Scuba diver alongside a large school of jacks in open blue water

Mandolin

Bunaken Island, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Advanced
Strong current

Mandolin is an advanced dive site in Bunaken Island, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Dives run from 12 to 40 m, in strong current. Marine life here includes napoleon wrasse, bumphead parrotfish and dugong. 3 dive shops on Scubalo run trips here.

Updated 17 October 2026

Conditions at Mandolin

Max depth: 40 m
Depth range: 12–40 m
Current: Strong
Level: Advanced

Depth profile

About Mandolin

Mandolin lies in the strait between Bunaken and Manado Tua, where the seabed plunges hundreds of metres and strong currents draw pelagic life. Its wall is covered in large sponges and sea fans.

Divers here regularly meet Napoleon wrasse and bumphead parrotfish, with a resident school of snapper along the wall. Dugongs are seen now and then.

The dive runs from about 12 metres down to 40, usually as a drift. With strong currents and open water beside the wall, it is a site for experienced divers.

When to dive Mandolin

Season

Year round: Bunaken is dived all year.
Calmest months: April to December, with the calmest seas and best visibility.

Marine life at Mandolin

What divers report seeing here. Tap one to see where else it turns up.

Type of diving

Location

Questions about Mandolin

Where is Mandolin?

Mandolin is in the strait between Bunaken Island and Manado Tua, in Bunaken National Marine Park, where the seabed drops hundreds of metres.

What can you see at Mandolin?

Napoleon wrasse and bumphead parrotfish are regulars, along with a resident school of snapper. The wall is covered in large sponges and sea fans, and dugongs are seen occasionally.

How deep is Mandolin?

The dive runs from about 12 metres down to around 40, along a wall that keeps dropping far deeper into the strait.

Is Mandolin suitable for beginners?

No. Mandolin is rated advanced on Scubalo because of its strong currents and the open water beside the wall. Come with drift diving experience and good buoyancy.