Lembeh Trip Report 2025
Words and Images By Trip Leader Erik Lukas
Introduction to Lembeh Strait
The Indonesian Lembeh Strait has rightfully earned its title as the "Critter Capital of the World," a legendary destination for macro photographers and divers seeking the bizarre and beautiful in equal measure. Recently, I had the privilege of leading the 2025 Bluewater Dive Travel underwater photography workshop in this unparalleled location, guiding a group of enthusiastic photographers through the unique challenges and rich rewards of muck diving. Our time in Lembeh was an unforgettable treasure hunt across volcanic black sand, where patience and a keen eye revealed an astonishing world of marine life.
Workshop Challenges and Techniques
The workshop experience was a masterclass in controlled chaos, with photographers of varying skill levels refining their techniques in challenging conditions. The water in the Strait is famously rich with nutrients, meaning visibility can be moderate compared to typical reef diving. This, combined with the fine, silty bottom, puts a premium on impeccable buoyancy control. A stray fin kick can cloud the water for minutes, spoiling a potential shot for a fellow diver. Our guides, with their legendary critter-spotting abilities, were instrumental in this process, helping us find subjects without causing unnecessary disturbance.
Each day, we conducted multiple dives, often punctuated by sessions covering lighting, composition, and post-processing. The dark, uncluttered background of the volcanic sand is a photographer's dream, allowing vibrant subjects to pop with incredible contrast. We experimented with techniques like snooting, using a narrow beam of light to create dramatic, black-background images that highlighted our subjects. We also reviewed our photos daily, offering constructive feedback that saw the group's skills and creativity grow exponentially throughout the week.
Encountering Lembeh's Star Critters
The star attractions in Lembeh are the critters themselves, a collection of some of the ocean's most peculiar inhabitants. Our wish lists were long, and the Strait delivered in spectacular fashion. A highlight for many was the mimic octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus), a master of disguise capable of impersonating venomous species to deter predators. Watching it flatten its body and undulate across the sand like a venomous lionfish was a captivating display of evolutionary genius. The vibrant flamboyant cuttlefish (Metasepia pfefferi) was another group favorite, putting on a spectacular show of color and motion as it paraded along the seafloor.
Frogfish sightings were abundant, a testament to Lembeh's reputation for these camouflage artists. We found multiple species, including the elusive hairy frogfish (Antennarius striatus), whose shaggy appearance makes it a prized photographic subject. We spent patient minutes observing these fish, waiting for the perfect moment to capture a "yawn" or the incredible speed of their feeding strike. The iconic blue-ringed octopus (Hapalochlaena spp.) also made multiple appearances, its stunning, iridescent blue rings flashing as a clear warning to those who ventured too close.
Macro Marvels and Rare Finds
The smaller, harder-to-spot creatures also drew our attention. We were fortunate enough to encounter the tiny Pontoh's pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus pontohi), a find that required both patience and a steady hand. Several species of ghost pipefish, such as the ornate ghost pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus), drifted motionlessly among crinoids, perfectly matching their surroundings. And, of course, no trip to Lembeh would be complete without a macro lens filled with the incredible nudibranchs that scatter the seabed like living jewels.
For another great macro spot, check out diving in Anilao.
Evening Rituals and Night Dives
Our evenings were spent processing images, sharing stories, and marveling at the day's encounters. A special mention must be made of the stunning mandarin fish dive, a nightly ritual where we witnessed the mesmerizing mating dance of these brilliantly colored fish at dusk.
Workshop Conclusion and Reflections
The workshop concluded with a final slideshow, showcasing the group's journey from tentative macro shooters to confident critter hunters. The growth in their photography was remarkable, with each participant capturing stunning images that highlighted the bizarre, beautiful, and often humorous nature of Lembeh's marine inhabitants. Beyond the photography, the trip was a powerful reminder that some of the greatest wonders on Earth are also the smallest. It reinforced the importance of slowing down, looking closely, and appreciating the intricate details of a world often overlooked. Leaving Lembeh, I was already eager for a return trip, knowing that this critter mecca always holds more secrets to reveal.
