Bangka - Coral Eye

Located on the island of Bangka in North Sulawesi, Coral Eye sits at the intersection of lush tropical jungle and white sandy beaches. This location places you directly within the Coral Triangle, one of the most biologically diverse marine ecosystems on the planet.

Since its establishment in 2009, the centre has functioned as a marine outpost, blending high-level scientific interest with professional diving. It provides a base for those looking to explore the rich biodiversity of the region, from macro life to large pelagics.

The centre was founded by marine biologists and maintains a strong commitment to marine conservation and sustainability. It is a founding member of the Bangka Conservation Fund and supports the No-Trash Triangle initiative to combat plastic pollution.

Instruction is handled by a professional team, with a strict ratio of four divers per guide to ensure safety and close observation of marine life. The staff can communicate in English, Italian, German, and Spanish.

For those looking to document their dives, the centre provides a dedicated air-conditioned camera room, making it a practical base for underwater photographers.

The training programme covers the full spectrum of certifications. You can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the Bubble Maker programme for younger divers, moving through to Open Water, Advanced, and Rescue certifications.

For those looking to refine their skills or specialise, the centre offers Nitrox, Deep Diver, and Buoyancy courses. All training is conducted to professional standards to ensure you are prepared for the diverse conditions found in North Sulawesi.

The centre operates boats with a capacity of 6 to 8 divers. These vessels are equipped for safety and comfort, featuring a sun deck, shaded areas, and VHF radio. On-board safety equipment includes oxygen, a first aid kit, and life jackets. The boats are used for morning dives, afternoon dives, and night dives.

The centre provides full rental kit, featuring modern SCUBAPRO equipment. This allows you to arrive with minimal gear if you prefer.

Shore-based facilities include a wet room with individual spaces for your equipment. For photographers, the air-conditioned camera room is a vital resource for managing gear and reviewing shots.

The reefs are defined by a massive variety of hard corals, soft corals, sea fans (Gorgoniidae), whip corals, and sponges (Porifera). You will find large populations of reef fish, including various species of butterflyfish (Chaetodon), parrotfish (Calotomus), surgeonfish (Acanthuridae), and wrasse (Labridae).

For macro enthusiasts, the area is exceptional. You can find a vast array of nudibranchs (Chromodoris, Coryphillina exoptata, Nembrothas), pygmy seahorses (Hippocampus bargibanti), and various species of ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae). The seabed is home to many cephalopods, including the wonderpus octopus, mimic octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, and blue-ringed octopus.

Larger animals frequently pass through the area. You may encounter various sharks, including blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus), whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), and reef sharks (Carcharhinus). Pelagic life such as eagle rays, tuna (Thunnus), and various species of trevally are also part of the local ecosystem.

The best time to visit the region is from April to November. During the months of December to March, the area experiences the rainy season, which often brings cloudy days.

Ocean conditions can vary, as currents may occasionally occur. For transfers from Manado, the centre uses a combination of private car and speedboat, though transfers before sunrise or after sunset may not be guaranteed during periods of poor weather.