Dive Lembeh Strait - North Sulawesi

Known as the world’s finest muck diving destination, the Lembeh Strait is also the most unique. If the coral triangle is host to the largest number of fish and invertebrate species worldwide, Lembeh has somehow become home to the strangest and most curious of them all.

Situated at the center of the Indonesian archipelago you will find the odd shaped island of Sulawesi, formerly known as Celebes or Spice Island. Arriving in Manado it’s just a short drive north east to the Straits of Lembeh. As you travel through you can help but notice the backdrop; a volcanic mountain range. The volcanoes are the source of the famous black sand which has become popular with all the weird and wonderful residents just below the surface who choose to make it their home. After just one dive with the abundance of amazing and unique critters here, you can’t help but wonder what they are putting in that black sand.

Beneath the calm surface of the straits, there really is a different world waiting to be discovered and the excitement of searching these black slopes for the latest find is hard to beat. It’s not all muck diving here though. There is beautiful hard coral reefs and soft coral gardens, even some larger pelagic species at the northern tip of the island.

Wherever you dive in Lembeh you are sure to be overwhelmed by the sheer numbers and diversity of marine life. A photographers dream, it’s not unusual to see a full variety of species from pygmy seahorse, flamboyant cuttlefish and even the elusive rhinopia’s scorpionfish and mimic octopus on a single dive. Let’s not forget to mention the variety of frogfish and a smorgasbord of nudibranch to give you a never-ending list of subjects. One last thing, definitely do a night dive as it will surely be one for the records.

Lembeh Straight will truly give the impression of being on another planet. Anything is possible, with new species uncovering themselves on an annual basis awaiting the eager discoverer. Who knows, maybe you will be the next diver to have a species named after you! As they say in Lembeh: “Happy Hunting!”

Experience Level – Beginner - Advanced
Season – All Year (conditions vary)
Visibility – 5 – 25 meters
Water Temp – 26 – 28 Celsius
Surface Conditions – Calm
# Dive Sites – 35
*New for 2010* Entrance fee: 50,000 Rupiah ($6 USD) for your entire stay

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