Dive Site: Tanjung Kopi

About Tanjung Kopi

Tanjung Kopi, also known as "Coffee Point," is a notable dive site situated on the side of Manado Tua, the volcanic island within Bunaken National Park. This site is renowned for its thrilling pelagic encounters, which are largely driven by the strong currents that characterize the area. It offers a diverse underwater topography, featuring a plateau that ranges from 5 to 30 meters, which then gives way to a wall plunging past 80 meters. Diving here means navigating considerable water movement, making it particularly rewarding for experienced divers comfortable with drift diving. The currents are a magnet for larger marine species, transforming the plateau into a bustling highway for schooling fish and impressive pelagics. When currents are strong, you can observe large schools of batfish, cruising eagle rays, and patrolling whitetip reef sharks. While predominantly known for its big animal action, Tanjung Kopi also offers opportunities for macro enthusiasts during periods of slack tide. When the water movement subsides, the plateau reveals a variety of smaller creatures for those who take the time to explore its corners. Visibility at Tanjung Kopi can fluctuate depending on the current direction, so it's always wise to consult with your dive guide before entering the water.

Dive site facts: Tanjung Kopi

Depth

5–30 m (plateau), wall past 80 m

Current

Moderate to strong

Visibility

20–30 m

Water temperature

26–30 °C

Entry

Boat / drift

Level

Advanced

Dive type

Wall, drift, pelagic

Region / port

Bunaken National Marine Park, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Coordinates

4.6945° S, 123.8856° E

Conditions & Currents

Tanjung Kopi is characterized by moderate to strong currents, which can frequently be described as ripping. These powerful currents are a defining feature of the site, making it a prime location for pelagic action but also necessitating advanced diving skills. Divers typically plan their visit as a drift dive, dropping in upstream and allowing the current to carry them over the plateau. Surface conditions and visibility at Tanjung Kopi are notably influenced by the current's direction and strength, so divers should check with their guide before entry. Due to the significant water movement, this site is best suited for divers who are proficient in current diving and capable of maintaining control in dynamic conditions.

Marine life & sighting chances

Dogtooth tuna

common

Giant trevally

common

Napoleon wrasse

common

Schooling jacks

common

Eagle ray

common

Whitetip reef shark

common

Batfish

common

Harlequin shrimp

occasional

Starry moray

occasional

Boxer crab

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Divers typically begin the Tanjung Kopi dive with a negative entry, dropping in upstream to capitalize on the strong currents. The route involves a drift along a plateau that sits between 5 and 30 meters deep, which is where the most significant pelagic action occurs. As the dive progresses, the plateau transitions into a dramatic wall that plunges beyond 80 meters. The main focus is to observe the large schools of fish and passing pelagics, such as dogtooth tuna, giant trevally, and eagle rays, particularly when the currents are robust. Towards the end of the drift, divers will typically ascend to shallower areas of the plateau for their safety stop, often in the down-current shadow of the point where batfish tend to school.

Underwater photography

Tanjung Kopi is an excellent site for wide-angle photography, especially when currents are strong and large pelagics are present. Divers should prepare for fast-moving subjects like schooling jacks, dogtooth tuna, and cruising eagle rays, necessitating a fast shutter speed. For capturing the expansive scenery of the plateau and wall, a wide-angle lens is essential. During slack tide periods, when the currents subside, macro photographers can explore the corners of the plateau for smaller subjects like harlequin shrimp and boxer crabs, requiring a macro lens and careful buoyancy control.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Lekuan I, II & III

  Iconic wall dives with frequent green turtle sightings and varied current conditions, from gentle to strong.

• Mandolin

  Features overhangs and small caves, offering opportunities for both macro and pelagic sightings, best for divers with good buoyancy.

• Ron’s Point

  Located on Bunaken Island, known for its slope and plateau, attracting pelagic species like sharks and eagle rays.

• Bunaken Timur

  A wall dive on the east side of Bunaken Island with abundant hard and soft corals, frequent green and hawksbill turtle sightings.

Getting there & logistics

Diving Tanjung Kopi typically involves flying into Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC) in Manado, North Sulawesi. From Manado, it's approximately a 45-minute to one-hour boat ride to resorts located on Bunaken, Siladen, or other islands within the Bunaken National Marine Park. Most diving operations are conducted as day trips from these resorts, with three dives per day being standard. Tanjung Kopi is often included in itineraries that explore the diverse sites of the park, combining pelagic-rich drift dives with more relaxed wall and reef dives.

Safety & environment

For diving in Bunaken National Park, including Tanjung Kopi, comprehensive dive insurance is highly recommended given the remote nature of the area. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Manado. In case of a serious incident, evacuation to Manado or further afield may be necessary, underscoring the importance of adequate insurance and an emergency action plan. Due to the moderate to strong currents at Tanjung Kopi, divers must possess an advanced certification and be proficient in current diving techniques. Always follow your dive guide's instructions, maintain good buoyancy, and be aware of your dive group and surroundings.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Tanjung Kopi FAQ

Liveaboards diving Tanjung Kopi

These liveaboards may visit Tanjung Kopi on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m

$274/day

Ecopro Duyung Baru

Indonesia

6 guests27 m

$361/day

Jaya

Indonesia

14 guests23 m

$280/day

Wellenreng

Indonesia

9 guests25 m

$427/day

Komodo Aggressor

Komodo, Indonesia

16 guests29 m

$312/day

Blue Manta

Indonesia

20 guests45 m

Mari

Indonesia

14 guests32.2 m

$328/day

Situju7

Komodo, Indonesia

10 guests32.7 m

$362/day

Pindito

Indonesia

16 guests37.79 m

$533/day

Mermaid II

Komodo, Indonesia

18 guests

$356/day

Pearl of Papua

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

14 guests30 m

$303/day

Putri Naga

Komodo, Indonesia

6 guests25 m