MANADO BAY
Manado Bay in North Sulawesi, Indonesia offers a diverse range of dive sites that combine coral reefs, black and white sand muck dives, and stunning coral walls. It was often overlooked in the past, as divers focused mainly on diving in Bunaken Island. However, with the popularity of muck diving in the Lembeh Strait, divers started exploring the shores of Manado Bay and discovered its hidden treasures. The bay features sloping reefs and sandy bottoms, providing top-notch muck diving sites as well as stellar coral reefs that can compete with the diversity of Raja Ampat.
WATER TEMPERATURE
With water temperatures consistently at 28 - 29 degrees all year round, diving is comfortable and enjoyable.
VISIBILITY
Visibility in the waters ranges on average from 15-25 meters, frequently reaching up to 30 meters.
CONSERVATION
Bunaken Marine Park is a recognized Marine Protected Area.
TOPOGRAPHY
Bunaken is predominantly known for its impressive underwater walls, while Manado boasts sloping sandy reefs, offering a diverse diving experience.
TRAVEL TIME
A mere 45-minute journey leads you to Bunaken’s iconic dive sites, making access quick and convenient.
CONDITIONS
Diving conditions are generally easy with little to mild currents, suitable for divers of all levels.
DIVE GUIDE RATIO
We maintain small group sizes in our dive guide ratio to ensure a more personal and focused diving experience.
KNOWLEDGABLE TEAM
Our team comprises guides trained in marine biology and underwater photography, equipping them with valuable knowledge and skills.
DIVING HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MANADO BAY
Manado Bay stretches from the northwest of the city of Manado to the southern area, passing by Lumbalumba Resort and reaching the reef edge of a small fishermen village called Poopoh. The southern section is also part of Bunaken National Park and extends beyond the southwest corner of the bay. Dive sites in Manado Bay offer a wide range of experiences, including exploring a well-preserved WWII wreck in Molas, diving among pristine coral reefs near the city of Manado, and enjoying amazing black sand muck dives in the south. These dive sites are filled with rare and wonderful critters that will fascinate underwater enthusiasts. Night dives exclusively take place in the bay, providing a unique opportunity to witness the nocturnal marine life.
Please let us know your preferred number of nights at each location, and we will handle all the logistics for you.
MOLAS WRECK
The Dutch cargo ship, a 60-meter long wreck from the second world war, provides an amazing dive experience. Resting upright in the sand at depths ranging from 24 to 37 meters, this artificial reef is entirely adorned with hard and soft corals along with large sponges. As you approach the No Deco Limit, a gradual ascent leads to a nearby reef perfect for muck diving. The shipwreck hosts a school of Batfish and Barracudas, and large puffer fish are often spotted sleeping in the cargo holes.
TANJUNG PISOK
This dive site offers a gentle slope that transforms into a wall, descending to 25 meters. It’s adorned with soft and whip corals, a rich variety of colorful nudibranchs, and a unique forest of large Acropora coral. Known for its blue and yellow ribbon eels, the site is also home to species like morays, snappers, groupers, butterflyfishes, and unicorn fish, among others.
TANJUNG KELAPA
Tanjung Kelapa provides a”muck” diving experience, showcasing a range of rare, exotic, and peculiar marine creatures. It includes species like frogfish, Pegasus sea-moths, and bob-tail squid. The topography features a coral patch reef mixed with light and dark sand, which gently slopes downward. The sandy slope is a sanctuary to various marine lives seeking shelter among tree stumps, branches, rocks, and other debris.
BLACK ROCK
Block Rock epitomizes a true “muck” dive, with a landscape dominated by flat areas, slopes, sand, fine sea-grass, and debris. This site offers a chance to spot unique creatures such as flamboyant cuttlefish, coconut octopus, tiny frogfish, and the occasional mimic octopus. This dive often holds more surprises than expected.
READY FOR THE DIVING TRIP OF A LIFE TIME?
Just let us know the number of nights you plan to stay at each location, and we’ll handle all the logistics for you. Your holiday begins here!”