Nestled in the heart of the Coral Triangle, Bunaken is a diver’s dream come true!
Beyond its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, it boasts a fascinating resident population, including majestic sharks and graceful green turtles. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a curious novice, Bunaken promises an unforgettable underwater adventure.
But, before you dive in, be sure to plan your budget for accommodations and activities to fully enjoy this aquatic paradise. Check out Bob’s six curated best Bunaken dive sites and the latest update on their price lists!
Also Read: 13 Tips Beginners Must Know Before Snorkeling in Bunaken National Marine Park
Best Bunaken Dive Sites
Lekuan I, II and III
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Located on Bunaken Island’s southern coast, this dive site offers three vertical wall dives, each frequently rated among the park’s best. These walls are adorned with stunning coral, including extensive green stands of black coral bushes reaching depths of over 40 meters.
Divers begin by encountering schools of anthias and grazing turtles in the shallows, then descend to find schooling bumphead parrotfish and Napoleon wrasse.
Exploring the wall’s numerous caverns and crevices reveals lionfish, scorpionfish, and vibrant nudibranchs, along with large green sea turtles and whitetip reef sharks. In true Bunaken fashion, you should also watch the open blue for pelagics like tuna and trevally, as well as surprise visits from eagle rays and blacktip reef sharks!
Celah Celah
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Above water, Celah Celah enjoys consistently calm conditions, thanks to its sheltered position on Bunaken Island’s south side. However, beneath the surface, powerful currents sweep along the reef, creating ideal conditions for exhilarating drift dives. The name “Celah,” meaning “crack” in the local dialect, becomes clear as soon as you descend onto the wall.
Here, deep fissures are filled with vibrant soft coral gardens, including fans and sponges. When the current is strong, keep an eye out for tuna, eagle rays, and reef sharks gliding through the blue. On calmer days, take your time to search for pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and harlequin shrimp among the corals.
The reef top is also a great spot to see sea snakes, moray eels, and colorful schools of reef fish, making Celah one of the a heart-pounding Bunaken dive sites!
Also Read: 3 Days in Bunaken: An Island Escape Unveiled
Muka Kampung
Photo by LuqueStock via Freepik
Located at the southeast tip of Bunaken Island, right in front of the main village, this site is easily accessible from the shore and boasts diverse underwater terrain.
Just a few meters from the beach, a steep sand and rubble drop-off allows divers to drift along with schools of butterflyfish, black damsels, and fusiliers. Midway through the dive, the wall transitions into a steep slope adorned with pink hydroids and green cup corals.
Sea snakes are frequently spotted hunting among the corals, while the open blue often reveals larger marine life like eagle rays, tuna, and Napoleon wrasse.
However, the real highlight here is the macro life. Exploring the vibrant soft coral garden, you can find colorful nudibranchs, tiny crabs and shrimp, and various cephalopods, making Muka Kampung a macro photographer’s paradise!
Sachiko’s Point
Sachiko’s Point, located on the northeast side of Bunaken Island, showcases the island’s stunning underwater walls. This coral-encrusted drop-off starts at just five meters and descends beyond recreational diving limits.
The shallow sections are adorned with vibrant corals, while deeper down, large gorgonians and caves create a mesmerizing landscape.
Ideal for intermediate divers and underwater photographers, Sachiko’s Point offers easy-going conditions. However, the currents on the south side of the island are stronger, attracting vast schools of snapper and triggerfish, along with bluefin and giant trevally. Blue spotted stingrays hide in the wall’s crevices, and green sea turtles frequently accompany divers, especially during safety stops, adding to the enchanting experience!
Also Read: Dive into the Darkness: Night Diving Tips for Beginners
Mandolin Reef
Photo by Ricky Beron via Unsplash
Located on Bunaken’s west coast and facing Manado Tua Island, Mandolin Reef plunges to depths of up to 600 meters and features strong currents, making it an excellent spot for sighting pelagics like sharks and tuna.
This site is distinguished by its dramatic coral landscapes, abundant macro life, and opportunities for deep dives, promising an exhilarating experience for every type of diver!
The wall here cascades in large steps, eventually disappearing beneath a thick forest of whip corals in the deeper sections. Macro enthusiasts will delight in discovering various shrimps and whip gobies, while larger creatures such as Maori wrasse, bumphead parrotfish, and whitetip reef sharks move gracefully through the waters.
As the wall descends, it transitions into a vibrant carpet of sponges and bubble coral, home to tiny porcelain crabs and candy crabs, ensuring a captivating dive for all!
Fukui Point
Fukui Point stands out as one of the Bunaken dive sites without a wall. As you descend, you are welcomed by a gentle sand slope adorned with stunning hard corals. Nudibranchs roam the seafloor, while schools of red-tooth triggerfish swim in the current above.
At around 15 meters, you will encounter impressive stag horn and cabbage corals, along with schools of spadefish, goatfish, and batfish. Further along the slope, a cluster of five enormous giant clams can be found, followed by a small plateau teeming with carpet anemones and massive barrel sponges.
Although Fukui Point differs from the typical Bunaken wall dive, its deeper bommies serve as cleaning stations for large pelagic fish, including giant trevallies, Napoleon wrasses, and oversized snappers, especially during early morning dives. This unique site indeed offers a diverse and thrilling diving experience!
Also Read: Here’s All You Need to Know about Bunaken National Marine Park!
Best Time to Dive
The peak tourist season in Bunaken runs from July to August, coinciding with the dry season and school holidays. During this time, resorts fill up quickly, so it’s wise to book in advance! Expect daytime temperatures around 35°C and water temperatures between 27°C and 30°C during this season.
For those looking to dodge the crowds while still enjoying excellent diving conditions, consider visiting just before or after the high season, from May to June or September to October. The weather remains hot, visibility is great, and accommodations are often more affordable!
Diving Price List
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Most resorts on Bunaken and Siladen feature onsite dive operators. For those already PADI certified, the cost for a single dive is approximately Rp400,000. Experienced divers can also opt for Nitrox dives. For beginners, the Discover Scuba Dives package is available at around Rp600,000, offering a first-time diving experience without certification.
Dive centers provide PADI Certification courses ranging from the entry-level Open Water course to more advanced levels. Detailed information about PADI courses can be found on the official site. It’s advisable to contact the resorts directly if interested in a diving course, as many offer package deals that combine diving and accommodation, potentially saving your money!
Also Read: 11 Authentic Minahasan Dishes for Your Culinary Trip to Bunaken
Where to Stay?
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Let your diving experience in Bunaken be elevated by staying at Bobocabin Bunaken Hills! Located on Bunaken Hill, this modern glamping provides you with magnificent sea and beach views. It’s only 10 km away from Manado City and can be reached in less than 30 minutes.
Perched on a hill overlooking the sea, Bobocabin Bunaken Hills offers clear views of the offshore landscape. The hillside is adorned with lush greenery, including coconut trees!
There are four types of cabins available, ranging from Deluxe to the largest, the Premiere Cabin, suitable for a family of up to 12 people. Some cabin types even come with a bathtub or outdoor Jacuzzi!
Photo: Bobobox Internal Asset
True to its smart cabin concept, Bobocabin offers over 20 cabins. These smart cabins feature keyless entry using a code, operation of various cabin features via Bobobox’s unique B-Pad, and expansive windows that serve as both frames for the view and electronic curtains.
In addition to king-size and queen-size beds, Bobocabin standard amenities include a private bathroom with a shower, sink, toilet, and hairdryer.
For dining options, you can rely on Bob Mart, a mini-mart located on-site. Special dining experiences such as BBQ or sukiyaki can be arranged with the Host, either in the semi-open communal area with plenty of seating and tables or in the cabins, whichever you prefer!
Bunaken: Your Perfect Underwater Getaway!
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Manado Island stands as an unparalleled underwater paradise, offering a diverse array of Bunaken dive sites teeming with vibrant marine life. From its stunning coral reefs to its exhilarating wall dives, Bunaken promises an unforgettable experience for divers of all levels.
With crystal-clear waters and an abundance of underwater treasures to explore, it’s no wonder Bunaken remains a top destination for diving enthusiasts worldwide!
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Ready to embark on your perfect underwater getaway? Dive into the breathtaking beauty of Bunaken and uncover the wonders that lie beneath the surface. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Bunaken has something for everyone!
Book your stay at Bobocabin Bunaken Hills today and immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of this underwater paradise. Your next adventure awaits!
Also Read: Island-Hopping Adventures: Exploring Nearby Islands from Bunaken
Writer: Ratna Asih
Header image by Warezcg via Google Maps
