© Mares

Diving in Manado, the capital city of North Sulawesi, offers an unparalleled underwater experience in some of Indonesia's most celebrated dive sites. As the gateway to the stunning realms of Bunaken Marine Park, the Bangka Islands, and the Lembeh Strait, Manado is a diver's paradise. Each location offers a unique underwater landscape, making it an exceptional dive destination. Bunaken is renowned for its world-class wall dives where you might spot migrating sperm and pilot whales. The steep underwater cliffs are adorned with vibrant coral formations, providing a breathtaking backdrop for encountering sea turtles and white-tip reef sharks.

A trip to Manado would be incomplete without exploring the Bangka Islands and the Lembeh Strait. The Bangka Islands boast unique rock formations and pinnacles of soft coral, home to an array of marine life including seahorses, eagle rays, and occasionally, sharks. Meanwhile, Lembeh Strait is a haven for muck diving enthusiasts, with its black sandy slopes teeming with macro life such as nudibranchs and unique critters. While there are day trips available from Manado, a liveaboard journey ensures a more comprehensive exploration of these rich waters. Whether you seek vibrant coral gardens or tiny marine marvels, diving in Manado promises an unforgettable adventure for divers of all levels.

Upcoming Events

Raja Ampat & Manado 2027 – Together to the Heart of Indonesia’s Most Fascinating Underwater World

Raja Ampat & Manado 2027 – Together to the Heart of Indonesia’s Most Fascinating Underwater World

Two legendary diving paradises in one unforgettable tripJoin us on an extraordinary diving adventure to two of Indonesia’s most spectacular diving regions. Together, we’ll discover the legendary biodiversity of Raja Ampat and then experience the impressive drop-offs and colorful coral gardens of Bunaken National Park near Manado.This trip takes us to some of the most beautiful dive sites on our planet. Look forward to comfortable resorts right on the water, full board throughout the trip, and a total of 29 included dives in one of the most fascinating underwater worlds on Earth.Our Highlights✔ Raja Ampat – the center of the world’s greatest marine biodiversity ✔ Bunaken National Park with spectacular drop-offs and numerous sea turtles ✔ 29 dives included ✔ Full board throughout the entire trip ✔ Comfortable resorts right on the water ✔ Day hotel in Jakarta for a relaxed arrival ✔ The perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable diving experiencesRaja Ampat – At the heart of biodiversityFebruary 21 – March 1, 2027After traveling via Jakarta and Sorong, we arrive in Raja Ampat—a dream destination that is at the very top of many divers’ wish lists.Our home for the next few days is the charming Korpak Resort on Waigeo, just a few minutes from Waisai. Located right on the water, it offers the perfect starting point for our daily dive trips.https://www.korpakresortrajaampat.com/We stay in comfortable Superior rooms with air conditioning and a veranda or balcony. If you’d like to treat yourself to something special, you can upgrade to a larger Deluxe room or even an overwater villa right above the water.Including Raja Ampat8 Overnight stays at Korpak ResortFull board6 Diving Days3 boat dives dailyDiving GuideTank and weightsPacked lunch during dive tripsEvery morning, we set out directly from the resort dock on our diving adventures and return after eventful days full of memorable experiences.We can look forward to colorful coral reefs, huge schools of fish, wobbegongs, manta rays, and the incredible biodiversity for which Raja Ampat is famous worldwide.Manado & Bunaken – Drop-offs, Turtles, and Coral GardensMarch 1 – March 6, 2027After a private boat transfer to Sorong, we’ll fly on to Manado in northern Sulawesi.Here, we’ll be staying at the popular boutique resort Cocotinos Manado in cozy garden-view rooms. Guests who wish to do so can upgrade to ocean-view rooms or spacious junior suites.https://www.cocotinos.de/ https://www.korpakresortrajaampat.com/Over the next four days of diving, we will explore the famous dive sites of Bunaken and Siladen National Parks together.Including Manado5 Overnight stays at Cocotinos ManadoFull board4 Diving Days2 boat dives per dayDiving GuideTank and weightsThe afternoons are free for you to enjoy as you wish. We can relax by the pool, pamper ourselves at the spa, or explore the surrounding area on optional excursions. Additional dives can of course be booked.Our ItineraryFebruary 19, 2027Departure from Hamburg on Turkish Airlines via Istanbul to JakartaFebruary 20, 2027Arrival in Jakarta and stay at a day hotel right at the airportFebruary 21, 2027Connecting flight to Sorong and ferry transfer to Raja AmpatFebruary 22 – February 27, 2027Six days of diving in Raja Ampat, with three dives each dayFebruary 28, 2027A day off to relax and enjoy the resortMarch 1, 2027Private boat transfer to Sorong and flight to ManadoMarch 2 – March 5, 2027Four days of diving in Bunaken National Park with two dives each dayMarch 6, 2027Return flight from Manado to HamburgMarch 7, 2027Arrival in HamburgTrip priceExclusive Loyal Customer Price€5,190 per person in a double roomInstead of the regular price of €5,390, you’ll save €200 on the official travel price.Included in the trip priceInternational Flights from/to HamburgDomestic flights within IndonesiaAll Transfers as per the programDay Hotel in JakartaFull board throughout the entire trip13 Overnight stays at select resorts29 DivesDiving GuidesTank and weightsOptional Room UpgradesKorpak Resort Raja AmpatDeluxe Room with Pool View: +195 € per personOverwater Villa: +249 € per personCocotinos ManadoWater-Edge Ocean-view room: +225 € per personJunior Suite with ocean view: +360 € per person(Prices per person based on double occupancy, subject to confirmation.)Secure your spot among the world’s most beautiful dive sitesThis trip combines two absolute dream destinations for divers into a single vacation. Together, we’ll experience the incomparable biodiversity of Raja Ampat and the world-famous drop-offs of Bunaken— a combination that makes every dive a special experience.The number of participants is limited.If you dream of gliding through pristine coral gardens, encountering manta rays, and discovering some of the most spectacular underwater landscapes on our planet, then join us on this special journey.We look forward to experiencing this adventure with you .

KOSIE`S D.I.V.E. BASIS, Mario Kosielowsky, Forststrasse 19, 19065, Raben Steinfeld, DEU
February 19, 2027
$5,819.04
€5,190.00

Dive Activity

Diving in Manado

Scuba diving on the mainland of Manado offers wreck diving of a 75-meter/246-foot cargo ship and a search for orangutan crabs at Tanjung Pisok, a muck dive located close to the Sulawesi mainland. Take a boat ride to the nearby Bunaken Marine Park to experience Bunaken’s signature deep-wall dives or head to the Bangka Islands to find yourself drifting in strong currents over bizarre rock formations. In Lembeh, become accustomed to the lower visibility of muck diving and capture shots of elusive creatures with your camera. When scuba diving around Manado, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Dive Centers

Dive Sites

The best Months to dive in Manado

In northern Sulawesi, rainfall is lower than in other areas of Southeast Asia; thus, scuba diving in and around Manado is possible year-round. Around mainland Manado, the dry season runs from May to October, with visibility of up to 50 meters/164 feet. During the rainy season from November through April, the rainfall can cause runoff from the mainland, reducing visibility at some sites. Yet the conditions at Bunaken and Bangka Islands are rarely affected. July through August are the best months to observe sperm whales migrating at Bunaken and the perfect time to inspect the black sandy depths of Lembeh for its weird and wonderful creatures.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Manado

Manado diving will showcase a range of macro life from nudibranch to octopus while heading deeper into northern Sulawesi seas will expose larger pelagics. In Bunaken’s strong currents you have the chance to spot large silvertip sharks and hammerheads while in the calmer waters to the south of Bunaken you can observe playful dugongs feeding on seagrass. Observe giant sea turtles resting on rocky ledges as eagle rays cruise past. If you are a fan of the small stuff, dive in the Lembeh Strait whose sandy bottoms reveal ghost pipefish, blue-ringed octopus and a vast array of frogfish in all different shapes and sizes.

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 approx.: 200

Moray Eel

Moray Eel

139 Sightings
J
3
F
9
M
19
A
3
M
8
J
5
J
22
A
14
S
19
O
19
N
8
D
10
Green Turtle

Green Turtle

53 Sightings
J
1
F
3
M
5
A
1
M
1
J
3
J
10
A
9
S
6
O
7
N
6
D
1

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

Total number of species approx.: 300

Octopus

Octopus

49 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
1
A
6
M
3
J
6
J
1
A
10
S
8
O
10
N
2
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 600

Wrasse

Wrasse

45 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
5
A
2
M
0
J
9
J
5
A
1
S
9
O
8
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 approx.: 27

Barracuda

Barracuda

10 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
4
A
0
M
1
J
2
J
3
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle

9 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
2
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
4
S
1
O
0
N
0
D
1

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

Total number of species approx.: 12

Lionfish

Lionfish

348 Sightings
J
10
F
20
M
31
A
14
M
17
J
25
J
63
A
33
S
49
O
40
N
21
D
25

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

Total number of species approx.: 28

Clownfish

Clownfish

286 Sightings
J
6
F
10
M
29
A
13
M
6
J
21
J
38
A
44
S
55
O
31
N
18
D
15

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

Total number of species approx.: 3000

Nudibranch

Nudibranch

263 Sightings
J
9
F
6
M
24
A
20
M
16
J
26
J
19
A
37
S
37
O
34
N
23
D
12

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

Total number of species approx.: 3400

Shrimp

Shrimp

196 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
23
A
13
M
11
J
17
J
21
A
16
S
43
O
19
N
18
D
14

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

Total number of species approx.: 7000

Crab

Crab

181 Sightings
J
2
F
2
M
22
A
20
M
7
J
9
J
14
A
20
S
40
O
24
N
13
D
8

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

Total number of species approx.: 130

Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish

163 Sightings
J
4
F
7
M
18
A
8
M
7
J
9
J
13
A
26
S
31
O
18
N
14
D
8

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

Total number of species approx.: 90

Angelfish

Angelfish

147 Sightings
J
3
F
14
M
17
A
8
M
4
J
13
J
14
A
23
S
22
O
11
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 approx.: 250

Scorpionfish

Scorpionfish

147 Sightings
J
2
F
3
M
19
A
5
M
4
J
10
J
20
A
18
S
23
O
25
N
7
D
11

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

Total number of species approx.: 130

Pufferfish

Pufferfish

127 Sightings
J
3
F
6
M
23
A
4
M
4
J
14
J
8
A
7
S
18
O
18
N
12
D
10

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

Total number of species approx.: 8

Bannerfish

Bannerfish

113 Sightings
J
1
F
7
M
15
A
4
M
4
J
7
J
9
A
12
S
24
O
13
N
14
D
3

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

Total number of species approx.: 80

Stingrays

Stingrays

106 Sightings
J
2
F
5
M
11
A
4
M
2
J
9
J
15
A
9
S
12
O
19
N
6
D
12

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

Total number of species approx.: 3

Trumpetfish

Trumpetfish

96 Sightings
J
2
F
2
M
17
A
2
M
0
J
9
J
2
A
8
S
20
O
18
N
7
D
9

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

Total number of species approx.: 40

Triggerfish

Triggerfish

78 Sightings
J
1
F
3
M
8
A
3
M
0
J
11
J
9
A
2
S
14
O
17
N
8
D
2

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

Total number of species approx.: 85

Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish

77 Sightings
J
2
F
11
M
12
A
2
M
2
J
13
J
11
A
2
S
14
O
1
N
3
D
4

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

Total number of species approx.: 100

Parrotfish

Parrotfish

75 Sightings
J
0
F
2
M
7
A
3
M
0
J
11
J
6
A
4
S
17
O
13
N
6
D
6

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

Total number of species approx.: 150

Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts

62 Sightings
J
0
F
2
M
4
A
4
M
0
J
11
J
6
A
5
S
16
O
7
N
6
D
1

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

Total number of species approx.: 350

Damselfish

Damselfish

58 Sightings
J
0
F
3
M
6
A
5
M
2
J
8
J
6
A
3
S
14
O
0
N
8
D
3

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

Total number of species approx.: 50

Frogfish

Frogfish

58 Sightings
J
3
F
1
M
6
A
2
M
1
J
3
J
2
A
6
S
14
O
16
N
3
D
1

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

Total number of species approx.: 25

Boxfish

Boxfish

58 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
8
A
1
M
1
J
9
J
4
A
4
S
9
O
11
N
7
D
4
Leaf Scorpionfish

Leaf Scorpionfish

56 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
6
A
5
M
4
J
3
J
4
A
3
S
9
O
16
N
2
D
3

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

Total number of species approx.: 120

Cuttlefish

Cuttlefish

48 Sightings
J
2
F
1
M
2
A
3
M
3
J
1
J
1
A
2
S
7
O
13
N
4
D
9

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

Total number of species approx.: 130

Pipefish

Pipefish

47 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
6
A
2
M
2
J
2
J
14
A
3
S
4
O
13
N
0
D
1

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

Total number of species approx.: 60

Soldierfish

Soldierfish

45 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
12
A
1
M
0
J
8
J
5
A
1
S
10
O
5
N
3
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 110

Snapper

Snapper

35 Sightings
J
0
F
7
M
8
A
0
M
0
J
7
J
1
A
2
S
4
O
1
N
3
D
2

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

Total number of species approx.: 120

Flounder

Flounder

35 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
4
A
0
M
0
J
4
J
0
A
4
S
8
O
12
N
2
D
1

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

Total number of species approx.: 90

Goatfish

Goatfish

33 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
5
A
3
M
1
J
7
J
1
A
2
S
6
O
0
N
6
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 30

Stonefish

Stonefish

32 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
4
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
7
S
4
O
11
N
3
D
1

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

Total number of species approx.: 250

Ribbon Moray Eel (Ghost Eel)

Ribbon Moray Eel (Ghost Eel)

30 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
1
J
3
J
1
A
1
S
9
O
6
N
5
D
3

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

Total number of species approx.: 3

Cornetfish

Cornetfish

28 Sightings
J
0
F
2
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
5
J
6
A
0
S
8
O
5
N
2
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 40

Jackfish

Jackfish

26 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
1
A
3
M
1
J
6
J
1
A
3
S
5
O
0
N
3
D
2
Banded Sea Krait

Banded Sea Krait

26 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
3
A
1
M
1
J
9
J
3
A
2
S
0
O
3
N
2
D
2

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

Total number of species approx.: 30

Sand Eel

Sand Eel

23 Sightings
J
1
F
2
M
0
A
2
M
0
J
2
J
0
A
2
S
0
O
9
N
3
D
2
Common Seahorse

Common Seahorse

21 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
1
M
1
J
3
J
1
A
2
S
8
O
4
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 approx.: 20

Porcupinefish

Porcupinefish

21 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
1
M
1
J
0
J
0
A
5
S
7
O
5
N
0
D
1

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

Total number of species approx.: 300

Snake Eel

Snake Eel

20 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
2
J
2
J
3
A
0
S
2
O
7
N
2
D
1

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

Total number of species approx.: 300

Squid

Squid

20 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
3
A
2
M
0
J
1
J
3
A
3
S
0
O
6
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 approx.: 60

Squirrelfish

Squirrelfish

18 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
7
A
1
M
0
J
5
J
4
A
0
S
0
O
0
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 approx.: 60

Spiny Lobster

Spiny Lobster

17 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
8
S
1
O
5
N
0
D
1

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

Total number of species approx.: 1500

Hard Corals

Hard Corals

16 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
2
J
1
J
9
A
1
S
2
O
1
N
0
D
0
Whitetip Reef Shark

Whitetip Reef Shark

14 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
2
J
4
J
1
A
2
S
2
O
1
N
2
D
0
Wobbegong

Wobbegong

10 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
6
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
2
N
1
D
1

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

Total number of species approx.: 55

Lobster

Lobster

10 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
2
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
5
N
0
D
2
Panther Moray Eel (Dragon Eel)

Panther Moray Eel (Dragon Eel)

9 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
5
N
3
D
0

Curated by Interest

Events by Lifestyle Category

Underwater Beginner