Critters@Lembeh Resort

Situated in a secluded cove on the north-eastern tip of Sulawesi, Critters@Lembeh Resort has established itself as a premier destination for divers seeking the rare and the unusual. The area is world-renowned for its 'muck diving', where the volcanic sand provides a unique habitat for species found nowhere else in such high concentrations.

With over 22 years of experience in the region, the resort operates as a dedicated hub for both recreational divers and serious underwater photographers. The location is easily reached via a short drive from Manado International Airport to the port of Bitung, followed by a brief boat transfer to the complex.

The resort's team is built around a deep understanding of the local marine environment, featuring marine biologists and dive guides specifically trained in underwater photography. This expertise ensures that you are not just looking for life, but learning how to find and frame it effectively.

Beyond the dive guides, the centre provides a structured environment for those looking to advance their skills. The resort's commitment to responsible tourism is reflected in its operations, focusing on minimising plastic use and utilising renewable energy sources to protect the very ecosystems you are diving to see.

The centre offers a comprehensive range of training, from the initial Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver certifications through to Rescue Diver and Divemaster levels. For those looking to deepen their technical knowledge, Deep Diver and Wreck courses are also available.

Unique to this location is the specialised photography curriculum. You can enrol in workshops covering Macro Photography, Macro Videography, Advanced Lighting, and even technical sessions on workflow, editing, and photo/video critique.

The dive station is well-equipped to support both standard recreational diving and specialised photography. Nitrox is available, allowing for extended bottom times on the many macro-heavy sites around the island.

For those travelling with their own kit, the resort provides the necessary infrastructure to maintain and rinse your equipment after every outing. The facilities are designed to cater to the specific needs of photographers carrying heavy housings and external lighting systems.

The marine life here is defined by its incredible diversity of rare macro species. You will find an array of cephalopods including the Mimic octopus, the Wunderpus octopus, the Coconut octopus, and various other species of Octopus (Octopoda). The sandy bottom is also home to the Flamboyant cutfish, the Blue-ringed octopus (Hapalochlaena), and the Harlequin shrimp (Hymenocera picta).

For fans of smaller, more delicate creatures, the area hosts Bargibant's pygmy seahorse, Ghost pipefish, and various species of Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani). You can also look for the Tiger Mantis Shrimp, Boxer crabs, and various types of hairy shrimp and sea anemones.

Other notable inhabitants include the Painted frogfish, the Hairy frogfish, and several types of Scorpionfish. The presence of the Bobbit worm, Mandarinfish, and various species of crinoids adds to the complexity of the seabed, making every dive a search for something new.