North Sulawesi is almost exclusively discovered by divers. Why that is, is obvious; it is one of the richest and most diverse area’s in the world. Specialists claim that in this area only, one can find over 58 different genera and sub-genera of corals in Bunaken National Park only and an estimated 2000 species of fish are found. this count becomes even higher if you add the extra species that can be found in the Bangka Archipelago and Lembeh Strait.
Because here three big water masses come together; the Pacific ocean, the Sulawesi Sea and the Indian Ocean, bringing a wealth of nutrition to feed the numerous species. The tidal currents and the diversity in underwater “landscape” also contribute to the richness of this underwater paradise.
The tidal difference is about 2.2 meter (8 feet) and therefore most dives are drift dives. The temperature of the water ranks between 26 and 29 degrees Celcius (79 -85 Fahrenheit).
Roughly we can divide North Sulawesi in 4 different dive area’s; Bunaken National Park, divided in the north side (the islands Bunaken, Siladen, Manado Tua, Mantehague, Nain and Nain Kecil as well as 12 kilometers of coastal area.) and the south side (Popooh), the Bangka Archipelago and the Lembeh Strait.
In total the area offers over 150 dive sites and is suitable for any level of experience.
![]() Giant Frogfish - Bangka Archipelago |
![]() Hippocampus Pontohi-Bunaken Marine Park |
![]() Mandarinfish - Lembeh Strait |

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