Lembeh, Indonesia, is famous for muck diving. Even though it may not be as easily accessible as other dive destinations, it still attracts macro photographers from around the globe. They come to capture the unusual critters, nudibranchs, and other “out-of-this-world” sea creatures.

The Lembeh Strait, near Manado on Sulawesi, is excellent for diving almost year-round. However, the best months for critter spotting are July and August, while the best visibility is from October to December. If you see some intriguing macro-photography on the social media platform, they are likely taken at Lembeh.

Our Resort Partners

Solitude Lembeh Resort is situated in the captivating landscape of North Sulawesi, just minutes away from the renowned Lembeh dive sites known for their muck diving and diverse macro critters.

The resort boasts 17 exquisite rooms with traditional Minahasan ambiance and modern amenities including a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, wellness spa, and a team of highly skilled dive guides and spotters.  But what makes this resort special is the hospitality of the resort manager, Patrick, and his lovely wife, Anna.  Both avid divers and professional photographers.  Guests looking to improve on their photography skills will be delighted to know they could get practical advice underwater and leave Lembeh with amazing photographs to show. 

Cocotinos Lembeh is managed by its dedicated operational director, Pak Martinus. He is the type of resort leader who rises at 5 a.m. to visit the local market, ensuring he sources the freshest seafood for his guests.

The original building was a warehouse acquired in 2014, which has since transformed into a boutique dive resort. Staffed by some of the friendliest and warmest people – from the front desk staff to the bustling restaurant and the dedicated dive team – every aspect is designed to make your experience in Cocotinos unforgettable.

Martinus’s dedication to his profession has converted many guests into loyal fans, with numerous visitors returning to Cocotinos Lembeh multiple times.

PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is the largest dive agency in the world, operating in 186 countries and territories. It has a global network of more than 6,600 dive centers and resorts, as well as over 128,000 professional members.

SSI (Scuba Schools International) is another dive agency, with more than 3,500 authorized dealers and 35 regional centers, along with offices worldwide.

Both PADI and SSI offer internationally recognized diver training programs, and their certifications are widely accepted. It’s important to note that both organizations are for-profit entities.