Raymond’s Point – Reef in Indonesia

Name: Raymond’s Point
Address: Indonesia

About Raymond’s Point

Raymond's Point is a distinguished dive site located south of Mike's Point within the Bunaken National Marine Park, renowned for its dramatic vertical wall. This site is a prime example of Bunaken's world-class wall diving, characterized by a vibrant topography that descends into deeper waters. The wall itself is richly adorned with a diverse array of hard and soft corals, including current-loving wire corals, and large sponges. A notable feature is a significant cave that divers can explore, adding another dimension to the dive experience. Below, a 'sandy path' offers a chance to spot blue-spotted stingrays resting on the seafloor. Throughout the year, especially from April to October, the site thrives with marine activity. Divers can anticipate encounters with a variety of reef fish, and the dynamic currents often bring larger pelagic species. While the current can be strong, it contributes to the health and biodiversity of the reef, making it an exhilarating drift dive. Access is typically via boat, with dives often starting in shallower coral gardens before descending along the wall. The site's strong currents and depth range make it best suited for advanced divers, offering a rewarding experience for those capable of navigating its dynamic conditions.

Highlights

Dramatic vertical wallStrong drift currentsAbundant hard and soft coralsLarge spongesExplorable caveBlue-spotted stingraysVibrant reef fishExcellent photography opportunities

Season calendar

Best months to dive here

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Excellent

Good

Conditions & Currents

Raymond's Point is known for its strong currents, which can range from moderate to significant, often making it an ideal location for drift diving. These currents are highly dependent on the tides, necessitating careful planning and briefings from the captain and local guides before each dive. Entry is typically a boat dive, requiring divers to confirm entry, exit, and backup procedures. Visibility at the site is generally excellent, ranging from 12 to 30 meters, even with the stronger water movement. Divers should plan conservatively, considering the currents and varying depths, and be prepared for a dynamic underwater environment. Due to the potentially strong currents, this site is recommended for advanced divers with current experience.

Marine life & sighting chances

Wrasse

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Raymond's Point typically begin with a boat entry, often as a negative entry due to strong currents, positioning you directly along the vibrant wall. The initial depth is around 6 meters, exploring the rich coral gardens before gradually descending along the vertical face to an average depth of 12-25 meters. The dive progresses as a drift, allowing the current to carry you past the impressive coral formations, sponges, and the notable cave entrance. Divers maintain a depth suitable for observing marine life along the wall, being mindful of the maximum recommended depth of 35 meters. The turn point is determined by gas consumption and current strength, leading to a gradual ascent. The safety stop is usually conducted in the shallower, calmer waters of the reef top, often around 5 meters, before surfacing for a boat pick-up.

Underwater photography

Raymond's Point offers excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography, capturing the expansive wall adorned with hard and soft corals, particularly the current-loving whip corals. A wide-angle lens is ideal for showcasing the dramatic reef topography and schooling fish often present in the currents. Macro enthusiasts will also find subjects among the diverse reef life on the wall, including smaller invertebrates. Due to potentially strong currents, excellent buoyancy control is crucial to avoid contact with the reef and to steady your shot. External strobes are recommended to bring out the true colors of the corals and marine inhabitants, especially as you descend. Pay attention to light direction when shooting the sandy path for resting blue-spotted stingrays.

Combine with nearby dive sites

Getting there & logistics

Raymond's Point is situated within the Bunaken National Marine Park, off the coast of Sulawesi, Indonesia. The nearest major airport is Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC) in Manado. From Manado, divers typically take a transfer to a resort on Bunaken Island or a liveaboard. Dive trips to Raymond's Point are usually day trips from Bunaken resorts or included in liveaboard itineraries exploring the Bunaken region. The dive site is accessed by boat. A typical dive trip duration can vary, from single day excursions from local resorts to longer liveaboard itineraries encompassing multiple Bunaken sites. Marine park fees are generally applicable for diving in Bunaken National Park.

Safety & environment

Diving at Raymond's Point requires careful attention to safety protocols due to the presence of strong currents. Divers should always follow the captain's and guide's briefings, especially regarding entry, exit, and potential drift procedures. An advanced certification is recommended, along with experience in current. Divers should plan their air consumption conservatively, considering the dynamic conditions. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Manado, approximately an hour's boat ride from Bunaken. Evacuation in a medical emergency typically involves boat transfer to Manado, followed by land transport to a medical facility. Comprehensive dive insurance covering hyperbaric treatment and evacuation is highly advised for all divers visiting this region.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

Suited for

Advanced divers seeking thrilling drift dives
Underwater photographers focusing on wide-angle reefscapes
Divers comfortable with strong currents
Experienced divers who appreciate diverse coral walls
Those interested in exploring underwater caves

Less suited for

Beginner or Open Water certified divers
Divers with limited experience in strong currents
Individuals prone to seasickness (due to potential surface chop)
Those who prefer calm, current-free environments
Divers with poor buoyancy control

FAQ

Raymond’s Point FAQ

Is Raymond's Point suitable for Open Water divers?

Raymond's Point is generally not recommended for Open Water certified divers. The site features strong currents and can reach depths up to 35 meters, which are conditions best suited for advanced or more experienced divers. It is advisable for Open Water divers to choose sites with milder conditions within the Bunaken National Park.

What kind of marine life can I expect to see at Raymond's Point?

You can expect to see a rich variety of marine life at Raymond's Point, including abundant hard and soft corals, various angel fish, butterfly fish, groupers, lion fish, and scorpion fish. Larger species like dogtooth tuna, large emperors, and red snapper are also occasionally spotted. The site is particularly known for blue-spotted stingrays resting on the sandy bottom and occasional sea snake sightings.

How strong are the currents at Raymond's Point?

Currents at Raymond's Point are typically described as strong, though they can vary from moderate to strong depending on tidal conditions. This makes it a popular site for exhilarating drift dives. Divers should always consult with local guides for current assessments on the day of the dive and be prepared for dynamic conditions.

When is the best time of year to dive Raymond's Point?

The optimal time to dive Raymond's Point is during the dry season, from April to October. These months generally offer the best diving conditions with good visibility and stable weather. While diving is possible year-round, the dry season provides a more consistently pleasant experience.

Are there any specific features to look for on this dive?

Yes, Raymond's Point is known for its dramatic vertical wall adorned with a profusion of hard and soft corals and large sponges. A distinctive feature is a large, explorable cave along the wall. Additionally, keep an eye out for a 'sandy path' where blue-spotted stingrays can often be found resting on the seabed.

Why dive Raymond’s Point from a liveaboard?

Raymond’s Point is one of Indonesia's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.

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About Raymond’s Point

Highlights

Season calendar

Dive site facts: Raymond’s Point

Conditions & Currents

Marine life & sighting chances

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Underwater photography

Combine with nearby dive sites

Getting there & logistics

Safety & environment

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

Suited for

Less suited for

Raymond’s Point FAQ

Why dive Raymond’s Point from a liveaboard?

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Dive sites similar to Raymond’s Point

12 liveaboards run the Raymond’s Point route.