Tahuna Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Travelers can reach Tahuna primarily via ferry services that operate from Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi, with journeys typically taking 8-10 hours depending on sea conditions. From Manado, regular public transportation connects to the harbor, making transitions smooth for visitors arriving at Sam Ratulangi International Airport. For those preferring a more direct route, small aircraft occasionally operate flights to Naha Airport, located about 30 minutes from Tahuna's center. Upon arrival at Tahuna's ferry terminal, bemo (local minibuses) and motorcycle taxis provide convenient transport options into town. Limited parking is available near the port for travelers arriving with their own vehicles, though advance arrangements are recommended during peak seasons.

Nestled on the northern tip of Sangihe Island in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, Tahuna serves as the vibrant capital of the Sangihe Islands Regency. This coastal gem offers travelers a perfect blend of pristine beaches, lush tropical landscapes, and authentic Indonesian island culture. As the main ferry hub for the region, Tahuna provides an ideal starting point for exploring the volcanic archipelago that stretches between Indonesia and the Philippines. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the warm hospitality of the Sangihe people while enjoying spectacular ocean views and untouched natural beauty.

Tahuna enjoys a tropical climate with temperatures averaging 25-30°C (77-86°F) year-round, making it a potentially appealing destination in any season. The dry season from May to October offers the most reliable weather conditions with calm seas, making it optimal for ferry crossings and water activities. July and August typically provide the most pleasant conditions with minimal rainfall and maximum sunshine hours. The annual Sangihe Festival in August showcases traditional dance, music, and cuisine, offering visitors an authentic cultural experience. Ferry services operate more frequently during the dry season, while the wet season (November to April) may occasionally face disruptions due to rougher seas, though prices tend to be lower and attractions less crowded.

Tahuna serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the stunning Sangihe archipelago's scattered islands. The nearby Siau Island, reached in approximately 3-4 hours by ferry, offers impressive views of the active Mount Karangetang volcano and traditional nutmeg plantations. Para Island, just a 90-minute ferry ride away, boasts some of the region's most pristine beaches and exceptional snorkeling opportunities among vibrant coral gardens. For those seeking a more remote experience, Tagulandang Island (5-hour ferry journey) rewards visitors with untouched natural beauty, traditional villages, and the chance to witness age-old weaving techniques. The twice-weekly ferry service to Talaud Islands takes about 10 hours but offers adventurous travelers access to some of Indonesia's most unspoiled and rarely-visited territories.

Tahuna offers visitors a wealth of authentic experiences starting with Tona Beach, where soft white sands meet crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling among colorful marine life. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Dutch colonial architecture scattered throughout town, particularly the well-preserved structures near the old harbor area. No visit would be complete without sampling local Sangihe cuisine, especially cakalang fufu (smoked skipjack tuna) and nasi jaha (bamboo-cooked rice wrapped in banana leaves) available at waterfront warungs. The bustling Tahuna Market provides an immersive cultural experience where visitors can browse tropical fruits, freshly caught seafood, and handcrafted Sangihe textiles. For nature lovers, a short trip to nearby Bowongkulu waterfall offers refreshing swimming opportunities amid lush tropical vegetation.

Tahuna sits in the shadow of Mount Awu, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, whose periodic eruptions have shaped both the landscape and resilient character of the local population. The waters surrounding Tahuna mark the boundary of the Wallace Line, a faunal boundary where Asian wildlife transitions to Australasian species, creating unique biodiversity found nowhere else on earth. Traditional Sangihe sailing vessels called 'londe' still navigate these waters using ancient navigation techniques passed down through generations, occasionally participating in colorful maritime festivals. The island's strategic location once made it an important stopover point on historical spice trading routes between the Philippines and the Maluku Islands, attracting Portuguese, Spanish, and Dutch colonial interests.