The reefs surrounding the small islands in Manado Bay feature steep walls covered with an incredible variety of corals and marine life. The Bunaken National Parks consists of five main islands and rates as one the richest marine habitats on earth. The surfaces of the walls are covered with soft and hard corals, whip corals, sponges and clinging filter feeders. The corals extend to about 120 feet, and on the deeper parts of the wall one can see sharks, large rays, barracuda, grouper, jacks and napoleon wrasse.

The reefs here are basically untouched. Since the reefs are steep and so close to the shore, not much bombing has occurred here.