On land and underwater, Manado Tua is photogenic. Here, you can find the bigger fish such as the napoleon wrasse, giant trevally, eaglerays, snappers, groupers, and--occasionally--a hammerhead shark. But as currents here can be strong, only advanced divers should venture in these waters and best be accompanied by a diver experienced to these surroundings.

On the east coast of Manado Tua, at Tanjung Kopi, or Coffee Point on the reef underwater plateau there are blacktail barracuda and large schools of fish. Tanjung Kopi is also where hundreds of turtles lay their eggs at full moon.

For those who do not dive, one can go snorkeling or watch the underwater sea life from glass-bottom boats.  There are also jogging tracks and facilities for mountain biking and camping.

The island has some 3,200 inhabitants forming a tight-knit community of farmers and fishermen from the Sangir region. This community has been actively restoring damaged reefs with the assistance of Seacology. Here EcoReef--snowflake-shaped ceramic modules--have been placed as shelter for fish and to build new reef.  
The Ministry of the Environment informs that credit for the preservation of the Bunaken-Manado Tua reserve is due to the Nusantara Diving Club which in 1985 urged the government to protect these amazing waters from pollution and damage from shipping, and to move Manado’s harbor to Bitung, on the east side of the peninsula.

Diving in the Park can be done year round, yet currents and waves can be rough between January through March. During the peak season in the months of July and August dive operators are busy, therefore it is best to book way in advance. Best dives are in August and September when one has a better chance to watch whales and dolphins glide by.