Snorkel Bunaken National Marine Park - Siladen

Photo: 100% coverage as far as I can see. By Sal

Another favorite snorkeling destination of mine. The reef was shallow, making it very suitable for snorkeling activity. The current was very strong and there was no way I could swim against it. So I decided to just go with the flow and just drift.

Taking photos was quite tricky while drifting. But after a few tries, I figured out some tricks of my own. When I spot my subject in front of me, I will duck dive and drift with the current, all the while my camera is ready. When I get closer to my subject, I will click as many times as I can manage. If I see something I would like to photograph and its below me when you spotted it, well….. that's a missed opportunity already.

Sal's tip: Most of the photos I take while snorkeling are upside down ;) I find that its easier and this was I reduce damage to the corals.

Siladen was a delightfull surprise for me. You will see on the photos below that this reef is almost 100% corals. Soft corals mostly. The strong current is actually a very nice accessory for soft corals because looking at the soft corals was like looking at a field of grass with soft wind blowing through.

Photo: Serenity. By Sal

Photo: Color of the Reef. By Sal

Upon entering the water, I was able to see that the majority of the corals on this reef are soft corals. But there are some small colonies of hard corals as well. I don't know if the hardies were just starting to grow or maybe the softies are naturally dominant in this reef. There were some very fierce warfare going on in this place.

Photo: A small colony of hard coral trying to fend off the soft coral from smothering it. By Sal

Photo: I sure hope the Giant Clam is ok. By Sal

I'm sure you all noticed by now that most of my photos from Siladen are of marine organisms that do not move. It was not easy to photograph those that can move while I drifted.

Sal's tip: Be careful of stinging corals. Always watch out for them especially when current is strong and you cannot control your speed.

Photo: Stinging Hydrozoan.

For more information on Bunaken National Park and how to get there: Manado Tourist Info

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