The closest airport is Manado, which can be reached by direct flight from many Indonesian cities and regional hubs such as Singapore, Shanghai or Shenzhen. From the airport, it's a 1 to 2 hour transfer via car and/or boat. Your guide will pick you up from the airport.

Do I need to go with a guide?

Diving around Manado generally requires a dive master or dive guide who will ensure your safety and show you the best diving around the area. If you prefer not to go with a guide though, some of our partners provide house reefs where you can dive with only with a buddy.

Do I need to train up?

The diving here is suitable for divers of all levels. If you are not yet a certified diver and would like to do your certification course in Manado, please contact us and we'll be happy to arrange that for you too.

What's the best time to go?

The best months to visit are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, DecemberWe recommend the above period because you would have the best time to go depends on which option and dive area you pick. bunaken national park and bangka island: here, it’s possible to dive year round, but the best visibility is during dry season from march to october. you will have a good chance to see sharks in june, dolphins and whales in july and sperm whale migration in july and august. turtles abound year round as do barracuda, dugong and tuna. water temperature is around 28-29 degrees celsius throughout the year. similar conditions apply for bangka island area. lembeh straits: here, the best visibility is during october to december. if you are keen on muck diving, july to august is your best chance to see the most critters as it is also when the temperatures are lowest (25-26 degrees celsius). in general, january and february are the worst months for diving as the seas can be quite rough making some of the sites inaccessible.

Any tips for what to do in the area?

Manado is a mecca for food! A couple of our favourite places are: Raja State BBQ for great grilled seafood and pork, and Esspecto Coffee for good quality specialty coffee. If you're looking to explore further, there are also some great day trips to Minahasa Highlands where you can visit local markets and villages to experience the local communities. We also liked Mahawu Volcano, which is nearby and great for a trek around the rim. Many dive resorts have guides on staff that can take you or your non-diving partner on a great day trip!