Diving in Lembeh Strait

Loggerhead Turtle

General species description, not specific to this destination

The Loggerhead Turtle is the largest hard-shelled sea turtle, named for its massive head. While less common than Green and Hawksbill turtles on Caribbean reefs, they can be spotted at deeper reef sites.

Bull Shark

General species description, not specific to this destination

Bull sharks are one of the most impressive predators divers can encounter in warm coastal waters. These robust sharks are easily recognized by their broad, blunt snout, stocky build, and grey coloration with a white underside. Growing up to 11 feet long, they have a powerful, muscular appearance that commands respect underwater. Bull sharks are known for their curious nature and may approach divers, maintaining a confident but generally non-aggressive demeanor. They're often seen cruising along reef walls or in open water, sometimes in small groups. Their ability to tolerate both saltwater and freshwater makes them unique among sharks, and they're excellent hunters with a varied diet including fish, rays, and other marine life.

Great Hammerhead

General species description, not specific to this destination

The Great Hammerhead is the largest of all hammerhead species, instantly recognizable by its massive, flattened head extension called a cephalofoil. This prehistoric-looking predator can reach lengths of up to 20 feet, with a distinctive tall, sickle-shaped dorsal fin. Their unique head shape houses electroreceptors that help them hunt stingrays buried in sand. Great Hammerheads are solitary hunters, often seen cruising along reef walls and sandy bottoms. Despite their intimidating size, they're generally shy around divers and will often move away when approached. Their powerful swimming style and graceful movements make encounters truly memorable for fortunate divers.

Spotted Eagle Ray

Destination note

Regularly spotted cruising along reef edges and sandy channels throughout Lembeh Strait, especially during calm sea conditions.

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin

Destination note

Passing pods occasionally enter the strait from the Molucca Sea; more frequently sighted in open water outside the channel.

Green Sea Turtle

Destination note

Common in Lembeh Strait reef areas; regularly observed at California Dreaming and Angel's Window sites

Hawksbill Turtle

Destination note

Seen on reef sites on the Lembeh Island side. Less common than green turtles in North Sulawesi but regularly spotted.

Little Dragonfish

General species description, not specific to this destination

The little dragonfish, also known as the sea moth or short dragonfish, is a bizarre bottom-dwelling fish with a flattened body, wing-like pectoral fins, and a long tubular snout. Its body is armored with bony plates and it uses its pelvic fins to walk along the sandy bottom.

Bobbit Worm

General species description, not specific to this destination

The bobbit worm is a fearsome predatory polychaete worm that can grow up to 3 meters in length. It buries its long body in the sediment with only five antennae exposed, waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey with powerful jaws capable of slicing fish in half.

Great Barracuda

General species description, not specific to this destination

The Great Barracuda is an impressive predator with a streamlined body and powerful jaws filled with razor-sharp teeth. They can grow over 6 feet long and often hover motionless near the reef, curious about divers.

Common Lionfish

Destination note

Common throughout the strait on both muck and reef sites. Often found sheltering under overhangs and in wrecks during the day.

Kagoshima Velvetfish

General species description, not specific to this destination

The Kagoshima velvetfish is a small, well-camouflaged scorpionfish relative with a velvety skin texture covered in small spinules. Its mottled brown and mottled coloration makes it nearly invisible against sandy and rubbly substrates in muck habitats.