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FALL 2013
How to Dive It
Lembeh Strait is located in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province between the
mainland of Sulawesi and Lembeh Island. The diving is good year round, and the
strait’s location near the equator means it is not affected by typhoons. There are
seasonal variations in the weather and water temperature, though seasons have
been less predictable in recent years. The dry season tends to last from June through
September, generally bringing with it cooler water (75°F to 79°F), good visibility and
the optimal chance of incredible critter life.
The rainy season often spans November through April and is commonly
accompanied by increasing water temperatures (79°F to 84°F) and lower visibility.
Weather and sea conditions during the rainy season can prevent access to sites at
the northern reaches of the strait, but sites on the east side of Lembeh Island are
more likely to be accessible during the rainy season.
There is a hyperbaric chamber in Manado, a two-hour drive from Lembeh Strait.
NORTH
SULAWESI
LEMBEH
ISLAND
L
E
M
B
E
H
S
T
R
A
I
T
Bangka Island
1. Dante’s Wall
2. California Dreaming
3. Hairball
4. Rojos
5. Nudi Retreat
6. Makawide
7. Air Prang
8. Nudi Falls
9.
Mawali
10. Critter Hunt
11.
Kapal Indah
12. Pantai Jiko
13. Buniang
14. Jahir
15. TK
8
5
2
9
7
3
6
14
15
1
10
11
4
12
13
The multicolored crinoid shrimp’s garish
coloring and pattern are a near-perfect match
for the host crinoid it inhabits.
Right: A snorkeler enjoys the crystal-clear water
and lovely shallow reefs of Pantai Jiko.