Lembeh Strait

Posted on December 1, 2023December 14, 2023 by Annabel Thomas

Lembeh Strait

If you ask where in Indonesia you should go for a muck diving, we would recommend Bali, Lembeh, Wakatobi, Ambon, or Alor. Depends on how you set up your agenda, these destination can be pieced altogether and you can have them all in one go. Given a limited budget and time availability, you can narrow down your options between Bali or Lembeh (or maybe both!) Anyway, let’s talk more about Lembeh.

How to Reach Lembeh

Lembeh is an island in north Sulawesi, located across the town of Bitung. The strait that forms between Lembeh island and Bitung is a haven to many critters hence it famously known as Lembeh Strait.

To get here, normally you can choose to fly to Manado through Singapore or you can go via Jakarta or Bali with a domestic flights. If an airport transfer is inclusive in your purchased package, your resort would pick you up straight from Manado airport, land transport you to Bitung and cross over to Lembeh island with a boat if the resort is in the island. There are also several resort that are located in Bitung and you might only need to get on the boat in your diving days.

Diving in Lembeh

September to October is known to be the most popular time of visit. Whilst December to February is rainy season, it does not pour much in Lembeh compared to other regions in Indonesia – visibility is not bad either and that it does not affect the diving much. Currents are typically mild to zero so you would expect a relaxed dive trip.

One of the dive sites is known as Nudi Falls. As it name indicates, the site is a home to a variety of Nudibranches. Sightings here also includes striped eel catfish and features a black-saddled toby, whiteface waspfish, plumstriped waspfish, painted anglerfish (frogfish), banded pipefish, bartail moray, princely volute, leaf scorpionfish, decorator crab, anemone hermit crab, nudibranchs, pygmy seahorse, hornnosed boxfish, crocodilefish, anemone crab, saddleback anemonefish, starry night octopus, reef octopus, dwarf cuttlefish and squid. If you are lucky, you may also encounter Lembeh Sea Dragon in this site.

There are several dive centres that may be able to accommodate your requests and they are also varies in terms of budget and facilities. You may email our Dive Travel Consultant the details that you are looking for and they would be more than happy to recomend/arrange something for you.

Non-diving Day in Lembeh

If you prefer to be more adventurous on your non-diving days, you can visit the Tangkoko Nature reserve in Bitung. In here you may encounter the tarsiers, the black macaque monkeys, maleo birds, cuscus and the hornbills.

You can choose to go the extra miles for Minahasa Highland tour to get to know the local culture: From weaving factory, pottery, the macabre local market, the color-changing lake, Chinese temples, and although visiting a cemetery is not everyone’s afternoon tea, Minahasan Ancient Cemetery holds a great historical value that may satiated your curiousity.

Are you ready for both in-land and underwater adventure?

AMD-B 24th Birthday

Posted on September 20, 2023September 20, 2023 by Annabel Thomas

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Diving Into 24 Years of Adventure: AquaMarine's Journey to Excellence

by Mardia, AMD-B’s 2023 Divemaster Internship

On this special day of 18 September 2023, AquaMarine Diving – Bali is filled with immense pride and joy as we celebrate the 24th anniversary. AquaMarine has been dedicated to providing unparalleled diving experiences, discovering stunning underwater worlds, and advocating for marine conservation for over two decades.

Starting as a very small, but passionate, company in 1999, AquaMarine has grown into one of the most reputable diving companies in the industry. Throughout the journey, we have always aimed to exceed expectations by prioritizing safety, professionalism, and adventure for the guests.

AquaMarine is also committed to ocean sustainability through the Blue Project. This initiative aims to connect and appreciate the marine environment by raising awareness about preserving the ocean and its inhabitants. Through beach clean-ups, underwater clean-ups, campaigns, educational initiatives, and collaboration with local communities, we strive to positively impact the marine ecosystems we explore.

The director, Annabel Thomas, expressed her disbelief that it’s already been 24 years since the company opened. However, she also shared her wishes for the future, including the staff’s professional development, continued support for the local dive community, providing excellent service for guests, promoting Bali’s phenomenal diving, and sharing the beauty of the underwater world with as many people as possible.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of AquaMarine’s loyal customers and dedicated team members. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the trust, enthusiasm, and belief in our mission. Together, we have made countless memories and formed lifelong friendships. We are excited to continue exploring and sharing the beauty of the underwater world with everyone. Here’s to 24 years of excellence in diving and many more to come!

Bunaken Marine Park

Posted on August 6, 2023August 14, 2023 by Annabel Thomas

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Bunaken Marine Park

Located to the north of Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi, Bunaken National Park includes Bunaken, Siladen, Manado Tua, Montehage and Nain Islands.

The area has outstanding marine biodiversity with bright blue waters, abundant marinelife, healthy reefs, great macro life, and a wide variety of fishes.

Diving in Bunaken Marine Park

The reef is good all the way around Bunaken Island, with 13 main dive sites. This is the centerpiece of the reserve and – with careful observation – around this one island, you could probably see the majority of coral reef fishes found in Indonesia.

All the dive sites have similar features: Steep coral-covered walls with many small caves, all buzzing with small and medium reef fish. Due to the clarity of the water, good coral growth extends quite deep; on the deeper parts of the walls, you can often see sharks, large rays, and Napoleon wrasse. Currents are usually gentle, perfect for a slow drift that allows you to stop whenever you want.

Bunaken Diving Seasons

Diving is good year-round with average visibility of 20-35 meters; however, the best conditions are from April to October. November to late February can be windy and rainy meaning less-than-great surface conditions. Sharks are most often seen in June.

How to Reach Bunaken

There are domestic flights from Jakarta and Bali to Manado, and then by boat if not staying on the mainland.

For more info on diving Bunaken Marine Park, and to start your planning, please make sure your AMD-B Travel Consultant is aware of your needs. As always, they will be more than happy to offer recommendations and make arrangements to suit your preferences. Contact us on Tours@AquaMarineDiving.com today!