Top 5 Marine Animals in Bunaken

Located right in the heart of the Coral Triangle, Bunaken Marine Park is home to more than 8,000 hectares of coral reefs, extensive seagrass beds, and vast mangrove forests. These rich habitats support more than 70% of all fish species found in the Indo-Western Pacific; this makes Bunaken an incredibly rich and thriving ecosystem, and a spectacular destination for diving.

In this article, we take you to Bunaken Marine Park for a closer look at five creatures that embody the beauty, diversity, and charm of this underwater paradise. From tiny sea slugs to sharks and rays, Bunaken really has it all – you never know what you’ll encounter next, on your scuba adventure in North Sulawesi with Murex.

1. Sea Turtles 

No trip to Bunaken would be complete without a meeting with the region’s most iconic residents: Sea turtles. We have two varieties that are commonly seen here – green and hawksbill. Both are commonly seen cruising the reef walls or resting on ledges. They’re often so relaxed that you can watch them up close as they glide gracefully through the blue, take a nap on a coral shelf, or surface for a quick breath of air. With such reliable sightings in a beautiful setting, Bunaken has earned a reputation as one of the world’s top places to dive with turtles.

Fun fact about sea turtles: Green turtles graze on seagrass meadows, while hawksbill turtles feed on sponges which are toxic to most other animals. By doing this, both species help prevent grasses and sponges from overgrowing corals. So, you can think of turtles as the underwater gardeners and groundskeepers of Bunaken – greens tend to the lawns, while hawksbills keep the reef tidy and healthy.

For more fun facts about the sea turtles of Bunaken, watch our video on Youtube.

2. Eagle Rays

Graceful, powerful, and undeniably beautiful, eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari) are another highlight when diving in Bunaken. These spotted rays are often seen gliding effortlessly along the reef walls, sometimes in small groups. Their wide wingspan and distinctive long tail make them an unforgettable sight. Catching a glimpse of them silhouetted against the deep blue is one of those moments every diver remembers.

Fun fact about eagle rays: They have one of the highest brain-to-body mass ratios of all cartilaginous fishes (a group which includes the sharks and rays). Their enlarged cerebellum—the part of the brain associated with motor control and spatial awareness—is thought to help them with complex maneuvering and navigation in open water.

3. Cyerce Nigra 

For lovers of the small and unusual, Bunaken doesn’t disappoint. Along the coastline shallows rather than on deeper dives, you might spot the striking Cyerce nigra nudibranch*. With its translucent black body and leaf-like cerata, it looks more like a work of art than a sea slug. Nudibranchs are a photographer’s dream, and this species is a special find for those who enjoy macro life.

Fun fact about Cyerce nigra: *It’s not technically a nudibranch! Cyerce nigra is actually a sacoglossan sea slug – sometimes called a ‘sap-sucking slug.’ Instead of feeding on sponges or corals like most nudibranchs, it pierces algae cells and sucks out their contents. They then store the chloroplasts from the algae they eat in the leaf-like cerata of their bodies, in a process called kleptoplasty. This allows them to photosynthesize like a plant, turning sunlight into energy, and essentially becoming solar powered!

4. Schools of Redtooth Triggerfish & Pyramid Butterflyfish

One of Bunaken’s most dazzling sights isn’t a single animal, but a moving wall of fish. Redtooth triggerfish and pyramid butterflyfish often form massive, shimmering schools that hang in the blue just off the reef walls. Watching thousands of fish move in unison is both hypnotic and awe-inspiring. The contrast of deep-blue water with the flash of white, yellow, and violet from these schooling fish makes for a truly spectacular dive scene.

Fun fact: By schooling together, both species benefit from safety in numbers, confusing predators with their massed movement while efficiently grazing upwells of plankton along Bunaken’s steep walls. It’s one of the classic ‘big blue’ spectacles that makes divers pause mid-dive just to watch the living kaleidoscope. Next time you’re wall diving in Bunaken, don’t forget to watch your six – you just might see something mesmerizing.

5. Whitetip Reef Sharks

Sharks are a sign of a healthy reef, and Bunaken is no exception. Whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) are the most commonly encountered species here, usually seen resting under ledges or patrolling the reef slopes. At night, whitetips use their slender, flexible bodies to wriggle deep into crevices to flush out sleeping fish, octopuses, and crustaceans. This behavior marks them out as important, mid-level predators in Bunaken’s ecosystem, who help keep reef life in balance.

Fun fact about whitetip reef sharks: Unlike most reef sharks, which need to keep swimming to breathe, whitetips have a special adaptation called ‘buccal pumping’. This allows them to actively draw water over their gills while lying still on the seabed. Because of this, divers in Bunaken often spot them resting motionless under ledges or tucked into caves during the day – one of many highlights to watch out for when diving in Bunaken!

Bunaken is full of surprises…

When it comes to marine animals in Bunaken, you never know what your next dive will bring. Even before you enter the water, Bunaken has surprises in store. On the boat ride between dive sites, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins or even whales. While not a guaranteed sighting, these encounters are unforgettable moments that remind you just how vibrant this thriving marine ecosystem really is.

Did you know? The founder of Murex Resorts, Dr. Hansie Batuna, was instrumental in securing protection for Bunaken Marine Park back in 1991. You can read more about this conservation success story, and our ongoing mission to protect marine animals in Bunaken, here.

Ready to Dive Into Bunaken?

From majestic turtles and rays to clouds of schooling fish and the chance of glimpsing dolphins from the boat, Bunaken delivers truly world-class diving experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or setting off on your first trip, these encounters are just a taste of what awaits.

Join us at Murex Resorts and experience the magic of Bunaken for yourself!