Lembeh Strait offers an inviting climate for divers year-round. Located just north of the equator, the region experiences stable tropical weather. This means that air temperatures remain consistent, with little variation throughout the year. The island is shielded by the Lembeh Strait’s banks, providing calm waters and sheltered dive spots. These conditions make Lembeh ideal for divers, especially beginners, photographers, and those seeking relaxed dives. The water temperature remains comfortable at 26-29°C throughout the year, with the coldest period being from September to November.
Festivals and Public Holidays in North Sulawesi
Lembeh Resort stays open during public holidays, which include major celebrations like Christmas and Easter. North Sulawesi is predominantly Christian, and these holidays are marked with church services and family gatherings. Indonesia’s Independence Day on August 17th is another significant event, featuring local games and festivities. Guests visiting during these holidays can join the celebrations at the resort, embracing the local culture.
Blackwater and Bonfire Diving
If you’re keen on blackwater or bonfire diving, the best time is when the moon is least visible. The moonlight interferes with the light from strobes, reducing plankton concentration. During a new moon, plankton gathers more densely, creating better conditions for critter sightings. However, both types of dives can be enjoyed at any time, even during a full moon, offering excellent underwater photography opportunities.
Night Diving in Lembeh
Lembeh’s night dives offer exceptional opportunities to spot nocturnal creatures. To maximize the experience, divers leave the resort after sunset, allowing them to reach dive sites when cephalopods and crustaceans are most active. Night dives reveal an entirely different side of the Lembeh Strait’s vibrant marine life.
Mandarin Fish Diving
Mandarin fish are famous for their stunning courtship rituals, which take place at sunset. Females wait on the reef while males perform a courtship dance. This dance ends in a dramatic mating display, where both fish rise above the reef to release eggs and sperm. To catch this magical moment, Mandarin fish dives depart before sunset, ensuring divers are in the water just as the courtship begins.
Critter Movement and Seasons
Unlike other regions where certain critters are seasonal, Lembeh’s underwater creatures are present year-round. The abundance and variety of critters can shift from site to site throughout the year. While some species, like the Mandarin fish, have specific mating periods, most critters are found at various dive sites depending on the time of year.
The dive guides at Lembeh Resort are experienced in tracking critter movement and can lead divers to the best spots for specific species. With expert guides, you’ll get the best diving experience in Lembeh Strait.
