Bunaken Marine Park
Discover why diving Bunaken Marine Park is world-famousWelcome to Bunaken Marine Park – A World-Class Dive Destination
Learn about Bunaken dive sites, marine life, best diving seasons, and why Bunaken is Indonesia’s top scuba destination.
Bunaken Marine Park is one of the most famous and sought-after destinations for diving Bunaken in Indonesia and the world. Located in North Sulawesi, just off the coast of Manado City, the park spans an impressive 89,065 hectares of protected ocean — 97% marine waters and just 3% land — including the islands of Bunaken, Manado Tua, Siladen, Nain, and Mantehage.
This extraordinary marine park is widely recognized as a diving paradise thanks to its breathtaking underwater landscapes, astonishing biodiversity, and accessibility for divers of all levels.
Why Bunaken Marine Park is ideal for diving
What makes Bunaken Marine Park truly exceptional is the combination of its dramatic underwater topography, clear tropical water, and abundant marine life. Many dive sites around Bunaken feature sheer vertical coral walls that seem to fall into the deep blue abyss — in some places dropping down over 1,500 meters — making it a favorite for divers worldwide.
The park sits within the Coral Triangle, often called the “Amazon of the Seas,” which means it supports some of the highest marine biodiversity on Earth. Here’s what you can expect:
Here’s what you can expect:
🌊 More than 390 coral species — one of the richest coral assemblages in the Indo-Pacific.
🐠 Over 2,000 species of fish — ranging from colorful reef fish to schooling pelagics.
🐢 Frequent sightings of green and hawksbill turtles, reef sharks, eagle rays, and Napoleon wrasse.
🐚 Seven of the eight giant clam species found globally.
With this level of biodiversity and striking underwater scenery, diving Bunaken delivers exhilarating experiences for both beginners and seasoned divers alike.
Unique Underwater Landscapes
One of the biggest draws of diving in Bunaken is its diverse underwater geography. Most sites are characterized by dramatic coral walls that drop straight into deep ocean basins. Between these walls are coral slopes, plateaus, and underwater valleys where marine life thrives.
These features mean that every dive can feel drastically different — you might drift along a vertical wall alive with colors, then turn into a plateau buzzing with fish nests. Visibility often ranges between 20 to 30 meters (sometimes even more), offering crystal-clear views of intricate coral formations and vibrant fish communities.
Signature Bunaken Dive Sites
There are more than 25 world-class dive sites scattered around the Bunaken Marine Park, each with its own underwater personality. Here are some favorites:
Lekuan 1, 2 & 3
These three interconnected wall dives are among the most famous in Bunaken. Expect massive coral sponges, soft corals, turtles lounging on ledges, and vibrant reef fish.
Fukui Point
A favorite for underwater photographers, Fukui features coral walls, schools of fish, and opportunities to spot pelagic species.
Sachiko’s Point
Known for its scenic wall slopes, sea fans, and sightings of Napoleon wrasse, moray eels, and schooling fish.
Siladen Wall
A vibrant dive site on the smaller Siladen Island, perfect for divers seeking colorful corals and diverse marine life.
Pangalingan
A stunning slope dive off Manado Tua, where currents bring nutrient flows that attract large schools and pelagic visitors.
Each site delivers unique opportunities for marine encounters, from turtles and reef sharks to macro critters and pelagic visitors.
Best Times to Go Diving Bunaken
Bunaken Marine Park offers excellent diving conditions year-round. However, the best time for diving Bunaken is generally during the dry season, from April to October, when winds are calm and visibility is at its highest.
Water temperatures typically hover between 27°C and 30°C (80–86°F), making for comfortable dives without heavy exposure gear.
Accessibility & Getting There
Getting to Bunaken is straightforward, with flights into Sam Ratulangi International Airport (Manado) from major Indonesian cities and a few international gateways. From Manado, a short scenic boat ride (about 30–50 minutes) brings you to Bunaken Island — a gateway to some of the best scuba diving Bunaken has to offer.
Dive operators and resorts often help arrange airport transfers and boats, making your transition from plane to reef seamless.
Beyond the Reef — Marine Conservation & Culture
Bunaken Marine Park was officially established in 1991 and stands as one of Indonesia’s early marine protected areas. Today, it plays a vital role in protecting coral reefs, seagrass habitats, mangrove forests, and an array of marine species — while providing sustainable economic opportunities for local communities through tourism and conservation.
Your visit to Bunaken not only gives you unforgettable diving experiences but also supports these ongoing conservation efforts, helping protect this underwater paradise for future generations.
Diving Bunaken — Perfect for All Levels
Whether you’re a new diver eager to explore your first coral wall or an experienced diver chasing big marine encounters, Bunaken Marine Park has something for everyone:
- Gentle walls and slopes for relaxed diving
- Advanced drift dives with nutrient-rich currents
- Macro life, pelagic species, and big marine animals
- Clear visibility and warm tropical water
From vibrant coral gardens and turtles at Lekuan to the thrilling slopes of Pangalingan, Bunaken diving delivers unforgettable underwater adventures that keep divers coming back time and again.