Diving in Sulawesi

Explore 320 dive sites in Sulawesi, Indonesia. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Sulawesi

The warmest water temperatures in Sulawesi occur in November, averaging 30.4°C. The coolest conditions are in September at 28.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.5°C
  • February: 29.4°C
  • March: 29.8°C
  • April: 30.3°C
  • May: 30.3°C
  • June: 29.7°C
  • July: 29.1°C
  • August: 28.8°C
  • September: 28.7°C
  • October: 29.5°C
  • November: 30.4°C
  • December: 30.2°C

Marine Life in Sulawesi

Home to 252 recorded species including 162 reef fish, 53 hard corals, 9 seagrass & algae, 9 sea snails & nudibranchs, 6 clams & mussels, 4 sea cucumbers.

Dive Site Difficulty in Sulawesi

Sulawesi has 17 beginner, 8 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Sulawesi

Based on average water temperature of 29.7°C, currents 4 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 30°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Sulawesi

  • Kepulauan Togean - Marine National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Bunaken - Marine National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Desa Olele (Bone Bolango) - Locally Managed Marine Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • KAWASAN KONSERVASI PERAIRAN DAERAH BOALEMO - Locally Managed Marine Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • KK Teluk Gorontalo - Marine Park (IUCN Category VI)
  • KK Boalemo - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • KK Gorontalo Utara - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • KK Kota Manado - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • KK Minahasa - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Sulawesi - Nearest Airports

  • Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC), Manado - 186 km away, approx 218 min travel time
  • Syukuran Aminuddin Amir Airport (LUW), Luwok - 205 km away, approx 239 min travel time
  • Kasiguncu Airport (PSJ), Poso-Celebes Island - 392 km away, approx 443 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres