Why diving in Lembeh?
Explore the unique marine life of Lembeh Strait with Joe Diving Center. Learn about diving conditions, critters, and why Lembeh is a world-class macro diving destination.
The Lembeh Strait is a narrow body of water between the island of Lembeh and the mainland of North Sulawesi. This humble stretch of ocean has earned worldwide fame for one thing: muck diving.
What is muck diving? It’s diving in sandy or silty environments where strange and rare marine life thrive. Lembeh is one of the best places in the world to spot creatures like the mimic octopus, blue-ringed octopus, hairy frogfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, ghost pipefish, and countless species of nudibranchs.
The visibility might not always be crystal clear – often ranging from 10 to 20 meters – but the biodiversity is unparalleled. Every dive is a treasure hunt.
Diving Conditions:
Water Temperature: 27–30°C (80–86°F) year-round
Best Time to Dive: March to November (though Lembeh is diveable all year)
Visibility: 10–20 meters
The Dive Guide
Our local dive guide, Endo, knows every nook and cranny of this magical strait. He’ll help you find the tiniest subjects and give you the time to enjoy, observe, and photograph them.
Come and experience why Lembeh Strait is one of the top destinations for macro diving in the world.
Dive Sites
Lembeh Strait is home to more than 50 dive sites, each offering a slightly different underwater landscape and mix of marine life. Here are some of our favorites:
Hairball – The ultimate muck dive. Home to hairy frogfish, mimic octopus, and lots of surprise visitors.
Nudi Falls – A stunning wall site where colorful nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, and whip coral shrimp gather.
TK (Teluk Kembahu) – Sandy slopes filled with hidden critters, perfect for macro photography.
Police Pier – A mix of coral and rubble habitat, often hosting ghost pipefish and harlequin shrimp.
Jahir 1 & 2 – Classic black sand muck dives, often delivering a wide range of weird and wonderful sightings.
Each site has its own charm, and conditions change daily. That’s why local knowledge is so essential. With Joe Diving Center, you’ll dive the best spots at the best times.
We adapt our schedule to the tides, moon, and behavior of the marine life – not a rigid schedule. That’s how you get the most out of diving Lembeh.