What a Bunaken dive trip actually costs

Indonesia · whole-trip pricing · 7 nights
The honest all-in number
$975 – $2,250

Per person for 7 nights — flights, hotel, dive ops, and gear-bag fees included. Typical trip lands around $1,175. Anyone can quote you a cheap flight; this is what the trip costs.

💰 Cost breakdown (per person)

Round-trip flightvaries by home airport — we watch fares from yours~$450
Hotel × 7 nights~$38/night typical · $8–$193/night range$56–$1,351
Diving (3 days, 2-tank)checked dive gear ~$70 RT, or rent ~$40/day locally~$390
Gearchecked dive gear ~$70 RT, or rent ~$40/day locally~$70
Realistic all-in
$975 – $2,2507 nights, per person

🐠 Best time to go

Prime months: Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct · Nov · Dec.

Dry season peak: visibility hits 100–165ft, max sunshine, calm seas, and the richest schooling-fish action on the walls.

Transition shoulder months with visibility already 100ft+, quieter crowds, and warm 82–86°F water before peak-season prices.

Wet season: still diveable daily at 81–84°F, but NW winds can cut vis to 10–15m and close western Bunaken sites.

🤿 The diving

Boat-access wall dives dropping to 985ft (984 ft) in Bunaken Marine Park deliver near-certain turtle encounters, bumphead parrotfish, Napoleon wrasse, and eagle rays in 79–86°F water with visibility to 100ft (98 ft).

Also known for: Cakalang fufu — smoked skipjack tuna, the iconic Manadonese specialty

⭐ Top-rated dive shops

Manado Dive Club★★★★★ (390)
Bunaken Scuba★★★★★ (1)
Bunaken Scuba & Homestay★★★★★ (153)
Happy Gecko Dive Resort★★★★★ (98)

🥾 When you're not diving

Bunaken Village Walk — Stroll through local Sulawesi village life, meet fishermen, and see traditional homes.

Manado Tua Volcano Hike — Hike the dormant volcano on the neighboring island for panoramic views over the bay.

Snorkeling the Reef Shallows — Explore Bunaken's famous coral walls in knee-deep water without any dive gear needed.

Manado Pasar Tradisional Food Scene — Sample Manadonese cuisine like tinutuan porridge and cakalang fish at local markets.

Tangkoko Nature Reserve — Spot tarsiers, black macaques, and hornbills in this wildlife reserve near Manado.

🔔 How to get it for less

The all-in above is the typical price. A few times a year, Bunaken fares drop 25–50% below that. StokedFare watches dive destinations from your home airport 24/7 and pings you the second one crosses that line — free.

Watch Bunaken from my airport — free →
Estimates from StokedFare's live price data; actual costs vary by dates, choices, and availability — always confirm at booking. StokedFare is not a travel agency. · Home · All costs · Deals caught