Muck diving in Lembeh Strait
My August 2026 trip to Lembeh Strait (North Sulawesi, Indonesia) once again reinforced why this destination is one of the best muck diving locations in the world. Lembeh is famous for its extraordinary diversity of rare and unusual marine life, and this trip was no exception.
The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the blue-ringed octopus. Over several dives I was fortunate enough to observe multiple individuals, including the rare opportunity to photograph a mating pair. Watching these tiny but highly venomous animals interact was fascinating, and seeing their brilliant electric-blue rings flash against the dark volcanic sand made for some of the most rewarding photographic moments of the trip.
Blue Ring Octopus, Lembeh Strait, Indonesia.
Another favourite subject was the coconut octopus. Known for its intelligence and quirky behaviour, this species never disappoints. Observing one carefully moving across the seabed, using discarded shells for protection, is a endless source of entertainment. They should perhaps of named this animal the charismatic octopus!
Coconut octopus, Lembeh Strait, Indonesia.
Coconut octopus, Lembeh Strait, Indonesia.
One of the unexpected benefits of the trip was the cooler-than-usual water temperature. The colder conditions brought an abundance of critters and brought fire urchins carrying Coleman shrimp into shallower water than I have experienced on previous visits. This time, many were found at around 24 metres, compared with depths greater than 32 metres on earlier trips. For underwater photographers, that difference is significant. More bottom time made it far easier to compose images and capturing these tiny, colourful shrimp without the pressure of a deep dive profile.
Coleman shrimp in a fire urchin, Lembeh Strait, Indonesia.
Lembeh continues to reward patience and close observation. While there are few vast coral walls or schools of pelagic fish to distract the eye, the black sand slopes hide an astonishing concentration of rare marine life. Every dive feels like a treasure hunt, and this trip was a reminder that some of the ocean’s most extraordinary encounters come in very small packages.
Harliquin sweetlips, Lembeh Strait, Indonesia.
Nudibrach, Lembeh Strait, Indonesia.
Painted frogfish, Lembeh Strait, Indonesia.
