Dive Site: Ron’s Point

About Ron’s Point

Ron’s Point is a distinguished dive site located on the southwest corner of Bunaken Island, Indonesia, within the renowned Bunaken National Marine Park. It features a sloping reef that extends outwards, culminating in a significant plateau found at depths between 35 and 40 meters. This unique topography, positioned right at the edge of the island’s fringing reef, creates an excellent environment for encountering larger marine life. Diving here often involves a progression from the shallower, sloped reef, where divers can spot a variety of reef inhabitants, to the deeper plateau. The site is a prime location for observing pelagic species, which are frequently seen passing through the open water. While the main draw is the pelagic action, the shallower sections of the sloping reef can also offer macro opportunities, particularly during periods of slack current. The dive experience here is dynamic, with currents sometimes being moderate to strong, making it particularly rewarding for experienced divers comfortable with water movement.

Dive site facts: Ron’s Point

Depth

Shallow reef to 35–40 m

Current

Moderate to strong

Entry

Boat

Level

Advanced recommended

Dive type

Sloping reef, wall, pelagic

Region / port

Bunaken, North Sulawesi

Coordinates

4.6705° S, 123.9026° E

Conditions & Currents

Ron's Point is frequently characterized by moderate to strong currents, especially when positioned for pelagic sightings. Divers will often start their descent upstream and drift along the site, allowing the current to carry them over the plateau while looking for large marine life. Entry is typically made from a day boat, with divers often dropping in upstream to maximize the drift. Surface conditions can vary, but strong currents below necessitate good buoyancy control and experience with drift diving. Visibility can be excellent, though it may vary depending on current direction and plankton presence, which can attract pelagics. This site is best suited for experienced divers who are comfortable with significant water movement.

Marine life & sighting chances

Whitetip reef shark

occasional

Eagle ray

occasional

Tuna

occasional

Napoleon wrasse

occasional

Dugong

rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

A typical dive at Ron’s Point begins with a boat entry, often an upstream drop, as currents can be moderate to strong. Divers quickly descend to the shallower sloping reef, observing the coral formations and smaller marine life as they transition deeper. The main objective is often to reach the edge of the large plateau, which lies at depths of 35 to 40 meters. Here, divers spend the majority of the dive hanging in the blue, scanning for pelagic species like sharks, tuna, and eagle rays that frequent this area. The current dictates much of the dive, leading divers along the reef or over the plateau. Towards the end of the dive, the focus shifts to the shallower parts of the sloping reef for the safety stop, with divers gradually ascending before surfacing near the boat.

Underwater photography

For Ron's Point, wide-angle photography is highly recommended to capture the expansive reef topography and the potential encounters with large pelagic animals like sharks and eagle rays. A wide-angle lens allows you to frame the blue water action and the transition from the sloping reef to the deep plateau. Given the possibility of strong currents, good buoyancy control is essential to maintain position for shots and avoid stirring up sediment. Using strobes can help bring out the vibrant colors of the coral and fish in the shallower sections. While primarily a wide-angle site, macro opportunities might exist in sheltered nooks during slack tide, so a compact setup or a second dive with a macro lens could be considered for dedicated macro enthusiasts.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Fukui Point

  Often combined with Ron's Point due to proximity and gentle slopes.

• Mandolin

  Located nearby and offers excellent drift diving with potential for sharks and tuna.

• Lekuan II

  A popular wall dive known for turtles and vibrant reef life.

• Sachiko’s Point

  Known for wire corals, Napoleon wrasse, and green turtles.

• Bunaken Timur

  Features coral gardens, turtles, and macro life.

Getting there & logistics

Ron’s Point is part of the Bunaken National Marine Park in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Access typically involves flying into Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC) in Manado. From there, it's a 45-minute to one-hour boat ride to resorts located on Bunaken, Siladen, or other islands within the park. Most diving at Ron’s Point is conducted via day boats from these resorts, often as part of a multi-dive itinerary. Park entry permits are required for all divers. Trip lengths vary, but most divers stay for several days to a week to explore the diverse sites of Bunaken. This site is frequently combined with other wall and slope dives in the Bunaken area.

Safety & environment

Divers at Ron’s Point should be prepared for potentially strong currents, which necessitate excellent buoyancy control and comfort with drift diving techniques. It is crucial to dive with a local guide familiar with the site's current patterns. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Manado, approximately an hour's boat ride from Bunaken, followed by land transport. Divers should always carry valid dive insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. Due to the depths involved on the plateau (35-40m), appropriate certification and gas planning are essential. Always monitor your bottom time and no-decompression limits, and ensure your dive computer is set correctly.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Ron’s Point FAQ

Liveaboards diving Ron’s Point

These liveaboards may visit Ron’s Point on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m

$273/day

Ecopro Duyung Baru

Indonesia

6 guests27 m

$361/day

Jaya

Indonesia

14 guests23 m

$280/day

Wellenreng

Indonesia

9 guests25 m

$426/day

Komodo Aggressor

Komodo, Indonesia

16 guests29 m

$312/day

Blue Manta

Indonesia

20 guests45 m

$488/day

Mari

Indonesia

14 guests32.2 m

$327/day

Situju7

Komodo, Indonesia

10 guests32.7 m

$362/day

Pindito

Indonesia

16 guests37.79 m

$533/day

Mermaid II

Komodo, Indonesia

18 guests

$354/day

Pearl of Papua

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

14 guests30 m

$303/day

Putri Naga

Komodo, Indonesia

6 guests25 m

$222/day