Lembeh Strait
Selat Lembeh
A world-famous “black sand macro paradise,” where volcanic black sand hides all kinds of strange little creatures. It is a pilgrimage site for underwater photographers.
The Lembeh Strait lies between Bitung and Lembeh Island. It is about 16 km long, and its seabed of volcanic black sand and rubble may look barren, but it teems with unusual small creatures: colorful nudibranchs, frogfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, mimic octopuses, and leafy sea dragons. The term “muck diving” is linked to this place. It is about 1.5 hours by car from Manado. Diving resorts are mostly located on the Bitung side and on Lembeh Island, and they are often booked as 3- to 5-day diving packages. Non-divers can take a boat tour of the strait.
Opening hours
Open all day (dive times set by dive operators)
Nearby sights
- Tangkoko Batuangus Nature Reserve
- Mount Klabat
- Paal Beach
- Pulisan Beach
- Waruga Sawangan
- Tunan Waterfall
- Gangga Island
- Lihaga Island