Guide to the Best Diving Spots in North Sulawesi

Introduction

North Sulawesi is one of Indonesia’s most diverse diving destinations. Within one region, divers can discover dramatic coral walls in Bunaken, colorful reefs around Bangka, and world-class muck diving in the Lembeh Strait. The area has more than 100 dive sites with a wide variety of marine habitats. Since each area offers a different experience, the term “best dive site” ultimately depends on the type of diving you are looking for. Here are several key spots worth including in a North Sulawesi diving itinerary.

1. Lekuan Walls – Bunaken

If you want to experience the classic character of Bunaken, Lekuan I, II, and III are among the main choices. The area is known for towering coral walls, crevices and overhangs filled with marine life, sea fans, sponges, and reef fish. Green turtles and hawksbill turtles are also among the highlights of the area. Lekuan I–III are highly recommended for experiencing the distinctive diving character of Bunaken.

Suitable for: wall diving, turtles, underwater photography, reef diving, beginners to experienced divers.

2. Sachiko’s Point – Bunaken / Manado Tua

Sachiko’s Point is known for its combination of coral walls and currents that can carry divers toward areas with greater pelagic activity. Current conditions can change, so the experience level of the diver and the assessment of the dive guide are important before making the dive. This site is also among the selected diving spots in the Bunaken area.

Suitable for: experienced divers, wall diving, current diving, and opportunities to encounter larger fish.

3. Sahaung – Bangka Island

Bangka offers a different diving experience from Bunaken. Sahaung is known for its pinnacle formations and colorful soft corals, accompanied by schooling fish and rich reef life. Currents around Bangka can be fairly strong, so dives should be conducted when sea and tidal conditions are favorable.

Suitable for: soft coral, reef photography, schooling fish, and intermediate to experienced divers.

4. Nudi Falls & Hairball – Lembeh Strait

The Lembeh Strait is a completely different underwater world. The area is famous as one of the world’s leading muck diving destinations and features dozens to nearly a hundred dive sites, depending on the source and the boundaries used to define the area.

The main attraction is not large coral walls, but the unusual small creatures found on volcanic sandy bottoms. Nudi Falls is particularly interesting for macro photography, while Hairball is known for opportunities to encounter various critters such as hairy frogfish, mimic octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, and numerous nudibranchs.

Suitable for: macro photography, muck diving, nudibranchs, frogfish, octopus, and divers who enjoy discovering unique small marine creatures.

5. Manado Tua

Manado Tua Island is part of the Bunaken-Manado Tua National Park. The waters around the island feature underwater plateaus, vertical coral walls, and several cave formations with coral growth. Its depth and topography offer a different experience for divers looking to explore more dramatic underwater landscapes.

Suitable for: wall diving, underwater topography, reef exploration, and divers seeking dramatic underwater scenery.

Choosing a Dive Site According to Your Diving Style

For wall diving and turtle encounters, Bunaken, particularly Lekuan, is a strong choice. For macro and critter photography, the Lembeh Strait is a key destination. If you are looking for colorful soft corals and pinnacles, Bangka offers a different character. Meanwhile, Manado Tua is suitable for divers who enjoy underwater topography and walls.

The choice of dive site should always be adjusted according to certification, experience, current conditions, weather, tides, and the recommendations of the dive guide on the day of the dive.

Best Time for Diving

Diving in North Sulawesi can be enjoyed throughout the year. Water temperatures are generally around 26–29°C, while the period from April to October tends to be drier and offers calmer conditions and good visibility for Bunaken wall diving. Local conditions can still change, so the final decision should follow the recommendations of the dive operator and dive guide.