Night Diving and Nocturnal Critters in North Sulawesi
North Sulawesi is famous for its incredible marine biodiversity – and this diversity doesn’t just include the thousands of marine species that can be found here. North Sulawesi is home to three very distinct diving destinations. Highlights of these regions feature phenomenal walls, sea trenches of over a 1km deep, and healthy resident populations of turtles around Bunaken Island; kaleidoscopic reefs which are adorned with soft corals and home to schooling fish around Bangka Island; and finally the “Critter Capital of the World” in the Lembeh Strait which is where you’ll find the greatest abundance of rare and unusual marine life on the planet.
Night diving reveals a world of new and exciting marine life species
Between these areas, you’ll also find migrating sperm whales, pilot whales, dolphin pods, and even dugongs. North Sulawesi is definitely a diving hotspot within the Coral Triangle.
Great diving locations are a 24-hour business. Marine life does not call it a day when the sun starts to set after the last dive of the day – in fact for many of our marine species, this is when they just kick into action! Night diving in North Sulawesi is a must for anyone who wants to see all that this region has to offer. Whether you are staying at Murex Manado, Murex Bangka, or taking a Passport to Paradise and visiting the Lembeh Strait during your stay, all three of these regions must be explored at night if you want to catch a glimpse of some of our most iconic critters. here are the phenomenal underwater creatures you can see:
Big Fin Reef Squid
Big Fin Reef Fish are common when night diving North Sulawesi
Some species on night dives you really don’t have to look too hard to find because they find you! Bigfin reef squid is often curious about night divers’ lights in the shallows and will come to investigate. We usually see this squid species close to boat mooring ropes on which they will often lay their eggs.
Bobtail Squid
Bobtail squid nestle down on the sand and it takes an expert Dive Guide to spot them
Unlike the big-fin reef squid which prefers to be in the water column, the tiny bobtail squid prefers to keep itself firmly on the bottom – where it will often burrow into the sand for camouflage. This stunning squid species displays a variety of colors under torchlight.
Parrotfish in Bubbles
Parrotfish create bubbles made from their own spit to protect them at night
Numerous species of parrotfish are spotted around our reefs during daylight hours. At night they have the unusual habit of hiding within the corals and creating a net-like shield around them – made from their own spit. It’s quite a sight.
Moray Eels
Moray eels are active at night as opposed to the day when they hide in crevices
While moray eels are not rare or unusual to see during the day, by night they emerge from the reef and are often spotted swimming in the open as they go out hunting for food. This is finally your chance to see an entire eel and not just its head!
Stargazer
Stargazer – only a face a mother could love…
This is one of the most iconic nocturnal critters found in North Sulawesi – and quite possibly one of the ugliest. The stargazer will partially burrow into the sandy bottom composition and lay in wait for unsuspecting prey (small fish and crustaceans) to swim overhead. When a victim comes into close range, the stargazer will launch its attack.
Spanish Dancer – (and Emperor Shrimp)
Species living in symbiosis are often seen in North Sulawesi – this Spanish dancer & emperor shrimps are a perfect example
One of the best dive sites for spotting Spanish Dancers is our Murex Manado House Reef, this is why diving in Manado Bay is different. Spanish Dancers are often accompanied by “hitch hikers” such as emperor shrimp. Look carefully as you may be able to view two species in one sighting!
Starry Night Octopus
Starry night octopus – need we say more??
The starry night octopus takes its name from the beautiful, white, star-like spots on its body. This secretive critter is rarely seen through the day and as one of the highlights of diving in North Sulawesi, it’s definitely worth night diving for a sighting.
Dive and Stay With Us!
Night dive North Sulawesi and discover even more of our incredible underwater world
So are you ready to dive into the depths of North Sulawesi after the sun goes down? At Murex Dive Resorts our expert team of marine biology-trained dive guides will be by your side every critter of the way. To make a reservation or for more information, please contact us at reservations@MurexDive.com
We look forward to hearing from you and diving with you soon.
