Nain Island Reef

Nain is the most remote island in Bunaken National Park, accessed only by liveaboard or long private charter. The surrounding reef is a continuous fringing system on all sides, with a hard coral shallow plateau from 3 to 12 m and a steep slope to 30 m before levelling onto a rubble terrace. Pygmy seahorses are found in Muricella sea fans on the north-east slope at 22 to 28 m. A small population of bumphead parrotfish grazes the plateau in the early morning. The site sees very few divers and fish behaviour is correspondingly bold — grouper and snapper approach within touching distance.