North Sulawesi was almost exclusively discovered by divers. Why, is obvious; it is one of the richest and most diverse area’s in the world. Specialists claim that in Bunaken National Park alone, one can find over 58 different genera and sub-genera of corals and an estimated 2000 species of fish. 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 meters (8 feet) and therefore most dives are drift dives. The temperature of the water ranges between 26 and 29 degrees Celcius (79 -85 Fahrenheit).
Roughly we can divide North Sulawesi in 4 different dive area’s; Bunaken National Park, North side (the islands Bunaken, Siladen, Manado Tua, Mantehague, Nain and Nain Kecil, as well as 12 kilometers of coastal area.); Bunaken National Park 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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