Explore North Sulawesi’s ultimate hidden gems
12 Days / 11 Nights
From $6,410/ Person
Our Bangka, Lembeh & Sangihe archipelago dive itinerary explores North Sulawesi’s hidden gems, from Bangka island to Lembeh, before going far north to Sangihe archipelago exploring the untouched beauty near the border of Indonesia & Phillipines.
The Sangihe Archipelago, Bangka, and Lembeh Strait form a diver’s dream destination, with a mix of vibrant coral reefs, dramatic drop-offs, and world-class muck diving. This region in the North Sulawesi is celebrated for its rare and endemic marine species, making it a must-visit for underwater enthusiasts and macro photographers alike.
The Sangihe Archipelago, a chain of volcanic islands, is home to thriving coral gardens and pelagic encounters, while Bangka Island dazzles with its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life. Lembeh Strait, often referred to as the “Critter Capital of the World,” is a haven for rare and unusual creatures, from mimic octopuses to flamboyant cuttlefish. Together, these destinations create a mosaic of underwater wonders that captivate divers of all levels.
Authentic Indonesian Phinisi lob in Sangihe Archipelago
From $383 per day
Up to 4 dives/day
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When you book with us direct, we are happy to offer you a free diving insurance policy which includes medical evacuation for the duration of your trip.
You will not find our published prices cheaper anywhere else, and after you deal with us as a direct guest of La Galigo, we can offer you further discounts on hotel bookings and for future trips.
All of our scheduled trips are guaranteed to depart regardless of how many confirmed bookings there are.
Need help with local flights and hotels? When you book with us direct, we will help you booking Indonesian domestic flights and hotels.
The remote areas of Sangihe are relatively unvisited. So, how do you get there? Your journey begins with an international flight into Indonesia, followed by a domestic flight to Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC) on the Sulawesi Island.
Indonesia offers multiple international airports throughout its archipelago. Most international visitors typically arrive via Jakarta or Bali, as both airports provide direct domestic flights to Manado.
In the Sangihe Archipelago, you’ll have the chance to spot pelagic species like tuna, barracuda, and even the occasional hammerhead shark. Bangka Island dazzles with its crystal-clear waters, vibrant soft corals, and diverse marine life, including pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and reef sharks. Meanwhile, Lembeh Strait is home to a great array of rare and unusual creatures, such as mimic octopuses, flamboyant cuttlefish, and blue-ringed octopuses.
The dry season, from May to October, typically brings calmer seas and slightly better visibility, making it an ideal time for underwater photography.
During the wet season, from November to April, the critter activity remains just as incredible, with unique marine life sightings continuing regardless of the weather. Rainy days often mean fewer divers in the water, offering a quieter and more intimate experience with the region’s fascinating underwater world.
No matter the season, Sangihe archipelago, Bangka & Lembeh promises great & memorable dives filled with rare and extraordinary marine life waiting to be discovered.
Divers can expect to often be in conditions that demand good buoyancy control and comfort with moderate currents. Bangka Island has a mix of vibrant coral reefs and sloping dive sites, where divers may experience varying visibility and occasional currents. Meanwhile, Lembeh Strait, while generally calm, requires precision and control to navigate its black sand slopes and volcanic rubble without disturbing the marine lifes that call this area home.
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all divers, we require a minimum of 40 logged dives as an Open Water Diver or 20 logged dives as an Advanced Open Water Diver to join our trip. This ensures that divers have the necessary experience to handle the varying conditions and fully appreciate the diversity of these destinations.
F.A.Q
This is primarily depending on which staff are onboard, however, generally speaking our Cruise Director and Dive Guides speak English and Indonesian. Please note that our services are primarily offered in English, and La Galigo cannot guarantee certain staff members may be onboard during your trip due to holidays / sickness etc.
La Galigo aims to depart from the embarkation port around 11:00 at the latest, so we try and get guests onboard by 10:00. We do understand that some guests flights may arrive on the day of departure, if this is the case, please arrange that your flight lands in Manado (Lembeh) no later than 09:00.
With regard to private full boat charters, we are more than happy to be flexible with your desired embarkation time. Please ensure you make us aware in due course at the time of communication with our office based staff.
Our collection time, if you are already staying in Manado, is generally between 08:00 & 09:00. Our Cruise Director will notify you via WhatsApp, or through the hotel front desk, the day before with regards to what time you need to be ready in the hotel lobby.
If in the case that you miss your flight or it is rescheduled/delayed, then there is a chance that you might miss the departure time of La Galigo from the port. In this event we are generally unable to delay the departure past 11 a.m.. If this unlikely event does occur, we can assist you in renting a private speed boat to catch up to La Galigo. The cost of this is roughly between $100 – $500 depending on the distances required for travel.
If you have chartered La Galigo, and your entire group is delayed, then we can hold the departure time of La Galigo until your entire group arrives.
Yes, and we can often offer better discounts than you will find going directly to the hotel, or online.
During the process of confirming your trip with us, please let one of our team know and we will do our best to find something in your budget.
*Please note that this service is only available to customers booking directly with La Galigo.
YES
Indonesia is very much dependent on tourism, and the government continues to invest heavily not just in safety, but in logistics, ensuring that trips go as smoothly as they possibly can.
Due to the vessel’s location on the equator, it would be sensible to bring a hat, some longer sleeved/legged clothes to protect your arms and legs from the sun, and a decent pair of sun glasses. At night however, the temperatures can drop somewhat, so we advise maybe a warm-ish jumper if you intend on spending much time on deck stargazing.
Onboard it is safest to go barefoot as our decking can often get wet, and the anti-slip treatments we use are significantly more effective against bare skin. It is also advisable to bring some sturdy footwear for the light / mild treks that we go on. A thin raincoat would also be advisable, or you can just live in your wetsuit 24/7!!!
Scuba diving, Snorkeling or just leisure? We got you. Contact us today to turn your dream into reality. Let’s go!
