Manado is a prime destination for travelers looking to combine adventure, wildlife, and stunning scenery. Its proximity to incredible marine parks and lush jungles makes it ideal for exploring on guided tours. We especially love the underwater adventures like snorkeling around Bunaken Island or the wildlife encounters in Tangkoko National Park, where you can see endemic animals such as tarsiers and black crested macaques. Whether you’re into active pursuits like paragliding or cultural excursions like visiting Woloan Village, Manado offers a diverse selection of experiences.
One of our favorites is the Lihaga Island tour, which combines white sand beaches, snorkeling, and photography. It’s perfect for those wanting a relaxed day with twice the swimming and a scenic picnic. For wildlife lovers, the Sulawesi Tangkoko National Park Private Tour delivers an unforgettable day spotting endemic animals. Adventurers should consider the paragliding and rafting combo for an adrenaline rush with fantastic views of the sea and volcanic landscapes. Read on to compare these and more top-rated tours.
1. Lihaga Island swimming twice, including lunch and tickets
Lihaga Island offers a tranquil escape with two swimming sessions, snorkeling, and a delicious included lunch. This not-inhabited island boasts wide stretches of white sand beaches and vibrant marine life that rivals Bunaken Marine Park. The island features large wooden buildings and facilities such as toilets and changing rooms, making it comfortable despite its natural beauty. Its popularity among photographers is no surprise, thanks to the stunning scenery and clear waters.
The tour itself lasts about six hours, with the chance to enjoy underwater scenery as good as Bunaken’s, but with fewer crowds. The highlight is the chance to snorkel twice in the calm, colourful waters. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxing day with excellent photo opportunities. The $159 per person price includes all tickets, lunch, and two swimming sessions, making it a good value for such a peaceful getaway.
Bottom line: Ideal for beach lovers and snorkelers seeking a private, quiet slice of paradise with great facilities.
2. Sulawesi Tangkoko National Park Private Tour
For wildlife enthusiasts, the Tangkoko National Park is a highlight. This private, full-day tour takes you into the heart of North Sulawesi’s unique habitat, where endemic animals like the Sulawesi bear cuscus, black crested macaques, and the tiny tarsiers can be seen in their natural environment. The private tour means your group can customize the pace and focus on what interests you most.
The tour includes round-trip transfers, a short briefing, and a lunch stop. Your guide’s expertise—especially in spotting elusive wildlife—makes this outing memorable. Visitors often comment on the friendly guides and the chance to see animals so close you can almost touch them. The park’s mix of Australian and Asian species makes it a fascinating biological hotspot.
This tour is best suited for travelers with a keen interest in birding, wildlife photography, or species endemic to Sulawesi. It’s a full ten-hour experience, so be prepared for an active day in the jungle. At just $99, it’s a fantastic deal for such an intimate encounter with rare animals.
Bottom line: Perfect for nature lovers wanting a guided, intimate wildlife safari with expert guides.
3. Bunaken Island three-point snorkeling includes lunch and shuttle
Bunaken Island is renowned for its marine biodiversity, and this tour offers three snorkeling spots, each showcasing different aspects of the coral reefs. Travel by speedboat from Manado in about 30 minutes to reach one of Indonesia’s top marine parks. The day includes lunch and a shuttle service, making it a seamless experience for first-time visitors.
Guests rave about the vivid coral reefs and abundant fish—a true underwater spectacle. The tour’s focus on diverse snorkeling locations makes it excellent for those who want to see a wide range of marine life in one day. The $110 fee covers all equipment, lunch, and transport, providing good value considering the quality of the reef ecosystem. Expect to see colourful corals, reef sharks, and schools of tropical fish.
This tour is perfect for snorkelers at all levels and is especially good if you want a concentrated marine experience in a short time. The only potential drawback is that it’s a full six-hour day, which may be tiring for very young children or those less comfortable in the water.
Bottom line: A top choice for snorkelers eager to explore multiple reef sites with minimal hassle.
$110.00 per person
4. Paragliding and Rafting including lunch and pickup
For thrill-seekers, this adrenaline-packed combo combines paragliding over Mount Tumpa and a river rafting adventure on Timbukar River. Starting with an 8-10 minute paraglide, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Bunaken, Nain, and Siladen and the sea below. Afterward, switch gears and experience the thrill of white-water rafting—a full-day package for those craving high-energy activities.
The tour includes lunch, hotel pickup, and drop-off. The paragliding experience is enhanced by the fact that it’s the most affordable in the city, with professional guides and a focus on safety. The rafting component, suitable for families and experienced paddlers alike, offers an exciting way to see the Minahasa countryside from the river.
At $225, this trip is an excellent value considering the full-day, two-activity itinerary. It’s perfect for adventure travelers who want a mix of air and water thrills, with a chance to see Manado’s beautiful landscape from different perspectives.
Bottom line: Best suited for active travelers who want to combine aerial views with river adventure in one day.
$225.00 per person
5. Paragliding and Tangkoko Natural Tourist Park include lunch
If you’re after a less adrenaline-intensive experience, the paragliding plus Tangkoko tour offers a balanced day. It combines the aerial views of Bunaken and Siladen with a relaxing visit to Tangkoko National Park. You’ll soar over the sea, catching sights of the islands, then head inland for a nature walk with opportunities to spot endemic wildlife such as the tiny tarsiers.
This combined tour is ideal for those who want a sensory mix of thrill and tranquility, with lunch included. The 5-hour experience is great for travelers with limited time, and the $227 fee offers a good value for the combination of activities. Expect stunning views from the sky and a peaceful walk amidst the lush park.
It’s best suited for nature lovers and those seeking a bit of excitement without a full day commitment. The only potential downside is the price—but the variety makes it worthwhile.
Bottom line: Suitable for those wanting a taste of adventure plus wildlife spotting and a relaxed pace.
$227.00 per person
6. Private Sulawesi Trekking Mount Mahawu & Lokon from Manado
Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy this full-day private trek that takes you up Mount Mahawu and Mount Lokon. The tour starts early, with round-trip hotel transfers, and guides will ensure your safety across rugged terrain. You’ll first scale Mount Mahawu, which offers panoramic views from its 1,324-meter summit, then head to Mount Lokon to explore its active crater.
The tour is notable for its personalized experience, thanks to the private guide, allowing you to set a comfortable pace. The trek is physically demanding but rewarding, especially with views of the Tomohon Highlands and volcano activity. The $70.20 price includes all entrance fees and the tour guide, making it a good deal for active travelers.
This experience suits hikers and nature lovers who don’t mind a full day of physical activity and want a closer look at Sulawesi’s volcanic landscape. The active volcano adds an extra thrill.
Bottom line: Ideal for fit travelers eager to see active volcanoes and enjoy breathtaking highland views.
$70.20 per person
7. Private tour of Manado and Tomohon including lunch and driver
This comprehensive private tour covers Manado’s iconic sights and the surrounding highlands, including the Christ Blessing statue and the volcanoes of Tomohon. It’s designed for travelers wanting a full-day exploration with personalized service. The Christ Blessing monument is a highlight, standing 50 meters tall and visible from afar, representing the city’s emblem.
The tour includes a lunch stop and hotel transfers, with a flexible itinerary. You’ll also visit Mount Mahawu, and the guide shares local insights along the way. The $90 fee covers all logistics and makes for a great value day trip.
This tour is perfect for culture and scenery enthusiasts who want a balanced mix of city sights, highland scenery, and volcano views. It’s especially good if you prefer a relaxed pace with private transportation.
Bottom line: Well-suited for travelers seeking a customizable, full-day overview of North Sulawesi’s highlights.
8. Private Manado Tour to Woloan Village, Tondano Lake & Minahasa Highland
This day-long private tour uncovers Minahasa’s cultural and natural treasures. You’ll visit Woloan Village, famous for handicrafts, and then enjoy spectacular views at Lake Tondano. The highlight is the visit to Watu Pinabetengan, an important traditional stone representing the nine Minahasan tribes.
The trip includes lunch, round-trip transportation, and several photo-worthy stops like Tekantelu Waterfall and Waruga Burial Complexes. The $81.90 per person price offers good value given the variety and cultural insight.
The tour suits cultural travelers or those who want to combine nature and history in one day. It’s ideal for families or travelers short on time but eager to see local crafts, scenic lakes, and archaeological sites.
Bottom line: Perfect for culturally curious visitors wanting a comprehensive day from Woloan to Tondano.
9. Tangkoko Bitung Manado Nature Tourism Park includes lunch
The Tangkoko Nature Tourism Park is a longer, more in-depth wildlife experience. It focuses on endemic protected animals, including the notorious tarsiers, as well as many bird species. Located in Bitung, about an hour’s drive from Manado, the park provides a great chance to see rare animals in their habitat.
The tour includes lunch, making it suitable for a full morning or afternoon exploration. Visitors typically comment on how well-organized the trip is and how knowledgeable the guides are about Sulawesi’s unique fauna. The 5-6 hour duration allows you to observe the wildlife with minimal rush.
It’s an excellent choice for wildlife enthusiasts or families seeking a day in nature. The $97 fee makes it affordable considering the endemic species you will encounter.
Bottom line: An engaging, wildlife-focused tour for anyone eager to see Sulawesi’s rare animals.
10. Manado Timbukar white water rafting includes pick up and drop off and lunch
This white-water rafting trip on the Nimanga River offers action and scenery for adventurous travelers. Starting from Timbukar Village in Minahasa, the tour provides pickup, lunch, and full safety gear. The rapid-paced ride is suitable for families, groups, or solo thrill-seekers looking for an adrenaline rush.
Rated at 4 stars based on reviews, it’s a well-organized experience with professional guides. The river’s lively rapids deliver plenty of excitement, while the surrounding landscape highlights North Sulawesi’s natural beauty. The $85 cost makes it a reasonable choice for a half-day of intense fun.
Ideal for adventure travelers who want to combine scenery, teamwork, and exhilaration. Keep in mind — the full six-hour duration might be tiring, especially after other activities.
Bottom line: Excellent for families or groups seeking white water fun in a safe environment.
$85.00 per person
11. Manado Tumpa Paralayang Includes video from Go-Pro
For those who want a quick but thrilling taste of flight, the Manado Tumpa Paralayang offers a 1-hour tandem paragliding experience. Flying over Bunaken, Nain, and Siladen, you’ll get breathtaking views of the islands and the sea.
Rated 3 stars based on reviews, this tour is best for first-timers or those craving a once-in-a-lifetime view. It includes a video from Go-Pro to capture the moment. The price of $140 reflects the premium experience.
While shorter, it’s an excellent option for adrenaline junkies or photo enthusiasts who want to see Manado from above. The main consideration is the weather dependency, which can affect scheduling.
Bottom line: Great for short, high-impact thrill rides with memorable aerial footage included.
$140.00 per person
How to Choose the Best Tour in Manado
When deciding which tour to book, consider your interests, fitness level, and available time. For marine lovers, the snorkeling tours and Lihaga Island offer spectacular underwater landscapes. If wildlife is your passion, Tangkoko National Park and Tangkoko Nature Tourism Park are top choices. For adrenaline, the paragliding, rafting, and combined adventure tours deliver high-energy experiences, with the paragliding and rafting tour offering great value for a full day.
Always factor in your budget and physical fitness. The private tours provide more personalized pacing, while group tours tend to be more economical. Booking early is advisable during peak seasons—June to August and December to February—especially for popular activities like snorkeling and wildlife safaris.
Final thoughts
Manado’s diverse tour options mean there’s something for almost every traveler. From the peaceful beaches of Lihaga Island to the exciting rapids of Timbukar River or the bird’s-eye views from paragliding, this region offers memorable adventures. Two standout choices are the Sulawesi Tangkoko National Park Private Tour for wildlife lovers and the Bunaken snorkeling for underwater explorers.
For a more relaxed day, consider the cultural and scenic Manado and Tomohon private tour. No matter what your interests, booking early ensures you secure a spot on your preferred adventure—so start planning your unforgettable Manado trip today.