Dive Into Lembeh Resort, Lembeh Strait

Diving at Dive Into Lembeh

The resort’s dive centre schedules up to three guided day dives using twin-engine fibreglass boats, with the boats normally returning to the resort after each dive. This gives guests time to rest beside the pool, change equipment or adjust camera setups between dives. Daily boat night dives are offered with a minimum of two participants. Facilities include rental equipment, equipment storage, rinse tanks, showers and a large camera room with individual illuminated workstations. Nitrox, private guides and selected PADI courses are available for an additional charge and should be arranged in advance where possible. 

Dive packages include unlimited access during daylight hours to Hairball and Aw Shucks dive sites, the resort’s famous house reef. Further afield, more than 60 sites are within reach, including black-sand muck slopes, coral reefs and sites such as Angel’s Window and California Dreaming. Likely subjects include frogfish, pygmy seahorses, flamboyant cuttlefish, nudibranchs, scorpionfish and several species of octopus, though sightings always depend on season, conditions and luck! The resort’s guides are very experienced in locating sought after critters and handling underwater camera equipment. 

Diving in Lembeh Strait

The Lembeh Strait is best known for muck and macro diving across its black volcanic sand, rubble, seagrass, reefs, walls, jetties and wrecks. Famous sites include Nudi Falls, Nudi Retreat, Aer Prang, Jahir, Police Pier, TK, the Mawali Wreck and Hairball. Its unusual habitats support an extraordinary variety of small and cryptic marine life, including wonderpus, mimic and blue-ringed octopuses, Ambon scorpionfish, Rhinopias, ghost pipefish, frogfish and pygmy seahorses.

Diving is possible throughout the year. Conditions and visibility vary, with water temperatures ranging from around 25–29°C. Sites suit a broad range of certification levels, although careful buoyancy is essential to protect fragile animals and to avoid kicking up sand and debris.

Learn more about the diving in Lembeh Strait on the ZuBlu site here.

ZuBlu’s dive travel experts will help you create the ideal package at Dive Into Lembeh, including your preferred room type, diving, excursions, equipment rental, transfers and any special requests. Share your travel dates, group size, diving experience and budget, and we’ll recommend the best options for your trip.

We’ll also help with practical travel planning, including flight routes, arrival timings and resort transfers, making sure your itinerary works as smoothly as possible from start to finish.

Once you’ve finalised your plans, your travel expert will put a complimentary hold on your preferred room and send a final quote that includes accommodation, meals, diving, transfers, rental equipment or excursions. This quote will also show any extras paid in advance or at the resort - there are no hidden fees - as well as a payment schedule and cancellation terms and conditions.

Your booking is confirmed once the required deposit, or full payment when necessary, has been received.

After confirmation, your dedicated guest concierge will take over and assist with flight routes, transfers, any personal information required by the resort, and questions about your reservation. They are there to make the entire process as straightforward as possible.

Getting There

The nearest airport is Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado (MDC). Manado can be reached on domestic services from hubs such as Jakarta and Bali, as well as international flights from Singapore.

Dive Into Lembeh normally meets guests at the airport and organises the onward transfer. The journey normally involves approximately one hour by road straight to the resort. The ZuBlu travel team will help organise the transfers once you've booked your flights. 

Other Activities

Guests can relax beside the freshwater pool, book a massage or join occasional evening presentations on marine biology and underwater photography.

Land excursions include an afternoon visit to Tangkoko National Park in search of spectral tarsiers, crested black macaques and hornbills. Full-day trips to the Minahasa Highlands that include the Sawangan ancestral graves, Tomohon, Woloan village, Lake Tondano and Lake Linau can also be booked. Excursions are charged separately and can be booked at the resort. 

Good to Know

• WiFi: Complimentary WiFi is available, though performance may vary.
• Mobile coverage: Coverage can vary.
• Electricity: 220V, 50Hz, with generator backup and surge-protected camera charging.
• Plug type: Type C and Type F sockets with two round pins.
• Payments at the resort: Major credit cards are accepted for the main bill; USD and AUD cash may also be accepted.
• Currency: Indonesian rupiah (IDR); withdrawing cash before leaving Bitung is advisable.
• Time zone: Central Indonesia Time, WITA, UTC+8.
• Languages: Bahasa Indonesia is the national language, and many resort staff speak English.
• Dive insurance: Valid dive insurance is required for divers.
• House reef diving: Buddy diving only; solo diving is not permitted.
• Children: Family terms and applicable child supplements depend on age and should be confirmed when booking.
• Additional charges: Nitrox, night dives, rental gear, private guides, alcohol, soft drinks, massages and excursions are extra.