Snorkeling in North Sulawesi: Dolphins & Bunaken Marine Park

Chase dolphins in open water, then drop into three separate reef sites before noon.

Snorkeling in North Sulawesi combines dolphin watching in the open ocean with three separate sessions at Bunaken Marine Park, all in one six-hour outing from Manado. The boat departs after hotel pickup, heads to the free ocean to search for wild dolphins (which are often friendly and playful with boats), then moves to the marine park for the first snorkel. After lunch on the mainland, you return for two more snorkeling sessions before heading back. A live guide speaks English or Chinese throughout.

The experience

The day starts with a boat ride from the harbor into open water to look for dolphins. These are wild animals, so sightings aren't guaranteed, but when they do appear they're known to approach boats and play with tourists. After the dolphin search, you head to Bunaken Marine Park for the first snorkel, where you'll use provided equipment to explore the reef. The boat then returns to the mainland for lunch.

After eating, you have a break before heading back out for two more snorkeling sessions at different reef sites within the marine park. Each stop gives you time in the water with your snorkel gear. The whole outing runs six hours from start to finish. An air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from your hotel and brings you back when you're done, and all snorkeling equipment is included in the booking.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• boat transport to the dolphin-watching area and Bunaken Marine Park.
• entry tickets to the marine park.
• full snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel).
• lunch on the mainland.
• live guide in English or Chinese.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 06:30 and 07:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (17 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Child (1 to 16 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 12 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Manado Best Service

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Chinese, so you'll follow the commentary comfortably in one of those languages throughout the day. Children from age one can join, making this workable for families with young kids.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Chinese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 16 years).

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear, or is everything provided?

All snorkeling equipment is provided for you. You don't need to bring your own mask, fins or snorkel.

What are the chances of actually seeing dolphins on this trip?

Wild dolphins live in these waters, but sightings aren't guaranteed since they're free-roaming animals. When they do appear, they often approach the boat and interact with tourists, though this depends on where they happen to be that day.

How many times do we get in the water to snorkel?

You snorkel three times: once at Bunaken Marine Park before lunch, then twice more at different reef sites after lunch.

What's included in the price, and what should I bring money for?

The price covers hotel pickup, the boat, entry to Bunaken Marine Park, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and an air-conditioned vehicle to get you back. You'll want to bring cash for tips if you wish to give one, and a waterproof camera if you want to photograph the reef.