Asik OriginalFrom
$78
Luwuk Banggai, Central Sulawesi
Banggai Islands 1-Day Trip: Snorkel, Island Hop & Dolphins
New experience
1 DaySmall groups
Snorkel and dive the only place on earth that is home to the Banggai cardinalfish.
The Banggai Islands are the one place in the world where the Banggai cardinalfish lives in the wild. It is a striking black-and-silver fish with long fins and white spots, and it shelters among sea urchin spines and anemones in shallow water, which makes it a treat to find while snorkeling. Bone Baru village on Banggai Island is one of the classic spots to see them.
The wider archipelago has reef walls, healthy coral, and easy shore entries.
This suits snorkelers and divers who want endemic marine life and are willing to travel slowly and stay a few nights. It is for patient travelers, not those passing through.
Getting there
From Luwuk, the main public ferry to Banggai Island runs overnight from the port and takes many hours, so treat it as an expedition rather than a quick hop. Some travelers fly or take faster boats via Salakan on Peleng first. At Bone Baru the snorkeling area is officially protected but free to enter, and the good coral sits a short swim out around the small island offshore.
Best time
Aim for the dry season (roughly April to October) for calmer crossings and clearer water. Most people stay several days, since travel time eats into any short visit and the reefs reward a relaxed pace.
Good to know
Look for the cardinalfish hovering above urchins and anemones in shallow water, and never touch or chase them, as the species is threatened. Bring your own snorkel gear and reef-safe sun cover, and carry plenty of cash, since ATMs are scarce. Build in buffer days because ferry schedules and weather can shift.
Shallow reefs around the Banggai Islands, with Bone Baru on Banggai Island being a well-known spot. They cluster among sea urchins and anemones, so look low and close to the bottom.
Snorkeling is plenty. The cardinalfish and much of the best coral sit in shallow water close to shore, so you do not need to be a diver to enjoy it.
Several days at least. The overnight ferry from Luwuk and changeable weather mean a rushed trip is frustrating, so plan to slow down.
Add it to a route across Indonesia and we will work out the travel time and cost between every stop.
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