The Top 9 Manado Tours & Experiences

Manado is a place where the underwater world meets lush rainforests and active volcanoes. Unlike many travel destinations, Manado offers a broad mix of adventure, wildlife, and cultural experiences, all accessible within a single region. Whether you’re into snorkeling over vibrant coral reefs or spotting rare primates at Tangkoko National Park, the city’s tours are designed for those who crave authentic, active exploration. For example, the Lihaga Island swim offers a laid-back day with twice snorkeling, perfect for underwater lovers. Meanwhile, the Tangkoko Wildlife Tour gets you up close to endemic animals like tarsiers and Sulawesi bears. No matter your interest, Manado’s tours deliver memorable moments.

Quick Overview

Our list of the 15 best tours & experiences in Manado covers a range of pursuits: marine adventures like snorkeling at Bunaken Island, wildlife safaris at Tangkoko National Park, volcano treks on Mount Mahawu & Lokon, adrenaline-filled paragliding, and cultural visits to Minahasa Highland villages. Each offers a different flavor of what this region has to offer, providing options suited for families, solo travelers, and adventure junkies alike. Below, you’ll find detailed reviews of each tour, so you can choose what fits your style.

1. Lihaga Island (white sand island) swimming twice, including lunch and tickets

At number one on our list, Lihaga Island offers a perfect escape for those craving crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches. This tour includes two snorkeling sessions around the island, which rivals the marine beauty of Bunaken Marine Park. It’s a day trip that’s great for photographers and beach lovers alike, especially since the island is uninhabited but equipped with toilets, changing rooms, and large wooden buildings for comfort. The underwater scenery is just as vibrant as Bunaken’s, with colorful coral and abundant fish. The tour price of $159 includes lunch and tickets, making it excellent value for a full day of relaxation and underwater exploration. This tour is best suited for snorkelers and beach goers wanting a secluded spot.
Bottom Line: A well-priced, uncomplicated day with superb underwater sights and some photo-worthy moments.

2. Sulawesi Tangkoko National Park Private Tour

Tangkoko National Park is one of the top wildlife destinations in the region, and at number two, this private tour offers a personalized experience. The comprehensive package includes transportation, a guide, and lunch, making it ideal for families or groups who want flexibility. The highlight is spotting endemic animals like tiny bug-eyed tarsiers, Sulawesi bear cuscus, and various bird species. Your guide will help you find these elusive creatures, sharing insights into their habits and ecology—something you won’t get from a big group tour. The reviews mention the guide’s helpfulness and the opportunity to see animals close up, which is rare in a rainforest setting.
This tour ranks high for nature lovers who want a relaxed, tailored wildlife experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those interested in endemic species in a private, well-organized setting.

3. Bunaken Island three-point snorkeling includes lunch and shuttle

Bunaken Island remains a standout, especially for snorkelers with a taste for vibrant reefs. This six-hour tour includes three different snorkeling spots, each showcasing the coral and marine life that make Bunaken Marine Park famous. The tour is complemented by a convenient shuttle from Manado, making logistics hassle-free. The paired lunch on the island is simple yet satisfying, giving you time to relax and watch the sea. An added bonus is the opportunity to see turtles, colorful fish, and maybe even dolphins. The single review rates it a perfect 5/5, praising the self-guided snorkeling and the quality of the marine environment.
This trip is ideal for snorkelers wanting multiple dives in a single day.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for underwater enthusiasts who want a hassle-free, high-diversity experience.

4. Paragliding and Rafting including lunch and pickup

For adrenaline junkies, this combo tour is hard to beat. Starting with paragliding over Mount Tumpa, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Bunaken, Nain, and Siladen islands. Afterward, a splash of white-water rafting on the Nimanga River offers a different kind of thrill. The 4- to 5-hour tour is priced at $225 and includes lunch, transfers, and equipment. The guides are professional, and the scenery from above is spectacular—ideal for anyone looking to combine sightseeing with adventure sports. The tour is praised for its attentive service and stunning aerial views, which you’ll want to record with the Go-Pro video included.
This experience suits active travelers who want a mix of flying and splashing.
Bottom Line: A well-organized, adrenaline-pumping day that combines land, sky, and river adventures.

5. Paragliding and Tangkoko Natural Tourist Park include lunch

This tour offers a similar thrill with paragliding over Bunaken and surrounding islands, but adds a nature visit to Tangkoko National Park. The tour’s unique feature is the chance to see Tarsius, the smallest mammal in the world, in its natural habitat. After soaring above the ocean, you’ll explore the park, walking through lush rainforest with a ranger. The entire experience costs $227 and takes about five hours. Reviews highlight the excitement of the flight and the opportunity to encounter endemic wildlife. It’s perfect for those who want a mix of adventure and wildlife watching.
Best suited for travelers wanting a full day of thrills and nature.
Bottom Line: A high-value package for adventure lovers who also want some wildlife encounters.

6. Private Sulawesi Trekking Mount Mahawu & Lokon from Manado

For hikers, this private trekking adventure covers two active volcanoes: Mount Mahawu and Mount Lokon. Starting from Manado, your guide will lead you up Mount Mahawu’s 1,324-meter crater, offering sweeping views of the hills and valleys. Then, you’ll transfer to Mount Lokon, an active volcano, to see its crater and volcanic activity up close. The entire tour takes around 8 hours and costs just over $70 per person, making it quite affordable for such an immersive experience. The guides are experienced, and the itinerary is flexible, allowing you to set a pace.
This is perfect for active travelers with good fitness levels who want a full day of volcano exploration.
Bottom Line: An affordable, private hike with spectacular crater views and a chance to stand near active volcanic craters.

7. North Sulawesi, Manado: Bunaken Marine Park Snorkeling Tour

A full-day Bunaken Marine Park snorkeling tour offers a comprehensive look at the underwater world. Departing from Manado, you’ll enjoy a scenic boat ride and explore several prime snorkel spots. Marine life like colorful fish, turtles, and possibly dolphins await, and the tour includes a delicious lunch on the island. With a focus on a personalized experience, a guide helps you find the best spots and ensures maximum time underwater. This trip is ideal for those seeking a relaxed yet immersive marine adventure.
This tour is best suited for snorkelers and divers wanting a full day of underwater exploration.
Bottom Line: An excellent, hassle-free way to see the best of Bunaken’s marine biodiversity.

8. Private tour of Manado and Tomohon including lunch and driver

This 8-hour private tour covers highlights like Christ Blessing, Mount Mahawu, and Watu Pinabetengan. Starting in Manado, your guide will take you through both cultural and natural sites. The tour is inclusive of lunch and round-trip transportation, making it a convenient way to see diverse attractions without the hassle. Notable features include the iconic Jesus statue and the crater views of Mount Mahawu. Reviewers mention the professionalism of guides and the flexibility of the itinerary. It’s a good fit for travelers wanting a personalized experience without strenuous activity.
Ideal for culturally curious visitors or those short on time.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, all-in-one tour for experiencing Manado and Tomohon’s top sights.

9. Private Manado Tour to Woloan Village, Tondano Lake & Minahasa Highland

This full-day private trip explores the Minahasa Highlands, including Woloan village, famous for handcrafted wooden houses. You’ll also visit Lake Tondano and the Watu Pinabetengan site. The tour costs about $91 per person and includes all transportation and lunch. Reviewers appreciate how smoothly the day runs and the chance to experience local crafts and panoramic views. It’s ideal for those interested in culture and scenic landscapes, with a relaxed pace and insider insights.
Best suited for cultural explorers and scenery lovers.
Bottom Line: A rewarding day for discovering Minahasa’s crafts, lakes, and highland vistas.

How to Choose the Right Tour in Manado

When selecting your perfect experience, consider your budget, interests, and fitness level. For underwater lovers, snorkel trips like Bunaken Island and Bunaken Marine Park provide rich marine ecosystems, but if wildlife is more your thing, the Tangkoko National Park offers rare endemic animals. For active travelers, volcano hikes like the Mount Mahawu & Lokon deliver unforgettable crater views. If adventure sports excite you, the paragliding and rafting combo is a perfect fit.

Booking early is advised, especially for popular tours like Bunaken snorkeling or wildlife safaris, to ensure availability. Also, consider the best times—dry season (May to September) generally provides better weather for outdoor and marine activities.

Final Thoughts

Manado offers a surprisingly diverse set of experiences, whether you want to float above the landscape with paragliding, explore volcanic craters, or snorkel in world-class marine parks. A couple of standout options include the Lihaga Island snorkel trip for a quick, scenic escape and the Tangkoko wildlife tour for an encounter with endemic species. Both deliver authentic, memorable moments that capture the essence of North Sulawesi’s natural beauty.

No matter your preference, early booking and clear priorities will help you make the most of your time in Manado. Whether you’re chasing underwater colors, volcanic vistas, or wildlife sightings, this region has something to satisfy your craving for adventure and authentic discovery.