Lighthouse Bukabuka - Sulawesi

Oasis is one of those easy-going Mafia sites we keep coming back to. A shallow coral reef, it slopes gently from about 8m down to a maximum of 17m. We usually find visibility around 20m, letting you take in the impressive variety of corals and big stretches of anemones. It's a great spot for leaf fish, scorpionfish, and nudibranchs if you slow down and look closely. Green and hawksbill turtles are regulars here, often just cruising by. It’s perfect for a relaxed dive, maybe as a warm-up or a second dive after something deeper.

Location
Sulawesi, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-0.737700, 121.759200
Type
reef

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

Nearby Dive Sites in Sulawesi

Nearest Dive Centres to Lighthouse Bukabuka

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Lighthouse Bukabuka

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths at Lighthouse Bukabuka dive sites?
At Lighthouse Bukabuka, divers can expect a maximum depth of 21 meters. The dive begins with a gradual slope, transitioning into a reef slope, offering varied depths suitable for exploring the vibrant marine life.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see when diving around Lighthouse Bukabuka?
Divers at Lighthouse Bukabuka will be delighted by a large, neatly arranged Cabbage Coral garden. The site is teeming with diverse marine life, including impressive sightings of Blacktip Reef Sharks, Eagle Rays, and Turtles. You can also spot Speed Jacks, Giant Trevally, Surgeonfish, Snapper, Sweetlips, Butterflyfish, Anthias, and Stonefish, among many other fascinating species.
How challenging are the dive sites at Lighthouse Bukabuka, and are they suitable for all experience levels?
The dive site at Lighthouse Bukabuka is rated as intermediate difficulty. This suggests it is best suited for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners. While not overly challenging, it offers a rewarding experience for those comfortable with reef diving.
What is the best time of year or month to dive at Lighthouse Bukabuka for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or month to dive at Lighthouse Bukabuka for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general information on dive seasons in Indonesia, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Lighthouse Bukabuka?
Given the intermediate difficulty rating of Lighthouse Bukabuka, it is recommended that divers hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. While specific requirements are not listed, having experience beyond entry-level will enhance your enjoyment and safety at this site.
What are the typical water conditions, such as currents and visibility, at Lighthouse Bukabuka dive sites?
Divers at Lighthouse Bukabuka can typically expect excellent water clarity, with an average visibility of 33 meters. The data does not provide specific information regarding typical currents at this dive site.