
S
46
O
42
N
38
D
24

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

Total number of species: 100

iStock-burnsboxco

Parrotfish
345 Sightings
J
3
F
24
M
23
A
19
M
23
J
13
J
53
A
67
S
36
O
40
N
25
D
19

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

Total number of species: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek

Butterfly Fish
342 Sightings
J
7
F
21
M
8
A
17
M
20
J
12
J
54
A
78
S
47
O
33
N
33
D
12
Show More

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

Total number of species: 40

iStock-wrangel

Triggerfish
290 Sightings
J
6
F
10
M
6
A
10
M
17
J
10
J
51
A
61
S
41
O
25
N
37
D
16

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

Total number of species: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl

Bannerfish
252 Sightings
J
10
F
5
M
11
A
13
M
15
J
1
J
46
A
48
S
42
O
21
N
21
D
19

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

Total number of species: 12

iStock/cinoby

Lionfish
215 Sightings
J
7
F
17
M
7
A
9
M
8
J
5
J
37
A
39
S
26
O
27
N
20
D
13

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

Total number of species: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR

Pufferfish
205 Sightings
J
8
F
12
M
4
A
8
M
14
J
4
J
26
A
58
S
19
O
22
N
16
D
14

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

Total number of species: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix

Sweetlips and Grunts
191 Sightings
J
4
F
11
M
7
A
4
M
15
J
10
J
29
A
42
S
37
O
9
N
12
D
11

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

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Soldierfish
164 Sightings
J
4
F
4
M
5
A
7
M
12
J
4
J
27
A
36
S
22
O
8
N
22
D
13

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

Total number of species: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis

Snapper
162 Sightings
J
1
F
13
M
8
A
11
M
6
J
7
J
12
A
36
S
24
O
7
N
26
D
11

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

Total number of species: 85

iStock-mirecca

Surgeonfish
140 Sightings
J
1
F
7
M
9
A
14
M
12
J
5
J
12
A
30
S
11
O
21
N
8
D
10

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

Total number of species: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo

Trumpetfish
128 Sightings
J
2
F
11
M
8
A
16
M
14
J
0
J
27
A
27
S
2
O
3
N
10
D
8

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

Total number of species: 3000

SSI-Peter-Schinck

Nudibranch
127 Sightings
J
10
F
7
M
7
A
5
M
3
J
3
J
15
A
17
S
16
O
8
N
33
D
3

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

Total number of species: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker

Grouper/Basslets
126 Sightings
J
3
F
11
M
5
A
11
M
5
J
3
J
21
A
36
S
12
O
1
N
8
D
10

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

Total number of species: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal

Damselfish
125 Sightings
J
3
F
10
M
5
A
11
M
2
J
3
J
16
A
51
S
8
O
0
N
8
D
8

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

Total number of species: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.

Scorpionfish
100 Sightings
J
4
F
11
M
8
A
6
M
1
J
3
J
14
A
17
S
0
O
12
N
19
D
5

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

Total number of species: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp

Jackfish
94 Sightings
J
0
F
2
M
3
A
4
M
11
J
4
J
11
A
24
S
10
O
6
N
10
D
9

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

Total number of species: 15

Shutterstock-Al McGlashan

Tuna
94 Sightings
J
0
F
6
M
8
A
5
M
0
J
2
J
21
A
34
S
1
O
14
N
1
D
2

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

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Squirrelfish
61 Sightings
J
3
F
0
M
0
A
2
M
3
J
1
J
4
A
15
S
20
O
0
N
10
D
3

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

Total number of species: 3400

Shutterstock-Shane Gross

Shrimp
61 Sightings
J
3
F
0
M
2
A
5
M
6
J
0
J
11
A
12
S
4
O
3
N
14
D
1

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

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk

Goatfish
59 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
6
M
3
J
0
J
6
A
25
S
8
O
0
N
6
D
4
iStock-June Jacobsen

Whitetip Reef Shark
57 Sightings
J
4
F
0
M
1
A
6
M
3
J
3
J
13
A
9
S
8
O
4
N
4
D
2
AdobeStock-Nikolai Sorokin

Blacktip Reef Shark
54 Sightings
J
3
F
7
M
6
A
2
M
1
J
6
J
8
A
9
S
11
O
1
N
0
D
0

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

Total number of species: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer

Stingrays
54 Sightings
J
5
F
4
M
2
A
8
M
5
J
1
J
9
A
2
S
2
O
4
N
10
D
2

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

Total number of species: 80

iStock-bearacreative

Emperor
40 Sightings
J
0
F
7
M
11
A
6
M
1
J
1
J
2
A
8
S
0
O
3
N
1
D
0

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

Total number of species: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel

Boxfish
40 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
2
A
3
M
2
J
0
J
7
A
11
S
3
O
1
N
2
D
8

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

Total number of species: 30

SSI-Peter-Schinck

Stonefish
35 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
2
J
0
J
4
A
15
S
1
O
3
N
5
D
4

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

Total number of species: 15

Shutterstock-Hans Gert Broeder

Garfish
30 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
1
A
0
M
3
J
1
J
4
A
3
S
3
O
5
N
3
D
5

The best Months to dive in Central Sulawesi

Central Sulawesi offers favorable diving conditions year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 27°C–30°C/81°F–86°F. The visibility is typically excellent, often extending beyond 30 meters/98 feet, making it ideal for exploring its vibrant marine life and coral gardens.

While diving is possible throughout the year, the best conditions are generally found during the dry season from April to October, when winds and currents are mild. The wet season, from November to March, can bring heavier rains and stronger currents, slightly affecting visibility and dive planning. However, experienced divers can still enjoy underwater exploration during these months with appropriate precautions.

Dive Centers

SANCTUM UNA UNA

Desa Binaguna Kel. Binaguna, 94683 Tojo Una-Una, ST - Indonesia

Reconnect -Private Island- resort & Dive Cente

Buka Buka Island, 94685 Tojo Una Una, ST - Indonesia

Harmony Bay Resort

Pulau Kadidiri, Desa Tobil, Kec Togean, 94691 Kabupaten Tojo Una Una, ST - Indonesia

Dive Sites

SANCTUM UNA UNA, 94683 Tojo Una-Una

Apollo (★4.4)

Apollo is a very healthy reef close to the beach towards the South of Una Una, starting at 22 metres and continuing beyond 40 metres. It is the perfect dive spot to view a Barracuda tornado, which although not guarenteed, is seen all year round in Una Una.
SANCTUM UNA UNA, 94683 Tojo Una-Una

Pinnacle 1 (★4.6)

A beautiful triangular Pinnacle with both a slope and a wall, located 3 minutes away from Sanctum Una Una dive resort. The reeg starts at 5 metres and is perfect for both day and night diving, and for enabling OW students to learn to dive without threatening the coral.
SANCTUM UNA UNA, 94683 Tojo Una-Una

Artemis (★4.4)

A long winding wall descending beyond 60 metres, with the top of the reef sitting at around 3 metres very close to the beach. Artemis is covered in tube sponges and overhangs, and defined by its dramatic sillhoutes.
SANCTUM UNA UNA, 94683 Tojo Una-Una

Hong Kong (★4.6)

A sloping reef towards the south of the Island, named for its abundance of fish - specifically the huge schools of yellow snapper. Maximum depth 24 metres.
SANCTUM UNA UNA, 94683 Tojo Una-Una

Jungle (★4.4)

A deep sloping wall lying 3 minutes from Sanctum Una Una dive resort, sitting in a bay close to the rainforest jungle. Best enjoyed when it hasn’t rained, as a river runs off into this spot which can affect visibility.
SANCTUM UNA UNA, 94683 Tojo Una-Una

Jam (★4.2)

A reef network sitting between Sanctumm Una Una and Pinnacle 1, about 2 minutes by boat from the resort. The dive starts at 30m, and winds through various reef systems before finishing at a small wreck around 10 metres. It is possible to cross to Pinnacle 1 and the Sanctum house reef during this dive.
SANCTUM UNA UNA, 94683 Tojo Una-Una

Black Forest (Candi City) (★4.6)

A beatufil and incredilby unique hard coral site, with a variety of temple, cabbage and mushroom corals. Maximum depth is 24 metres but the majority of the dive remains around 15 metres. Named for the unique formations of temple corals which look like the Back Forest in Germany.
SANCTUM UNA UNA, 94683 Tojo Una-Una

Mandiri (★4.5)

A clam-shaped deep wall to the North of the island where you can often hear the volcano exploding underwater. The site sits off the walking point to the Volcano’s summit.
RECONNECT, 94685 Una Una

Survival Bukabuka Island (★4.7)

Survival is an underwater seamount for advanced divers, with a top reef starting at 16 meters and a drop-off wall creating an aquarium-like experience.
SANCTUM UNA UNA, 94683 Tojo Una-Una

Ihana (★4.3)

Ihana is a long shore-hugging reef just two minutes from close dive resorts. It is the perfect spot for beginners, with a shallow protected sandy area at the start of the reef and a wide variety of reef fish, including a yellow snapper nursery.
SANCTUM UNA UNA, 94683 Tojo Una-Una

Greta’s Place (★4.5)

Greta’s Place is a beautiful sloping wall between Sanctum and Una Una’s main village, best dived in the morning light. The top of the reef starts at 5 meters, and is covered in Una Una’s usual super-sized sponges and a large variety of hard and soft coral. Usually dived on the right shoulder.
SANCTUM UNA UNA, 94683 Tojo Una-Una

Pinnacle 2 (★4.5)

A large pinnacle starting at 5 metres and extending beyond 60, which sits 5 minues from Sanctum Una Una Dive Resort. A safe spot for beginner divers to practice to 12 metres as well as a good drop off point for more experienced divers to explore nearby deeper pinnacles, such as Satellite.
SANCTUM UNA UNA, 94683 Tojo Una-Una

Menara II (★4.5)

Menara II is a winding wall off Una Una’s main village with hard and soft corals, a variety of reef fish and a cave that can be entered one by one.
SANCTUM UNA UNA, 94683 Tojo Una-Una

Little India (★4.6)

A long sloping reef adjacent to Black Forest, which starts in a field of temple coral and gradually turns into a sponge-covered reef more typical of others seen Una Una.
SANCTUM UNA UNA, 94683 Tojo Una-Una

Jack Point (★4.4)

Jack point is a long winding wall to the north of Una Una, named for the schooling Jack fish that can be found off the wall’s finger at around 30m.