Lembeh & Bangka Macro & Blackwater Workshop August 2027

Photo Workshop
Aug 28, 2027 - Sep 9, 2027

Join Bluewater’s 12-night Macro and Blackwater Photography Workshop in Lembeh and Bangka, designed for photographers who want to elevate their skills while exploring two of Indonesia’s most diverse and rewarding underwater environments.

View images
Lembeh & Bangka Macro & Blackwater Workshop August 2027 - image

Great Night Dives

Macro Critters

Nitrox Included

Why Join This Trip

  • Dive and shoot in two of the world's best macro destinations, with free photo workshops included

  • Experience 2 blackwater dives and a bonfire dive included in the trip package

  • Nitrox is included for all EANx certified guests

  • Diver to Guide ratio is 2:1 at NAD Lembeh and 4:1 at Murex Bangka

  • 25% off rental photo gear from Bluewater Photo

  • Fully refundable deposit until 12 months from departure

Trip overview

Bluewater’s 12-night Macro and Blackwater Photography Workshop in Lembeh and Bangka is designed for divers and photographers who want to elevate their skills while exploring two of Indonesia’s most diverse and rewarding underwater environments.

The journey begins in the world-famous Lembeh Strait, widely regarded as the global epicenter of macro diving. Here, you’ll spend 7 days immersed in critter-rich black sand slopes, searching for some of the ocean’s most fascinating and elusive subjects, from flamboyant cuttlefish and mimic octopus to hairy frogfish and rare nudibranchs.

As the sun sets, the focus shifts offshore for blackwater dives, one of the most exciting frontiers in underwater photography. Suspended in the open ocean at night, you’ll photograph a surreal parade of larval and pelagic creatures as they rise from the depths. These encounters offer completely different challenges and rewards, pushing your creativity and technical skills in a truly unique environment.

The second half of the trip takes you to Bangka Island for 5 nights, where vibrant reefs and soft corals provide a colorful contrast to Lembeh’s muck diving. Here, you’ll continue honing your macro techniques while also having the opportunity to experiment with wider compositions, including a bonfire dive experience.

To learn more about diving in the area, check out our latest Lembeh Trip Report.

Sample Itinerary

  • Aug 28: Guests arrive at Manado Airport and transfer to NAD Lembeh
  • Aug 29 - Sep 3: 3 dives per day (except for 2 dives on Sep 3) plus 2 blackwater dives = 19 dives total
  • Sep 4: Transfer from Lembeh to Bangka, check in to Murex Bangka
  • Sep 5 - 8: 3 dives per day plus 1 bonfire dive = 13 dives total
  • Sep 9: Guests check out from Murex and transfer to Manado Airport

Guests have the option to add additional night or blackwater dives to their booking.

Daily Schedule

Guests can arrive any time on August 28 and leave any time on September 9. Here's the typical daily schedule for this 12-night trip:

  • 6.30 Breakfast
  • 7.30 Departure for two morning dives (snacks/ drinks during the surface interval)
  • 12.15 Lunch at the resort
  • 14.00 Departure for one afternoon dive
  • 16.00 Snacks
  • 16.30 Mandarin Fish Dive (only on Saturdays, minimum 2 pax)
  • 17.45 Night Dive (minimum 2 pax)
  • 18.00 Black Water Night Dive (minimum 2 pax)
  • 19.15 Dinner

Diving Conditions

August is the end of the colder season, with water temperatures at their coolest. Wear a full wetsuit year-round to protect against cuts, jellies, and getting cold during long dives.

  • Water Temperature: 77°F (25°C)
  • Visibility: 30 feet (10m)
  • Depth Range: 16 - 100 feet (5 - 30m)

Recommended Scuba Gear

Download our full scuba gear guide to Lembeh, Bluewater Travel guests receive 10% OFF!


Trip Inclusions

  • 7-nights accommodation at NAD Lembeh (with air-conditioning)

  • 5-nights accommodation at Murex Bangka

  • Full board meals

  • 3 dives per day for a total of 17 dives at NAD Lembeh and 11 dives at Murex Bangka

  • 2 blackwater dives throughout the week at NAD Lembeh (option to add more for an added fee)

  • 1 bonfire dive experience at Murex Bangka

  • Nitrox is included for EANx-certified divers

  • Complimentary House Reef Dives at Murex Bangka (08:00 - 16:00)

  • Snacks, water, coffee, tea, chocolate drink, and espresso

  • Round-trip airport transfers from Manado Airport (MDC)

  • Transfer between NAD Lembeh and Murex Bangka on September 4

  • Free WiFi

Trip Exclusions

  • International airfare

  • Soft drinks, beer, and spirits

  • Bangka Conservation Fund (suggested donation, not compulsory from IDR 100,000)

  • Rental Diving equipment

  • Additional night/blackwater/mandarin dive surcharges

  • Crew gratuities

  • Travel Insurance - ask us about our preferred partner plan

Accommodation

About NAD Lembeh

Situated on the well-loved Lembeh Strait, this muck diving paradise is alluring to divers worldwide. NAD Lembeh offers knowledgeable dive staff with trained eyes and passion for diving and little critters, comfortable rooms, and excellent photography amenities. NAD prides themselves for having the largest. and some would say the most experienced, dive team in Lembeh today.

NAD Lembeh Facilities

  • Open-air restaurant
  • Sunbeds
  • Small pool
  • Jacuzzi
  • Big and spacious camera room
  • Business center
  • Free public WiFi
  • Laundry services
  • Return airport transfers
  • Multilingual staff
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Open air bar

NAD-Lembeh ResortNAD-Lembeh Resort


NAD-Lembeh ResortNAD-Lembeh Resort


Read the reviews of the NAD-Lembeh Resort here.

Additional Information About The Resort:

  • The resort offers 2:1 guest to guide ratio as a standard. Its 15 dive guides are permanent employees with local Lembeh diving experience (totalling at least 100 years between them). They are all underwater photography trained and proficient UW photographers themselves.
  • Please note that the resort does NOT allow for our guests to wear gloves!
  • The resort has a fleet of 4 dive boats that are at least 13m long with 2 x four-stroke engines. There are onboard toilets, Medical oxygen, and a Basic First Aid kit.
  • There are a maximum of 8 guests per dive boat.
  • It's the only resort on Lembeh island with a floating dock. This allows for easy access to the boats and dignified boarding, as well as easy entry to the house reef.
  • The resort is on ground level with minimal steps to the bungalows. Beachfront rooms, restaurants, bar and camera room are all on the ground floor. Older guests or those with disabilities and knee/back problems find it easy to navigate.
  • It's situated in a private bay and surrounded by lush greenery. Far from villages, thus offering a quiet and tranquil environment for a relaxing vacation.
  • The resort offers 24-hour electricity and WiFi.

About Murex Bangka Resort

Set on the pristine shores of Bangka Island in North Sulawesi, Murex Bangka Resort is a tropical haven for divers and ocean lovers alike. The resort offers charming beachfront cottages and deluxe hillside ocean-view bungalows, each with en-suite hot-water bathrooms, air conditioning, and direct access to crystal-clear waters. Guests enjoy full-board dining with fresh local and international cuisine, a PADI-certified dive center with expert guides, night dives, and tailored dive itineraries. With thoughtful amenities like a camera room, beach loungers, paddleboards, and massage services, Murex Bangka combines exceptional diving, stunning natural surroundings, and warm Indonesian hospitality for an unforgettable stay.

Beachfront at Murex Bangka ResortOceanfront Cottage

Murex Bangka Resort Facilities

  • Open-air restaurant
  • Beach loungers and hammocks
  • Massage services
  • Designated camera room with prep areas
  • Charging stations for dive and camera gear
  • Free Wi-Fi in restaurant area (signal may vary)
  • Laundry services
  • Airport and boat transfers
  • Multilingual staff
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Beach bar
  • Stand-up paddleboards
  • Indoor and outdoor dining spaces

Restaurant at Murex BangkaLounge area

Connectivity

At NAD Lembeh Resort, Wi-Fi is available for guests throughout the resort, including in guest rooms and common areas. The connection is generally suitable for everyday tasks like email, social media, and light browsing, though speeds can vary depending on demand and diving operations — it may not always support heavy streaming or large file uploads.

Wi-Fi is available at Murex Bangka Dive Resort, primarily in the restaurant area, but due to the remote island location it is typically slow and intermittent, while mobile signal is generally available but can be patchy and unreliable.

For more consistent and faster connectivity, many guests choose to purchase a local Indonesian SIM card with a data plan. Major providers such as Telkomsel and XL Axiata offer reliable 4G/LTE coverage in the Lembeh region. SIM cards and data top-up vouchers can be purchased upon arrival at Manado Airport kiosks, convenience stores, or Telkomsel/XL outlets in Manado before the transfer to Lembeh. Just make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with local networks before you travel.

Most major US mobile phone providers offer international “bolt-on” or add-on packages that let you use your phone abroad without changing SIMs. The details vary by carrier and plan.

Trip Price

Trip starts from $3,659 per person.

Beachfront + Pomba Cottage - image

Beachfront + Pomba Cottage

Air Conditioning (AC)

En Suite Bathroom

Camera Room

Laundry Service

Double-occupancy

$3,659

per person

Beachfront + Oceanview Cottage - image

Beachfront + Oceanview Cottage

Air Conditioning (AC)

En Suite Bathroom

Camera Room

Laundry Service

Double-occupancy

$3,747

per person

Beachfront + Hillside Cottage - image

Beachfront + Hillside Cottage

Air Conditioning (AC)

En Suite Bathroom

Camera Room

Laundry Service

Double-occupancy

$3,912

per person

Beachfront + Premium Oceanfront Cottage - image

Beachfront + Premium Oceanfront Cottage

Air Conditioning (AC)

En Suite Bathroom

Camera Room

Laundry Service

Double-occupancy

$4,112

per person

Payment Schedule

  • Deposit: $800 to book your spot
  • Payment 2: due 1 June 2027
  • Payment 3: due 1 July 2027
  • Balance: due 1 August 2027
Book this Trip

Extend your trip

Lembeh Trip Extensions

Want to extend your trip? We can help with that! See more of Indonesia before or after your workshop in Lembeh with Bluewater. Here are some examples of packages we can add on to your reservation:

Lembeh Trip Extensions

Trip Leader

Erik Lukas

Erik Lukas is an active diver and photographer based in Los Angeles, CA. He is a volunteer scuba diver at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CA. You can expect to find Erik diving many of the amazing Pacific Ocean sites of Southern California, camera in hand, at any chance he can get. 

See more of Erik’s photography at www.seeundersea.com or on Instagram @seeundersea

"I am passionate about underwater photography in general and have a special love for macro subjects. For me the things that are hardest to spot hold the most interest. Documenting the commensal and symbiotic relationships is for me the most interesting…the smaller and more bizarre the better. I also have a passion for sharing my knowledge with others. My goal with all of my workshops is to ensure each guest leaves with a group of images that they are proud to share."

Current Camera Systems: 

Erik shoots with a Canon 5D Mark III in a Sea & Sea housing using Zen 100mm and 230mm dome ports. The lenses he uses are the Canon 8-15mm f/4L, Canon 16-35mm f/4L, and Canon 100mm f/2.8L.

Read more about Erik Lukas

Inquire about this trip

Check availability
and start planning your perfect trip

Check Availability

Discover similar group trips

Komodo & Bali Liveaboard Adventure 2026
$500 Off
Komodo & Bali Liveaboard Adventure 2026

Large Animals

Komodo & Bali Liveaboard Adventure 2026

Indonesia

Travel: Aug 14, 2026 - Aug 24, 2026

Led by: Anne Rucquoi

$6,104$5,604

Learn more
Lembeh Macro Critter Workshop 2026
Staff Favorite
Lembeh Macro Critter Workshop 2026

Reefs

Lembeh Macro Critter Workshop 2026

Indonesia

Travel: Sep 16, 2026 - Sep 23, 2026

Led by: Mark Hatter

from$2,253

Learn more
Raja Ampat Luxury Liveaboard Photo Workshop 2027
Raja Ampat Luxury Liveaboard Photo Workshop 2027

Reefs

Raja Ampat Luxury Liveaboard Photo Workshop 2027

Indonesia

Travel: Feb 3, 2027 - Feb 14, 2027

Led by: Dan Bishop

from$6,290

Learn more
Halmahera Remote Indonesia Liveaboard Trip August 2027
Halmahera Remote Indonesia Liveaboard Trip August 2027

Fun Trips

Halmahera Remote Indonesia Liveaboard Trip August 2027

Indonesia

Travel: Aug 20, 2027 - Aug 29, 2027

Led by: Tim Yeo

from$4,905

Learn more
Halmahera Remote Indonesia Liveaboard Trip September 2027
Halmahera Remote Indonesia Liveaboard Trip September 2027

Macro

Halmahera Remote Indonesia Liveaboard Trip September 2027

Indonesia

Travel: Sep 1, 2027 - Sep 10, 2027

Led by: Tim Yeo

from$4,905

Learn more
Raja Ampat Biodiversity Bonanza December 2027
$800 Off
Raja Ampat Biodiversity Bonanza December 2027

Macro

Raja Ampat Biodiversity Bonanza December 2027

Indonesia

Travel: Dec 10, 2027 - Dec 21, 2027

Led by: Mike Chiado

$6,422$5,622

Learn more
Palau Bumphead Spawning Trip 2028
$500 Off
Palau Bumphead Spawning Trip 2028

Reefs

Palau Bumphead Spawning Trip 2028

Indonesia

Travel: Jan 19, 2028 - Jan 26, 2028

$4,580$4,080

Learn more
Komodo Dragons, Mantas & Reef Adventure 2028
Komodo Dragons, Mantas & Reef Adventure 2028

Fun Trips

Komodo Dragons, Mantas & Reef Adventure 2028

Indonesia

Travel: Aug 29, 2028 - Sep 9, 2028

Led by: Mark Strickland

from$5,399

Learn more
Luxury Raja Ampat Biodiversity Expedition 2028
$500 Off
Luxury Raja Ampat Biodiversity Expedition 2028

Macro

Luxury Raja Ampat Biodiversity Expedition 2028

Indonesia

Travel: Nov 2, 2028 - Nov 13, 2028

$8,599$8,099

Learn more

Related articles and trip reports

Raja Ampat Trip Report 2026
Raja Ampat Trip Report 2026

Trip Report

Raja Ampat Trip Report 2026

Indonesia

Experience the February 2026 Raja Ampat underwater photography workshop aboard the Damai, featuring world-class diving, expert instruction, and immersive photo opportunities.

Best Diving in Indonesia - Top 10
Best Diving in Indonesia - Top 10

Article

Travel Editor

Best Diving in Indonesia - Top 10

Indonesia

Looking for the best diving in Indonesia? We've dived around the country and picked our favorites. Here is our list of top 10 dive areas in Indonesia!

10 Best Snorkeling Destinations in the World
10 Best Snorkeling Destinations in the World

Article

Chris H

10 Best Snorkeling Destinations in the World

Philippines

Exploring the underwater world doesn't always require scuba certification or bulky gear as snorkeling provides a simple and equally stunning way to experience marine life in its natural environment. Snorkeling travel is booming in 2025, with high demand for liveaboard snorkel options in the Maldives and Raja Ampat. We've added more itinerary flexibility to help travellers access remote reefs with shallow, clear-water drop-offs.

Top Remote & Off The Beaten Track Dive Destinations
Top Remote & Off The Beaten Track Dive Destinations

Article

BettyR

Top Remote & Off The Beaten Track Dive Destinations

Micronesia

Our travel experts' favorite picks for the top remote and off the beaten track dive destinations in the world. Learn what to see, the best time to dive and more!

Best Liveaboard Destinations in the World
Best Liveaboard Destinations in the World

Article

bettyr

Best Liveaboard Destinations in the World

Fiji

We've traveled around the world and picked the best places for scuba diving via liveaboard. Learn what to see, where to stay, and much more!

Best Dive Resorts in the World - Staff Picks
Best Dive Resorts in the World - Staff Picks

Article

BettyR

Best Dive Resorts in the World - Staff Picks

Fiji

Here at Bluewater Travel, our team has extensive knowledge and first-hand experience of some of the best dive resorts in the world. Here are our top picks.

Top 20 Dive Sites in the World
Top 20 Dive Sites in the World

Article

Agnes

Top 20 Dive Sites in the World

Malaysia

Discover the Bluewater team's favorite dive sites around the world. From remote corners of Asia and Micronesia to our own doorstep, we've chosen our top 20 dive sites that keep us coming back again and again .

Top 6 Diving Destinations for Macro Photography
Top 6 Diving Destinations for Macro Photography

Article

Travel Editor

Top 6 Diving Destinations for Macro Photography

Indonesia

Discover Bluewater's six favorite destinations for macro photography: Anilao, Lembeh, Dumaguete, Sea of Cortez, Bali, and Raja Ampat. Achieve your "perfect shot" at a dive site known for exceptional macro life, including bucket list critters such as stargazers, paper nautilus, bobbit worms, and the tiniest nudibranchs imaginablee.

Best Coral Reefs in the World - Top 6
Best Coral Reefs in the World - Top 6

Article

BettyR

Best Coral Reefs in the World - Top 6

Fiji

We've traveled the world and picked our top 6 locations with the best coral reefs. Scuba diving or snorkeling, this article will help you plan your next vacation!

Best Wreck Diving in the World - Top 10
Best Wreck Diving in the World - Top 10

Article

BettyR

Best Wreck Diving in the World - Top 10

Australia

We've traveled around the world and picked the best shipwrecks to scuba dive. Learn what to see, where to stay and much more!

Raja Ampat Trip Report
Raja Ampat Trip Report

Trip Report

ilovediving

Raja Ampat Trip Report

Indonesia

Bluewater Travel Advisor & Trip Leader Katie Yonker boarded the beautiful Amira for an amazing Raja Ampat dive trip.

Best Scuba Diving in the World in 2026
Best Scuba Diving in the World in 2026

Article

JennyH

Best Scuba Diving in the World in 2026

Fiji

Our travel advisors and trip leaders are always on the move, exploring the underwater world! Using their firsthand experience and feedback from our valued guests, we've curated a list that showcases the best diving in the world in 2026. Learn when to go, where to stay, top dive sites, and more. 

Liveaboard Dive Packing List (2025 Edition)
Liveaboard Dive Packing List (2025 Edition)

Trip Report

ChrisH

Liveaboard Dive Packing List (2025 Edition)

Indonesia

Planning a liveaboard dive trip? This ultimate 2025 packing list covers everything you’ll need – from must-have dive gear and personal items to handy extras that make life onboard smoother. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned diver, this checklist helps you dive in fully prepared.

Best Manta Ray Diving in the World
Best Manta Ray Diving in the World

Article

Betty R

Best Manta Ray Diving in the World

Socorro Islands

We've traveled the world and picked our top 7 locations with the best manta ray diving.

2025 report round-ups confirm classics like Komodo, Kona, and Maldives’ Hanifaru Bay still reign supreme for mesmerising manta encounters. Dive operators now weave in citizen-science photo-ID programs and updated season calendars , so you can chase gentle giants responsibly and add to vital conservation efforts

Raja Ampat 2025 Trip Report
Raja Ampat 2025 Trip Report

Trip Report

Mark Strickland

Raja Ampat 2025 Trip Report

Indonesia

This unforgettable 12-day journey took us through world-renowned sites like Blue Magic, Melissa’s Garden, and the Four Kings. We explored coral-covered reefs, swam with manta rays, and encountered uncommon animals like walking sharks and pygmy seahorses. It was the dive trip of a lifetime, complete with professional guides, first-rate service, and constant marine life action!

Raja Ampat Trip Report December 2024
Raja Ampat Trip Report December 2024

Trip Report

Dan Bishop

Raja Ampat Trip Report December 2024

Indonesia

Bluewater Travel's Raja Ampat Photo Workshop aboard MV Ambai in December 2024 was a 12-day diving adventure to remember. Clients explored the biodiverse waters of southern, central and northern Raja Ampat, completing 36 dives and capturing stunning underwater images. Highlights included close encounters with manta rays, wobbegong sharks and the shy walking shark. Night dives and daily photography workshops were part of the experience. As well as diving, the tourists enjoyed scenic tours, a beach barbecue and even an unplanned engagement. The trip concluded with a photo competition and a celebration of the beautiful marine life and friendship experienced aboard MV Ambai.

Bali to Komodo Trip Report 2024
Bali to Komodo Trip Report 2024

Trip Report

Bali to Komodo Trip Report 2024

Indonesia

Discover the highlights of our 2024 Bali to Komodo liveaboard trip: exploring remote dive sites, volcanic reefs, and vibrant marine life. From Lombok's hidden gems to Komodo's famed currents and manta encounters, this photo workshop journey captures Indonesia's exciting underwater beauty in a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Lembeh & Bali Trip Report 2024
Lembeh & Bali Trip Report 2024

Trip Report

Lembeh & Bali Trip Report 2024

Indonesia

Indonesia offers some of the best macro photography opportunities on the planet, and Bluewater’s 12-day, dual destination trip to Lembeh and Bali gave 20 guests an experience to remember. Read all about our Lembeh/Bali 2024 trip.

Scuba Diving in May - Top 3 Destinations
Scuba Diving in May - Top 3 Destinations

Article

JennyH

Scuba Diving in May - Top 3 Destinations

Galapagos

Discover our top recommended destinations for scuba diving in May. Explore the mindblowing species in the Galapagos, dive Cozumel's renowned reefs, and experience thrilling currents in Komodo. Whatever your preferences, we'll build your dream dive trip in May!

Scuba Diving in September - Top 3 Destinations
Scuba Diving in September - Top 3 Destinations

Article

JennyH

Scuba Diving in September - Top 3 Destinations

Indonesia

Discover our top recommended destinations for scuba diving in September. Explore the diversity of diving in Bali, snorkel with humpback whales in Moorea, and seek the most incredible macro critters in Lembeh. Whatever your preferences, we'll build your dream dive trip in September!