Indonesia :: Bunaken

The island of Bunaken in the Bunaken National Park is rated in the top ten best diving destinations on the planet. The Park and islands are situated in Manado Bay and consist of five islands; Bunaken, Siladen, Manado Tua, Montehage and Nain. The deep, clear, warm waters around the islands contain astoundingly high numbers of species of corals, sponges and fish. Oceanic currents rich in food and nutrients sweep past the area, these attract an abundance of marine life ranging from big pelagics to tiny critters.

Most of the diving around Bunaken is done on deep walls which are carpeted in coral and pocked with caves and crevaces. There is something for everyone here from the deep freaks and pelagic fans to marine biologists and macro photographers, a dive destination to cater for all tastes. Since most of the dive sites around 6km long Bukanen island are very similar we have only included the most popular. Other great dive sites include Raymond's Point, Ron's Point, Pangalisan, Cela Cela and Depan Kampung all of which offer impressive wall dives and an abundance of marine life.

Bunaken can be dived year round but the best time is between April and November, and the islands are around 30 to 60 minutes from Manado.