MANADO SCUBA DIVING HOLIDAYS

Manado is the centre of Minahasa , the name given to the collective of independent states that once dominated Sulawesi’s northern peninsula. Minahasa literally means “united, becomes one”, referring to a precolonial defence pact. Manado is also the capital of North Sulawesi, this provincial capital of 300,000 people is confident and cosmopolitan and the locals are affable, with the highest standard of living in eastern Indonesia.There are good restaurants, shopping, locally crafted product in Manado, but otherwise the main attractions are outside the city.

Manado faces the wildly varied shapes and colours of the fringing coral off Pulau Bunaken Marine park, comprising 5 islands surrounded by spectacular reefs. Stretched in the world’s area with highest marine biodiversity have become an international scuba-diving destination.

DIVING IN MANADO/BUNAKEN MARINE PARK

The islands of the Bunaken archipelago offer a number of dive sites. The reefs have deep and colourful walls, rich in vibrant soft corals, vivid sea fans and marine fauna. The main reason why diving this area is so attractive is the fact that you find exceptional biodiversity on these reefs, with the number of animal and plant species higher than in any other sea in the world.

All dives in Bunaken are done on the external reef, along the vertical walls. Most dives are drift dives. A mild current is almost always present (but seldom extremely strong): usually, the diving group follows the current along the reef slope and the diving boat picks you up at the exit. Currents are not dangerous as they run parallel to the reef gently pushing the divers into one direction. Perfect conditions for a beautiful drift dive!

Potentially dangerous animals can be found, like the poisonous Laticauda colubrina seasnake, but these creatures are not aggressive at all. You just have to respect them and they will do you no harm.

RESORTS IN MANADO

SILADEN RESORT	READ MORE
	Siladen Resort & Spa is exclusively located on Pulau Siladen, a lush tropical island in the heart of the Bunaken National Marine Park ( Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia), a protected ocean area known worldwide for the richness of its waters and epicenter of global marine biodiversity. The luxury boutique property is located on the western side of the island on a 300 meters long stretch of white coral reef beach facing the Manado Tua volcano. Guests enjoy breathtaking sunsets all year round.
COCOTINOS RESORT	READ MORE
	In picturesque Wori Bay, North Sulawesi is a dynamic new beach resort, Cocotinos in the heart of Kima Bajo, a fishing village, overlooking Bunaken National Marine Park. Cocotinos is all about having fun, and being a small beach resort, you will have the opportunity to meet others who share your passion about scuba diving, underwater photography, watersports and other outdoor activities.
MINAHASA LAGOON	READ MORE
	Opened in early 2004, Minahasa Lagoon - Dive & Tours Club is situated on the mainland coast of North Sulawesi (ex Celebes). Surrounded by the tropical rain forest and boarded by an expansive private beach it is 30 km South-West of Manado, and encompasses over 13 hectares of land, crossed by a picturesque mountain river. The Resort is managed by European Directors with multilingual staff.

THE DIVE CENTRES

Minahasa Lagoon Diving Centre :The PADI registered diving centre is managed by European dive instructors, assisted by professional dive guides, all multilingual, where you may also obtain PADI certifications up to Dive Master Level (inclusive course finishing with your own or our instructor). In addition to diving or snorkelling in the world famous Marine Park of Bunaken, the Resort also offers excellent dive and snorkelling sites right at its doorstep where a large variety of critters and other rare species commune. The diving centre is fully equipped with the newest Scubapro gear, latest generation of Bauer Compressors, Enriched Air (NITROX) and 12 litres steel tanks with mono INT valve (also available on request tanks with double valve and DIN adaptors). Specially developed for divers, the traditional dive boats are comfortable and roomy and come equipped with first aid kits, oxygen tanks, toilet and fresh water for showering and rinsing off. Manado's Hospital, equipped with a hyperbaric chamber, can be reached in less than one hour from most of the dive sites inclusive of the Resort.

KIMA BAJO RESORT & SPA Diving Centre: The Odyssea Divers shares your passion in experiencing the incomparable biodiversity found in the waters surrounding the northern tip of North Sulawesi. The Odyssea Divers' facilities are located on the water’s edge, below the Nibong Bar and Restaurant .The swimming pool, beach, and dive boats are located in front of the centre, so you don’t have to go very far.Guided tours by professional, experienced local dive guides friendly and courteous staff to cater to all of your diving needs.SSI and PADI diver education classes conducted by qualified, multilingual dive instructors in a relaxed and informal setting, lunch and refreshments served on day boat excursions.

GEO-DIVE OPINION

Minahasa Lagoon Opinion: An excellent resort, in a good position and surrounded by lush vegetation on all side. The cuisine is good with some Italian specialities. The resort has a good enough beach (no white sand though) and the fine swimming pool looks out onto the sea. Service overall is first-rate.

Kima Bajo Resort & Spa Diving Centre Opinion : Certainly the best resort in Manado. One of the advantages is it’s quiet location, far from the noise and bustle of the city, the resort faces the islands of the Bunaken Marine Park and the dive spots are only a short trip away. The beach by the resort is small so sunbathing is best by the pool.

In general Manado and the surrounding bay don’t boast good beaches so this is not the ideal destination for anyone looking for white sandy beaches with their diving.

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