The world of the wierd, Lembeh Strait has been called "The Critter Capital of the World", "Muck Diving Mecca", and the "Twilight Zone" just to name a few. So whether you call it "muck diving" or "critter diving", if you want to experience it, then Lembeh is one place you must enter into your dive logs.
Situated in northern Sulawesi, Indonesia, just east of the coastal town of Bitung, Lembeh island is surrounded by waters rich with life, thanks in part to its dark volcanic sands. If you are looking for endless visibility, then the waters of Lembeh Strait are not for you. But if you are new to diving, or an avid underwater photographer shooting macro or supermacro, then the low surge and mild currents in this area are ideal. Most dive sites around Lembeh consist of sand, rock, rubble, and muck bottoms with small scattered patches of sponges, reef, or anemones, but there are a few sites with nice corals and walls for those not into muck.
Does muck turn you off?
When some hear the word "muck", it sounds pretty unattractive, but Lembeh's muck is some of the best muck in the world which reveals endless treasures to enthusiastic divers. Remember to take your time and go slow. Pay attention to the details. A discerning diver will find himself looking past the camouflage to discover a strange and unique creature in his sites. Going slow often offers the diver the opportunity to witness some unusual, and often hilarious, behaviors too.
Lembeh Strait is world-renowned and highly recognized by marine biologist to have the ocean's highest concentration of rare and unusual marine life. In Lembeh's waters you won't find a frogfish, you'll find "8 different species of frogfish, 12 species of octopus, numerous crustacean species that cannot be found anywhere else on earth, 3 species of pygmy seahorse, countless numbers of nudibranch species, and new finds and discoveries are continuously being made. Some of Lembeh’s most iconic species include the Hairy Frogfish, Pontohi Pygmy Seahorse, Wunderpus, Mandarin Fish, Mimic Octopus, Rhinopias Scorpionfish, Flamboyant Cuttlefish, Blue Ring Octopus, and the list goes on." [1]
Diversification is the name of the game
"Muck diving" began in Lembeh Strait in the mid-nineties when marine biologists started exploring its black sands in an effort to identify the amazing diversification of creatures that inhabited this underwater domain. Now, over 20 years later, divers come from all over the world to experience and photograph this magical place. There is a great selection of resorts on the island, all of which boast well-trained dive guides, and maintain a ratio of no more than 4 guests per dive guide and a maximum of 15 divers (including guides) per site. With 45 dive sites to choose from, this shouldn't be a problem.
Please remember the rules
Basic rules when diving Lembeh Strait: 1) don't touch or disturb the animals, 2) remember to maintain good bouyancy, and 3) don't forget proper photography etiquette. This means do not stress out the animals by taking too many photos, and remember your fellow divers. Allow them ample opportunity to photograph the same critter too.
Diving Lembeh Strait is generally a year-round destination thanks to its protected location, calm seas, and limited currents, however it does have its seasons. Dry season is generally considered to occur between March and October, with the wet season from November to February. A typical day during the wet season may overall be sunny, but have a few hours of rain in the afternoon or evening. Peak season for tourism generally runs from July through October. Although water temps may be considered warm by some, most every diver wears a full-length wetsuit to protect themselves from stinging critters, such as jellyfish, or sharp hidden coral. Generally a 3mm-5mm wetsuit is suggested.
So what say you?
So tell me, are you up for a visit to the waters of the weird and the wonderful?
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