Nain Island Sandbanks in Bunaken – Full Travel Guide 2025
Most visitors to Bunaken Marine Park miss out on the stunning Nain Island sandbanks, which is a real shame. Visiting this hidden gem was one of the best boat tours we’ve experienced during two years of traveling through Asia.
We first saw a photo of the sandbanks online and immediately knew we had to see them for ourselves. However, finding information about the spot wasn’t easy. Once we arrived on Bunaken Island, we asked the locals about the sandbanks at Nain Island, and they confirmed that it was possible to visit them by boat.
This guide will help you plan the perfect trip to Nain Island and its sandbank paradise. Be sure to also check out the 10 top things to do in the Bunaken area.
Why Visit the Nain Island Sandbanks?
The Nain Island sandbanks turned out to be one of the most incredible experiences we’ve ever had. Why? Two sandbanks sit side by side, connected by shallow water, with crystal-clear water, powdery white sand and even sea stars.
Unlike the sandbanks we’d seen in the Maldives, this spot came with a breathtaking backdrop: the lush green hills of Nain Island and the distant silhouette of Manado Tua, a dramatic volcanic island. The contrast of landscapes and colors created a truly surreal view. Best of all, the only footprints in the sand were our own. It felt like stepping into a dream.
Top 3 Hotels in Bunaken
- Budget ($): El Homestay
- Mid-range ($$): MC Bunaken
- Luxury ($$$): The Village
Where Are the Nain Island Sandbanks Located?
The Nain Island sandbanks are located within Bunaken National Marine Park in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. This region is renowned for its extraordinary marine biodiversity and is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Nain is one of the five main islands that make up the marine park, alongside Bunaken, Siladen, Manado Tua, and Mantehage. The sandbanks lie just off the coast of Nain Island and become visible at low tide. On Google Maps, you can find them under the name “Pasir Timbul Pulau Nain”.
Best Time to Visit Nain Island Sandbanks
The dry season, from April to October, is the best time to visit Nain Island. During this period, the weather is mostly sunny and the sea is often calm, perfect conditions for boat trips.
Not only are the right season and water conditions important, but the tides also play a crucial role. Be sure to check the timing of low and high tides, and ask locals for their recommendations on the best time of day to visit. Keep in mind that there are periods when the sandbanks may not be visible at all for several days or even weeks. The locals will let you know when that’s the case.
How to Get to the Nain Island Sandbanks
To visit the Nain Island sandbanks, start by flying to Manado City in North Sulawesi. Manado is accessible via direct flights from Singapore, Makassar, and Jakarta. Once in Manado, follow our complete guide to reach Bunaken Island.
The best way to visit Nain Island and its sandbanks is by joining a boat excursion from Bunaken Island. Nain Island lies less than an hour away by wooden boat. For more details on how to organize your boat trip, check out our personal experience below.
While it’s technically possible to visit Nain Island from the mainland, we highly recommend staying on Bunaken Island. Not only is it much closer to Nain than Manado City, but it also offers numerous attractions. Check out the 10 best things to do on Bunaken.
If you prefer a day trip from Manado, some tours departing from the city include multiple stops at various islands within the Bunaken marine park, sometimes including Nain.
Personal Experience Visiting the Nain Island Sandbanks
We decided to visit the Nain Island sandbanks during a boat trip from Bunaken. Finding a reasonably priced boat willing to take us there took some effort, but after asking around at various dive shops, we eventually got the best deal through our homestay host, Stefen, who runs El Homestay (highly recommended).
We took a six-hour boat tour, starting at 7 a.m. and returning by lunchtime. The tour cost 1,500 IDR in total for six people and included multiple stops, with one of the highlights being the stunning sandbanks off Nain Island. Along the way, we enjoyed over an hour of dolphin watching, explored mangroves, and went snorkeling around Siladen and Bunaken Islands. Stefen arranged everything flawlessly and even made sure lunch was ready when we got back.
The boat driver, a friend of Stefen, conducted the tour together with his son. Neither of them spoke English, but that wasn’t a problem—we discussed all the details with Stefen beforehand and used hand gestures to communicate on the boat. Both of them were incredibly kind and did everything they could to make the experience unforgettable. It was the kind of trip you immediately want to relive or recommend to everyone you know.
If you’re planning to visit Nain Island, expect to pay between 1,200 and 2,000 IDR for a boat trip from Bunaken, depending on the number of stops, the duration, the type of boat, and the size of your group.
If you decide to do the same trip we did, we suggest skipping the mangroves, especially if you’ve seen them before, and spending more time watching dolphins, relaxing at the Nain Island sandbanks, and snorkeling around Siladen and Bunaken.
Best Things to Do at the Nain Island Sandbanks
1. Relax in Paradise
Enjoy peace, quiet and a touch of exclusivity. Pack a picnic, bring a beach umbrella, lay out your towel, and soak in the views of white sand and turquoise sea.
2. Swim in Warm, Crystal-Clear Water
The shallow water feels like a natural bathtub, calm, clear and incredibly inviting.
3. Snap Stunning Photos
This place is a photographer’s dream. Whether you’re shooting with a phone or a drone, the white sand, turquoise water and lush green islands create picture-perfect contrasts.
4. Explore Nain Island
Don’t skip the island itself! Visit the local fishing village, chat with friendly locals, and get a glimpse of traditional island life. Watch fishermen mend their nets or women prepare the day’s catch. Feeling active? Hike up to scenic viewpoints for breathtaking island views.
5. Expand Your Boat Trip
Make it a full adventure! Add stops like Snorkeling around Siladen and Bunaken, Early-morning dolphin watching and A peaceful ride through the mangroves. Check out our list of the 10 Best Things to Do in Bunaken for more ideas!
Tips for Visiting the Nain Island Sandbanks
Plan Ahead for the Perfect Day at Nain Island’s Sandbanks
- Time Your Visit with the Tides: The sandbank is only visible during low tide, so timing is everything. Check the tide schedule with your boat operator or a local guide—otherwise, you might miss it completely.
- Bring Sun Protection: Pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and enough water. The tropical sun is strong, and there’s little to no shade out on the sandbanks.
- Stay Hydrated & Energized: Bring plenty of water, snacks, and maybe even a picnic. There are no shops or facilities, so everything you need must come with you.
- Snorkel Around: The area around the sandbanks is great for snorkeling! We saw beautiful sea stars. You can bring your own gear or rent locally: a full set for 50k IDR, or fins only for 25k IDR.
Where to Stay Near Nain Island
While Nain Island doesn’t have accommodations, you can stay on Bunaken Island or in Manado. Check out our handpicked and personal recommendations for the best hotels on Bunaken Island and in Manado.
3 Top Picks for Accommodation in Bunaken
- Budget ($): El Homestay
- Mid-range ($$): MC Bunaken Stay
- Luxury ($$$): The Village Bunaken
3 Top Picks for Accommodation in Manado
- Budget ($): Istanaku Guesthouse 2
- Mid-range ($$): Swiss-Belhotel
- Luxury ($$$): Thalassa Resort
