Sangihe Islands
The volcanic Sangihe Island chain separates Indonesia from Philippines
and the Sulawesi and Maluku Seas. Deep, clear water attracts massive
schools of fishes at times of the new and full moons when the currents
are strongest.
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Stunning Tropical Scenery
, Sangihe |
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Hard Coral Gardens |
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Gasses from Mahengetang
Volcano |
©Denise Nielsen
Tackett & Larry Tackett |
Liveaboards from Manado or Lembeh Strait make the overnight sail
to these islands. The water here is some of the clearest anywhere - often
in excess of 50m (160ft). Water temperatures run 27-28ºC (84-86ºF).
Best Feature
Sangihe's best feature is its natural seclusion and untamed nature.
Calderas rise up from sandy beaches and at night, red-hot lava
spews from Siau volcano. You can even dive on an underwater volcano
or on a lava flow.
Dive Sites
Ruang Lava Flow
A massive swath of black lava flows down the mountain into the
sea where it becomes a beautiful coral reef.
Makalehi Island
Napoleon wrasses, fusiliers, pyramid butterflyfishes and tuna
are common. At 30m (100ft) or so, hammerheads hang out. A small
chimney leads from the wall to the reef flat.
Mahengetang Volcano
Don't miss this site. It may be your only chance to dive on a
real underwater volcano. The vent, just below the surface, is desolate
and strewn with huge boulders. Hundreds of tiny bubbles race to
the surface as gasses escape from deep inside the volcano. Everything
is covered with yellow "dust" (sulfurous deposits). Look closely
though and you'll see tiny sea stars, algae, small worms and sprouting
corals - a new coral reef in the making.
The other side of the volcano has already been successfully colonized
with the once barren seascape now a lovely coral reef.
Needle Point
The exposed pinnacles attract jacks, fusiliers and bannerfish.
Hammerheads and orcas have been spotted here. Clouds of damsels
and purple queens inhabit the shallows. Strong currents can prevent
diving here.
Para Island
This is a twin-peaked pinnacle and a real high voltage site. Swirling
currents around the pinnacle attract big fish action with hundreds
of surgeonfish, fusiliers and barracuda. Gray reef sharks hang
out below 28m (95ft).
Lipang Island
This is the northernmost point in the Sangihe group. The horseshoe-shaped
reef is awash in surgeonfish, fusiliers and pyramid butterflyfish.
Biaro Island
The southernmost island in the group is a plateau with patch reefs,
pinnacles and lots of soft coral cover. Groups of sweetlips, snappers
and bumphead parrotfish complete the scene.
By Denise Nielsen Tackett & Larry Tackett
Boats visiting these areas | Ocean
Rover |
