Nestled in the heart of the Coral Triangle, Bunaken National Marine Park is one of Indonesia’s most iconic snorkeling destinations. Located just off the coast of Manado in North Sulawesi, Bunaken and its surrounding islands offer some of the richest marine biodiversity on the planet. With warm, crystal-clear waters, dramatic coral walls, and abundant sea life, it’s no wonder snorkelers from around the world are drawn to these tropical waters.
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| The white sand beach in Bunaken island near Manado city |
Why Bunaken is a Snorkeling Paradise
Designated as a marine park in 1991, Bunaken National Park spans over 89,000 hectares and protects five main islands: Bunaken, Manado Tua, Siladen, Nain, and Mantehage. While the park is famous among divers for its dramatic drop-offs, snorkelers are equally rewarded with vibrant coral gardens just meters below the surface.
Marine life includes everything from colorful reef fish and sea turtles to reef sharks, nudibranchs, and sometimes even dolphins and dugongs. With over 390 species of coral and more than 2,000 species of marine creatures recorded, snorkeling here is like swimming through a living aquarium.
Top Snorkeling Spots Around Bunaken
1. Bunaken Beach
The coastal area of Bunaken island has got beaches with shallow water that is ideal for beginners and families, offering shallow reefs full of damselfish, surgeonfish, butterflyfish, and corals. For more adventure, snorkelers can explore the reef edges near Fukui Point where deeper drop-offs attract larger marine life like turtles and rays.
2. Siladen Island
Just a short boat ride from Bunaken, Siladen offers calmer waters and excellent visibility. The reef here is more gradual than Bunaken’s steep walls, making it perfect for long, relaxing snorkels. Expect to see staghorn corals, angelfish, and even blacktip reef sharks.
3. Manado Tua Island
This dormant volcanic island is surrounded by deep, clear waters. While the best sites are usually suited for divers, there are calm coves where snorkelers can still enjoy pristine reefs and large pelagic fish in the distance.
4. Nain and Mantehage Islands
These quieter islands are less frequented by tourists but offer spectacular snorkeling with minimal crowds. Mantehage, in particular, has mangrove-lined channels that are great for spotting juvenile fish and unique macro life.
Conservation and Eco-Tourism
Bunaken is a model of community-based marine conservation. Local villages, dive operators, and NGOs work together to protect the reefs from destructive fishing and pollution. Visitors are required to pay a small park fee that supports marine protection efforts.
Snorkelers are encouraged to practice reef-safe behaviors, such as not touching corals, and not standing on them.
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| Indonesia is the country with the highest marine biodiversity in the world |
Booking
If you are interested in taking both marine tour in Bunaken and it's surrounding islands and wildlife tour and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.
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