Sulawesi, Indonesia
    KK Kota Manado

    Cela Cela

    Best months: Jan–May

    Protected Area

    KK Kota Manado

    Why dive here

    With 238+ marine species recorded in the area - including blacktip reef sharks, giant moray eels, pygmy seahorses, seahorses and sperm whales - Cela Cela offers some of Sulawesi's richest diving. Water ranges 29-31°C, warmest June, October, November.

    Best timeJan–May
    WetsuitNo wetsuit needed, or a rash guard
    Marine lifeBlacktip Reef Sharks, Giant Moray Eels, Pygmy Seahorses, Seahorses and Sperm Whales · 238+ species recorded
    Water29-31°C · warmest June, October, November
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    Cela Cela is one of those places you end up talking about for months afterwards. We hit it on a morning tide, and the current was just enough to give us a gentle drift along the wall. The reef here is a masterclass in coral health, with massive thickets of staghorn stretching out like underwater forests. You’ll spot schools of sapphire demoiselles flitting between the branches, a shimmering blue cloud against the coral’s muted greens and browns. We loved the sheer number of whitetip reef sharks patrolling the deeper sections. Not shy either, just cruising by, looking for an easy meal. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too; we found a few wasp pygmy gobies tucked into the crevices, barely visible against the rough coral. This site is great for anyone who appreciates a vibrant, healthy reef with good chances of seeing larger pelagics and a decent drift to take it all in. Definitely one of our favourite dives in the region.

    Today05:2617:3112h 5m daylightGolden hour 17:04

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Cela Cela

    Cela Cela Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Cela Cela, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (1.5, 124.75) (0km away)

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    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    30°C

    87°F · Range: 29.6–31.2°C

    Current Speed

    1 cm/s

    Direction: W (270°)

    Chlorophyll-a

    0.099 mg/m³

    Very clear (oligotrophic)

    Salinity

    33.17 PSU

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)

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