Lembeh

Explore the extraordinary muck diving capital of the world in the Lembeh Strait diving adventures.

Destination Highlights

Why visit Lembeh?

Known as the “Critter Capital of the World,” Lembeh Island is a haven for macro enthusiasts and underwater photographers, which is why most dive resorts here are designed with photographers’ needs in mind.

Located just off the northeast tip of North Sulawesi, Lembeh offers calm, sheltered waters rich with rare and unusual marine life found almost nowhere else on Earth.

With its relaxed atmosphere and easy diving conditions, Lembeh is perfect for those who want to slow down and focus on the small, fascinating details of the underwater world—away from crowded tourist hubs.

Lembeh Diving:

Lembeh Strait is world-renowned for muck diving—a style of diving over sandy or silty bottoms where marine oddities thrive. Its unique black volcanic sand provides the perfect background for spotting flamboyant cuttlefish, mimic octopus, frogfish, seahorses, and countless species of nudibranchs.

These nutrient-rich waters also support a surprising variety of reef life, making Lembeh not just for macro enthusiasts but also for those wanting a different side of Indonesia’s incredible biodiversity.

Above the water:
While Lembeh is best known for diving, the island and surrounding mainland offer charming cultural encounters, fresh seafood, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and bays. You can also visit nearby villages, explore coastal scenery, or take a day trip to see North Sulawesi’s lush highlands and national parks.

quick access

diving & highlights

With over 50 dive sites concentrated in a small area, Lembeh offers year-round underwater surprises.

Unknown to many, on the outer side of Lembeh, the island has some walls and beautiful reefs and dive sites.

Experienced local guides with exceptional spotting skills enhance every dive, helping you find elusive tiny critters and making each dive a new adventure.

What to expect:

– Incredible macro life: mimic and wonderpus octopus, ornate ghost pipefish, pygmy seahorses, hairy frogfish.

- Black volcanic sand bottoms teeming with rare critters.

- Shallow, calm dive sites perfect for long bottom times.

Special Encounters

Blue-ring octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, harlequin shrimp, rare rhinopias, and the elusive mandarinfish.

Type Of Diving

Slope reef, pinnacle, drift, wall, black sand wreck & deep water

Diver Level

The calm water of Lembeh suits all levels of divers, from beginners to seasoned photographers.

Water Temperature

Average between 27–29°C (81–84°F). A 3mm wetsuit is ideal, with an extra layer recommended for multiple long dives.

Visibility

5–20 meters (16–65 feet), with slightly reduced visibility enhancing the critter-spotting atmosphere.

Other things to do while in Lembeh

- Mainland Excursions – Visit Tangkoko National Park for tarsier and hornbill sightings.
- Highland Tours – Explore Tomohon’s volcanic landscapes, markets, and hot springs.
- North Sulawesi is also home to several mountains, offering trekking opportunities that range from easy walks to more moderate hikes.

Best Time to Visit Lembeh

Diving in Lembeh is possible year-round. The calmest and sunniest months are usually from April to November, though marine life sightings remain excellent in all seasons.

How to get to Lembeh

Lembeh Island lies just opposite the port city of Bitung in North Sulawesi. Most visitors fly into Sam Ratulangi International Airport (IATA: MDC) in Manado, followed by a scenic 30-to-60-minute transfer by car and boat to Lembeh Island resorts and dive centers.

Choose your holiday style....

In Lembeh, you’ll find a range of resorts to match your holiday preference—from comfortable mid-range retreats to dedicated dive lodges designed for underwater photographers. Some offer a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, while others focus on quiet escapes for divers who want to immerse themselves in critter hunting and macro photography.

Lembeh is also a convenient gateway for liveaboards, with several trips starting or ending here as part of extended itineraries that connect to Halmahera or the Togean Islands, making it an ideal point to begin or finish your diving adventure.

NAD Lembeh Resort

NAD Lembeh Resort is a boutique dive resort specialising in muck diving and underwater photography. The resort features 15 rooms, including beachfront and sea-view bungalows, all offering stunning ocean views and modern amenities. With a focus on personalised service, NAD maintains a remarkable 2:1 guest-to-guide ratio. This intimate setup, combined with a dedicated photo centre and eco-sensitive diving practices, makes NAD Lembeh a top choice for serious photographers and passionate divers.