Lembeh

[Searcaigh]

Booked up to dive Lembeh at the end of July beginning of August for 9 days.

This will be my first trip to Lembeh, although I have dived around Bunaken in the past many years ago (95) during the month of May.

What should I expect in the way of water temperatures and visibility?

Thanks in advance

 

[matt215]

I was just there at the end of March/beginning of April. Water temps were pretty warm. I believe in the upper 70's and lower 80's. I actually dove in shorts on many occasions. I don't think you'll need more than a 3 mil. The visibility is not that great. Some sites were 60 feet or so, some 20 feet or less. If your goal is photography, you will want to get as close to your subject so there won't be so much Backscatter...

 

[Searcaigh]

Thanks Matt,

I really don't move around much when doing my macro photography and tend to get cold after about an hour, still wondering whether to bring a 5mm or not I did hear that temps in July / August are around 24C which is what I am currently diving in using a 5mm + hooded vest, so looking for a second opinion.

 

[hellhole]

i believe a 3mm with a hood will be comfortable enough....

 

[snowmaker]

I was comfortable in a 2/3 mil when I was there. I also had a 2mm hooded vest but don't remember ever wearing it. Layering is the way to go. If your cold you can always add a hood/vest as the week goes on.

We where in Indonesia for two weeks and did alot of dive. Last week was all in Lembeh.

 

[jbb]

Thanks Matt,

I really don't move around much when doing my macro photography and tend to get cold after about an hour, still wondering whether to bring a 5mm or not I did hear that temps in July / August are around 24C which is what I am currently diving in using a 5mm + hooded vest, so looking for a second opinion.

Don't listen to these shorts guys. I was there during the last part of March this year. I am a photographer as well and I wore my 5mm full suit with my old 5mm drysuit hood. I was not too warm and I am glad I had that suit. It was more necessary in Raja Ampat. Just to give perspective I dive the same outfit in the Philippines when temps are 28 C.

 

[Searcaigh]

Thanks everyone for your feedback, I will either buy a new 3mm before I go (my present one is quite old) or bring my 5mm wetsuit along with hood and hooded vest .... call me a wuss but I hate being cold.

 

[divedesign]

Thanks everyone for your feedback, I will either buy a new 3mm before I go (my present one is quite old) or bring my 5mm wetsuit along with hood and hooded vest .... call me a wuss but I hate being cold.

Hi, Just to tell you it is much colder in august so if I were you I'd stick with the 5mm. Have fun!

 

[Searcaigh]

Hi, Just to tell you it is much colder in august so if I were you I'd stick with the 5mm. Have fun!

Merci beaucoup

 

[LembehR&Critters]

what divedesign said. Water temperature is colder in August, with average water temperature of about 25-26C. So if you are going to be diving for 9 days, 5mm might be the way to go. Enjoy Lembeh!