Muck dives and all manner of strange sea creatures are the reason to head to the Lembeh Strait.
Wonderpus, Rhinopias, flamboyant cuttlefish, Ambon scorpionfish, harlequin shrimp, and the very entertaining hairy frogfish. If lucky, you might also come across the delicate Lembeh Sea Dragon. Also, be boggled by the wide array of nudibranch and during night dives, look out for stargazers in the sand and Spanish dancers passing by in the darkness.
At areas like Bunaken and the nearby Bangka, dolphins or pilot whales can sometimes be seen from the surface. Underwater, expect green sea turtles, schools of trevally and colorful reef fish along the many walls. Bangka and Manado Tua also feature a myriad of critters.
Conditions for scuba diving in North Sulawesi are excellent year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 26–29°C. The driest months from April to October offer calmer seas and the best visibility for Bunaken’s wall dives. Lembeh Strait remains productive in all seasons, as macro life thrives regardless of weather. Occasional rain during the wetter months does not significantly affect diving, making North Sulawesi diving a reliable choice for both reef and muck enthusiasts throughout the year.
Accessing North Sulawesi dive sites begins with a flight to Sam Ratulangi International Airport (Manado), with connections from Jakarta, Bali, and Singapore. From Manado, Bunaken Island is reached by boat in around 30–45 minutes, while Lembeh Strait requires a 1.5–2 hour road transfer plus a short boat crossing. Dive resorts and centres provide transfers, guided dives, equipment rental, and full support. Well-developed infrastructure makes diving in North Sulawesi, Indonesia easy to plan and exceptionally rewarding.
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