Manado Dive Club
Google 5/5 (412 reviews)
17 km away as the crow flies
North Sulawesi · Indonesia · Asia
Max. depth · 25 mLekuan 1, 2, and 3, Bunaken: wall diving in Sulawesi
Descend along the iconic Lekuan walls in Bunaken, where enormous sponges and vibrant coral gardens create a dramatic backdrop for encounters with green sea turtles and reef sharks.
What makes this site special
- Dramatic walls covered with enormous sponges and corals.
- Opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography.
- Regular encounters with green sea turtles and reef sharks.
- Spotting pygmy seahorses and orangutan crabs.
- Varied nudibranch species on the reef.
Lekuan about the site
Diving Lekuan 1, 2, and 3 immediately plunges you into the heart of Bunaken's famed marine diversity. As you descend, the sheer walls unfold beneath you, often dropping to around 25 meters before gracefully sloping out to greater depths. These are not just walls; they are vertical gardens, densely packed with an astonishing array of enormous sponges, both hard and soft corals, creating intricate habitats and a vibrant tapestry of life down the entire face.
The sheer scale of the coral and sponge growth here is what truly sets Lekuan apart. You'll find yourself navigating past colossal barrel sponges and intricate gorgonians that cling to the wall, each corner and crevice a potential hiding spot for smaller critters. The moderate current, a characteristic of this site, often helps to keep these walls pristine and well-nourished, ensuring a rich display of colour and activity as you drift gently along.
While drifting, keep your eyes peeled for the resident green sea turtles, often found gracefully cruising past or resting on ledges. Reef sharks are also a common sight, patrolling the deeper sections along the drop-off, adding a thrilling dimension to the dive experience. The combination of grand topography and the presence of larger marine life makes for an engaging wide-angle perspective.
For those with an eye for the intricate, Lekuan’s walls do not disappoint on the macro front. Take the time to scrutinize the coral formations and sponges, and you might discover pygmy seahorses, perfectly camouflaged among the gorgonians. Orangutan crabs meticulously pick their way across soft corals, and a myriad of nudibranchs display their flamboyant colours against the rich backdrop, rewarding patient observation.
The visibility at Lekuan typically ranges from 15 to 25 meters, providing clear views of the extensive wall system and its inhabitants. The way the sunlight filters through the water column, illuminating the vibrant colours of the corals and sponges, creates a constantly changing spectacle as you track your depth along the wall, making each moment underwater a visual feast.
Diving Lekuan: the marine life you’ll meet
Diving conditions
Accessible for divers of all levels, Lekuan 1, 2, and 3 can be explored down to a maximum depth of 25 meters. The site experiences moderate currents, which often create a gentle drift dive experience. Visibility generally ranges from 15 to 25 meters. The optimal time to experience these sites is from the end of March until the end of November, coinciding with the region's driest period.
Three dives not to miss
Map of hotels, dive sites and dive centres in North Sulawesi
Dive centres in North Sulawesi
Hotels in North Sulawesi
Frequently asked questions about Lekuan
When should you dive Lekuan?
You can dive Lekuan during the region’s driest period, from the end of March until the end of November. Visibility generally ranges from 15 to 25 meters during this period, giving you clear views of the dramatic walls, enormous sponges, corals, and marine life along the site.
Is Lekuan suitable for your diving level?
Lekuan is accessible for divers of all levels. You can explore Lekuan 1, 2, and 3 while drifting along walls covered with sponges and corals. The moderate current often creates a gentle drift dive experience, allowing you to observe both large marine life and smaller reef creatures.
How deep can you dive at Lekuan, and what are the currents like?
At Lekuan, you can explore Lekuan 1, 2, and 3 down to a maximum depth of 25 meters. The walls often descend to around 25 meters before sloping into greater depths. Moderate currents commonly move you along in a gentle drift dive, while visibility generally ranges from 15 to 25 meters.
What can you see while diving Lekuan?
At Lekuan, you can see dramatic walls covered with enormous sponges, hard and soft corals, barrel sponges, and gorgonians. Green sea turtles and reef sharks are regular encounters. Look closely for pygmy seahorses, orangutan crabs, and varied nudibranch species, with opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography.
