Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi – The Critter Capital of the World
Located off the coast of North Sulawesi near the city of Bitung, Lembeh Strait is a legendary destination for muck diving and rare macro marine life. Known as the "Critter Capital of the World," it draws underwater photographers and marine enthusiasts from around the globe who come in search of bizarre and beautiful creatures that thrive in its dark volcanic sand.
Location & Accessibility
Lembeh Strait lies just a 90-minute drive and short boat ride from Manado International Airport. Situated between the mainland and Lembeh Island, this narrow waterway is home to dozens of world-famous dive sites, many of which are only minutes apart—making it an incredibly accessible and efficient diving destination.
Macro & Muck Diving Paradise
Lembeh is unmatched when it comes to strange and rare macro species:
Iconic sightings include mimic octopus, hairy frogfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, wonderpus, rhinopias, mandarinfish, and countless nudibranchs.
The strait's black sand bottom provides the perfect backdrop for macro photography, helping critters stand out with dramatic contrast.
Expert guides trained in macro spotting make every dive an exciting treasure hunt.
Dive Site Highlights
Hairball & TK: Premier muck dive sites known for blue-ringed octopuses, ghost pipefish, and frogfish.
Nudi Falls: A vertical slope bursting with soft corals, pygmy seahorses, and nudibranchs of all kinds.
Police Pier: Great for night dives with bobtail squid, stargazers, and rare crustaceans.
Jahir: A classic site for black sand critter hunting, including ambon scorpionfish and coconut octopus.
Night & Blackwater Diving
Lembeh is one of the world’s top destinations for night diving, where nocturnal marine life thrives.
Blackwater dives offer encounters with alien-like pelagic juveniles, jellyfish, and planktonic life, making it a favorite among advanced photographers.
Dive Structure & Conditions
Most resorts offer 3 to 4 guided boat dives per day, plus optional night or blackwater dives.
Water temperatures range from 26–28°C, with diving possible year-round. The dry season from April to October generally offers the best visibility and calmest seas.
Why Divers Love Lembeh
Home to some of the world’s rarest and strangest marine creatures
Expert local guides and photographers' support services (camera rooms, critter briefings)
Short travel time between sites—maximizing bottom time, minimizing logistics
Ideal for underwater photographers, macro lovers, and anyone looking to see the “weird side” of the ocean
