First choice - Lembeh Strait

Runner up - Manado mainland

Since its discovery in the early 1990s, Lembeh Strait has earned a reputation as the undeniable muck diving capital of the world. With over 30 dive sites in a narrow stretch of water, each bursting with weird and wonderful creatures, it’s easy to see why. Sheltered bays, rocky pinnacles, black volcanic sand, fringing reefs, rubble slopes and even a wreck or two play host to an abundance of truly unique critters, and with such a high density of life, the next surprise is often just around the corner. 

Situated on the North Sulawesi mainland, it’s unsurprising that Manado is also well known for muck and macro, with coral reefs, black and white sand slopes and eelgrass beds. In fact, its entire coastline can be considered one big muck-site with a diversity of species and habitats that almost, but not quite, rivals that of Lembeh Strait.

• Great for: Crossing macro critters off your ‘hit list’, underwater photography
• Best time to visit: Year round 
• Best place to stay: Lembeh Resort, Dive Into Lembeh, Two Fish Divers Lembeh

First choice - Bangka & Gangga Islands

Runner up - Bunaken National Park

If you’re just beginning your scuba diving adventure, the shallow areas around Bangka and Gangga are a great place to start. In contrast with the sometimes strong currents and low visibility in Lembeh, these spots around Bangka and Gangga create a safe place to train and build new scuba diving skills. With so many bays and protected areas, your dive centre can always find somewhere with enough shelter for a comfortable dive.

The marine life around Bangka and Gangga, as well as Bunaken National Park, is also a big attraction for beginner scuba divers who are often more interested in the larger, faster animals than small camouflaged critters. Reef sharks, turtles, Napoleon wrasse, snapper and barracuda are a few of the possible creatures that can be seen in these areas.

• Great for: Stunning and easily accessible fringing reefs, good diving conditions
• Best time to visit: March - July 
• Best place to stay: Murex Bangka, Gangga Island Resort

First choice - Bangka & Gangga Islands

Runner up - Bunaken National Park

Although quiet in comparison to tourist hotspots such as Bali, life in North Sulawesi can still be busy and the islands of Bangka and Gangga offer a tranquil alternative to the relative hustle and bustle. Escape the crowds and indulge in a private island experience at one of the fantastic resorts which boast excellent facilities and sandy beaches. Bangka and Gangga are also world-class snorkelling destinations, with schools of snapper, colourful reef fish and passing pelagics in the blue. Many resorts offer stunning house reefs just a few steps from the beach, helping children and non-divers enjoy the experience as much as scuba divers.

The well-established tourism industry in Bunaken National Park makes it a great choice for families, with resorts that make a point of catering for the needs of traveling families. Conditions here are suitable for scuba divers of all ages and experience levels, and with plenty of shallow reefs, it also offers some exceptional snorkelling. A common household favourite – sea turtles – are found in abundance within the park, and encounters with both green and hawksbill turtles are both frequent and up close.

• Great for: Secluded resorts, peaceful atmosphere, exceptional snorkelling
• Best time to visit: March - July 
• Best place to stay: Murex Bangka, Coral Eye, Gangga Island Resort

First choice - Bunaken National Park

Runner up - Lembeh Strait

If you’re looking to add a little more luxury to your scuba diving holiday, Bunaken is the place to be. Siladen Resort and Spa was voted the world’s best dive resort in 2017 and offers guests perfect seclusion and exquisite beauty in the heart of Bunaken National Park. Equally, the award-winning Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort and Spa boasts exceptional quality and service in a truly breathtaking setting. Lembeh also has its share of luxury, with fantastic getaways such as Lembeh Resort and Solitude Lembeh Resort, both of which are surrounded by lush tropical gardens and offer dedicated first-class service.

• Great for: Luxury resorts, beautiful scenery, dolphin and whale spotting
• Best time to visit: May to October – busiest at Easter, August and Christmas 
• Best place to stay: Siladen Resort, Bunaken Oasis

First choice - Bangka & Gangga Islands

Bangka and Gangga boast some of the most beautiful beaches in North Sulawesi. With soft white sand and crystal clear water, these unspoilt beaches offer a real taste of a secluded island paradise. Many resorts located on these islands have impressive beaches right on their doorstep, meaning guests don’t have to travel far to find the perfect spot. Kick-back on the sand and soak up some sun before cooling off with a swim or a relaxing snorkel on the fringing reef. Please remember that, as the area is quite rural, visitors should cover-up in the villages.

• Great for: Tranquil lagoons and white sand beaches
• Best time to visit: March - July 
• Best place to stay: Murex Bangka, Coral Eye, Gangga Island Resort

First choice - Lembeh Strait

Runner up - Bunaken National Park, Bangka & Gangga Islands

Although a complete list of Lembeh Strait’s inhabitants may never exist, the iconic - perhaps now somewhat expected - species are usually enough to excite scuba divers of all levels. Many divers flock to this mecca of muck with the hope of crossing long-dreamt about critters off their ‘hit-list’ – and hopefully, snap a photo or two. As a result, the resorts around Lembeh Strait have become experts in catering to divers interested in underwater photography. Dive guides are often keen photographers themselves and are well trained in assisting, both in and out of the water, while the dive centres frequently incorporate camera rooms and other specialist facilities.

The successful tourism industry in Bunaken National Park is often regarded as a perfect example of conservation and tourism working together. And with so many visitors within the park the marine life has become less wary of the presence of scuba divers, giving photographers a better chance of getting that perfect shot. With an honourable mention going out to Bangka and Gangga, where the shallow seabed and nutrient-rich currents have nurtured some truly photo-worthy reefs, it’s safe to say that North Sulawesi is a heaven for underwater photography.

• Great for: Photographer-focussed dive centres, macro critters
• Best time to visit: Year round 
• Best place to stay: Lembeh Resort, Dive Into Lembeh, Solitude Lembeh

First choice - Bangka & Gangga Islands

Runner up - Bunaken National Park

The incredible diversity and amazing reefs of Bangka, Gangga and Bunaken National Park, make them a perfect location for focussed conservation efforts, with many resorts doing what they can to protect the environment. Bunaken has long been recognised for both its exceptional diving and its great potential for tourism, helping to ensure conservation has been central to the development of the tourism industry.

The founder of Murex resort was a pioneer of diving in Bunaken, helping to create the national park, and his dive company now runs Coral Gardener courses from resorts in both Bunaken and Bangka. Their resident marine biologist leads the course which teaches coral identity and reef restoration methods. Recent new-comer, Coral Eye, was once an outpost for marine biologists to exchange ideas and develop projects, and now boasts full logistic support to scientists with a fantastic laboratory and guides trained in scientific diving.

• Great for: Photographer-focussed dive centres, macro critters
• Best time to visit: Year round 
• Best place to stay: Coral Eye, Murex Bangka