Eco Divers News

Eco Divers Resort Lembeh - Underwater Highlights Video

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:55:08 +0600

Cary Yanny has had a week of diving delights in the lovely Lembeh and shares them here...we know you'd much rather be in the water yourself but until you can join us, enjoy the video!

"This week has been simply amazing in the Lembeh Strait. We've seen Hairy octopus, Mantis shrimp complete with eggs, Crocodile fish, Hairy frogfish, Pygmy seahorse, Mimic octopus, Morays, Shrimps, Pufferfish and Flamboyant Cuttlefish."

Photo of the week winner

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:18:34 +0600

Congratulations to Yoko Toda who is our Photo of the week winner with this nice shot of a Hairy Squat Lobster.

She took this photo after hiring our rental D200 camera and getting some tips from our resident photo pro Christian Loader who is the Manager of The Digital Centre at Eco Divers. Well done Yoko!

Lembeh Cottage Critter Update: 1st half of August 2011

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 13:26:34 +0600

Here are some of our critter encounters from 1st half of August 2011:

Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Thorny Seahorse, Juvenile Barramundi Grouper, Black Ribbon Eel, Dragon Sea Moth, Leaf Fish, Wonderpus, Cockatoo Waspfish, Decorator Crab, Cowfish, Poison Ocellate Octopus, Hermit Crab, Devilfish, Pygmy Seahorse, Fingered Dragonet, Jawfish, Cowry, Blenny, Frogfish, Sea Snake, Zebra Crab

Critter Focus: Poison Ocellate Octopus

Poison Ocellate Octopus (Amphioctopus siamensis) is relatively small, arms are up to 25cm in length and has an orange tan. When disturbed they display a white background with bold reddish brown stripes that run the length of its body and arms plus a single blue ring underneath each eye. They are most active during the day and can normally be found on shallow rubble and sandy bottoms.

This photo was taken by Christian using our rental Nikon D200 (Nikon 50mm lens, Scubacam snoot, 1/125s, f14, ISO200) which you can hire from 'The Digital Centre', whilst diving at either of our dive centres at Kima Bajo or at Lembeh Cottages.

Lembeh Cottage Critter Update: 2nd half of July 2011

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 11:00:38 +0600

Some of our critter encounters from 2nd half of July 2011:

Butterflyfish, Scorpionfish, Leaf Fish, Lionfish, Zebra Batfish, Ghost Pipefish, Long Arm Octopus, Waspfish, Crinoid Shrimp, Flatworm, Moray Eel, Catfish, Orange Frogfish, Ribbon Eel, Banggai Cardinalfish, Devilfish, Mimic Octopus, Flamboyant Cuttlefish, Squid, Thorny Seahorse

Critter Focus: Flatworm

Flatworm (Phylum Platyhelminthes) are the most primitive animals and can range from 2.5cm to 12.5cm. Mostly they are found under rocks and in dark recesses but on the rare occasion they are found swimming in open water as shown in this photo.

This photo was taken by Christian using our rental Canon S95 camera, which you can hire from 'The Digital Centre', whilst diving at either of our dive centres at Manado or at Lembeh Strait.

Photo of the week winner

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:33:00 +0600

This great picture of not one but TWO Pigmy Seahorses take the 'Photo of the week winner' this week.

Well done Debbie Moffit for taking such a great picture, go on be honest did you even see the second one? :o)

Underwater Festival Photo Workshop - 02-11 September 2011

Mon, 09 May 2011 14:15:14 +0600

The first ever Oceania Dive Expo takes place in Brisbane, Australia, this October.

In connection with this special event, an Australasia-wide Shoot-Out, 2011 Underwater Festival, is taking place with the showcase and awards ceremony happening during ODEX on 07-09 October. This is the world's richest shootout with over $150,000 in prizes.

If you're interested in entering the competition, there are full details here

As major sponsors of 2011 Underwater Festival, Eco Divers, Kima Bajo Resort, Lembeh Cottages and The Digital Centre want to assist Shoot-Out entrants to gain the very best chance of winning in the competition.

Which is why we've decided to run a completely FREE photo workshop in Manado and Lembeh between 02 - 11 September. World-renowed underwater photographers will be on-hand to dive with you and to share their secrets of success.

There's literally nothing extra to pay; just come and stay for as little or long as you like around those dates. Want to shoot wide-angle? Dive Bunaken by staying at Kima Bajo. More interested in macro? Then Lembeh Cottages is for you. Entering the portfolio competition? Maybe do a combo of Bunaken and Lembeh.

Book today and be in with a shot - info@eco-divers.com

Celebrate The Sea (CTS) 19-23 September, Manado Photo Shootout

Sun, 08 May 2011 12:20:19 +0600

This shootout competition is one of the main highlights of Celebrate the Sea 2011. Competitors stand the chance to win prestigious medals for Outstanding Achievement, Merit of Excellence awards and the coveted title for the 'Most Influential Underwater Shoot Out Photographer 2011 with cash and holiday prize of USD 5000.

Joining the panel of speakers & judges, you will discover the splendour of underwater North Sulawesi. Oceanic walls, soft coral canyons, extensive coral meadows and intriguing muck dive locations offer unparalleled photographic opportunities found nowhere else in the world.

Join Eco Divers for our SHOOT OUT PACKAGE from 19-23 September. You can choose from a single location in either Bunaken or Lembeh or get the best of both worlds with a Combo Package for both.

Prices start from just USD 692 per person per double/twin room and includes 4 nights accommodation in air-conditioned room, 3 days diving, with 11 dives as follows - 6 morning dives, 3 afternoon dives, 2 night dives , breakfast, lunch & dinner, tea, coffee, water & snacks, internet access, permits/entrance fees, tax & service and airport transfers. Note: The Combo Package offers a different dive combination.

Book your place today - it's going to be a superb experience - email info@eco-divers.com

Lembeh Cottage's Second Annual Fish and Critter Hunt with Ned and Anna DeLoach - June 2012

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 20:02:13 +0600

If you love marine life, then there is no better place to be during June 2012 than at Lembeh Cottages with Ned and Anna DeLoach, co-authors of the best selling series of marine identification field guides including Reef Fish Identification - Tropical Pacific and Reef Creature Identification - Tropical Pacific, and the marine life column "Encounters" in Alert Diver magazine, and 'Critter Hunt' in Scuba Diving.

Plenty of diving, discovery and underwater fun, plus nightly presentations.

The week's activities include:
Reef fish and invertebrate identification and behavior
Daily underwater fish and critter hunts for the area's most celebrated species

Underwater Photo/Video Workshop:
• How to capture winning marine wildlife portraits
• Tips on getting close to elusive subjects
• Framing your subject
• Waiting for the right moment

Special Nightly Presentations include:
• Cephalopod behavior: The outrageous antics of octopus, cuttlefish and squid
• Symbiosis and Camouflage: Hiding in plain sight
• The diverse reproductive behavior of reef fishes

To read about Ned and Anna's recent adventures www.marinelifeblog.com

We guarantee that after spending an energizing week of fun and learning with a group of like-minded friends, diving will never be the same!

Email info@eco-divers.com and be sure to book your place today!

Lembeh Cottage Critter Update: 1st half of March 2011

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 17:17:36 +0600

Some of our critter encounters from 1^st half of March 2011:

Decorator Crab, Thorny Seahorse, Juvenile Barramundi Grouper, Black Ribbon Eel, Adult & baby Flying Gurnard, Sea Snake, Baby Spearing Mantis Shrimp, Two baby Cuttlefish, Dragon Sea Moth, Orangefin Batfish, Leaf Fish, Broadclub Cuttlefish, Electric Clam, Wonderpus, Cockatoo Waspfish, Banded Moray Eel free swimming, Cowfish, Hermit Crab, Devilfish, Pontohi Pygmy Seahorse, Fingered Dragonet, Jawfish, Cowry

Critter Focus: Broadclub Cuttlefish

Broadclub Cuttlefish (Sepia latimanus) are a large common species found in the Lembeh Straits that are experts in camouflage. They can change colour rapidly and are sometimes seen in the defensive posture as shown here.

This photo was taken by Lou using our rental Canon S95 camera, which you can hire from 'The Digital Centre', whilst diving at either of our dive centres at Kima Bajo or at Lembeh Cottages.

Lembeh Cottages, Photo of the week winner

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 13:18:10 +0600

Here is an amazing shot of 2 Squid laying and tending their eggs that Barbara Jones took recently which takes the 'Photo of the week' prize this time. Long time fans of Eco Divers, Barb and her husband Alan are both fantastic photographers and we look forward to seeing them again very soon.

Lembeh Cottage Critter Update: 2nd half of February 2011

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 12:00:00 +0600

Some of our critter encounters from 2nd half of February 2011:

Electric Clam, Ribbon Eel, Hairy Frogfish, Carry Crab, Spiny Devilfish, Wonderpus, Juvenile Sweetlips, Dragonet, Banded Snake Eel, Cardinal Fish, Barramundi, Spider Crab, Hairy Filefish, Emperor Shrimp, Cuttlefish, Mantis Shrimp (see below), Halimeda Crab, Box Crab, Pontohi Pygmy Seahorse, Orang-utan Crab, Zebra Batfish, Squat Lobster, Cockatoo Flounder, Ornate Ghost Pipefish, Yellow Boxfish (filmed being eaten 3 times and finally spat out!), Banggai Cardinalfish, Mushroom Coral Shrimp just to name a few.

Critter Focus: Mantis Shrimp with eggs

Peacock Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus) come in two varieties; smashers and spearers. Smashers have blunt limbs for breaking open shells to find food. Normally these are found hunting away from their burrow. Spearers have long folding limbs for grasping prey. Generally these spearers hunt from the entrance to their burrow. Here the Mantis Shrimp can be seen with its eggs.

Lembeh Cottages, Photo of the week winner

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 22:00:00 +0600

Congratulations to Carol McCutcheon ( or maybe it was Ray !) as this weeks "Photo of the Week" winner with this picture of a Scorpion fish sitting inside of a barrel sponge. She takes the honour of having her picture shown around the globe on our website, displayed in the resort and onboard PLUS being entered into our end of year prize draw.

Remember, when you are here at Lembeh Cottages, submit your best pictures to us and enter our competition but also if you don't have your own camera you can of course hire one from us - as Carol did in fact ! ( or maybe it was Ray !)

'Celebrate the Sea' with Eco Divers Shoot-out

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:28:47 +0600

19 - 23 September 2011

This shootout competition is one of the main highlights of Celebrate the Sea 2011.

Competitors stand the chance to win prestigious medals for Outstanding Achievement, Merit of Excellence awards and the coveted title for the 'Most Influential Underwater Shoot Out Photographer 2011 with cash and holiday prize of USD 5000.

We will be running a FREE photo workshop throughout the shoot-out period, with world-renowned Guest Lecturers on hand to provide you with helpful tips and advice on capturing the perfect image. Full camera facilities, immaculate accommodation, spas and sumptuous cuisine in both locations round off the perfect vacation. Dive Bunaken or Lembeh, or combine both - with Eco Divers you dive the Best of Both Worlds.

SHOOT OUT PACKAGE 19 - 23 September, 2011

SINGLE LOCATION PACKAGE - BUNAKEN

Price = USD 692 per person in double/twin room

To include: 4 nights accommodation in Kimez Studio Room at Kima Bajo Resort & Spa * 3 days diving with 11 dives as follows - 6 morning dives, 3 afternoon dives, 2 night dives * Breakfast, lunch & dinner * High Tea with snacks each day * Bunaken National Park Entrance Fee * Tax & service * Airport transfers

SINGLE LOCATION PACKAGE - LEMBEH

Price = USD 781 per person in double/twin room

To include: 4 nights accommodation in air-conditioned room at Lembeh Cottages * 3 days diving, with 11 dives as follows - 6 morning dives, 3 afternoon dives, 2 night dives * Breakfast, lunch & dinner * Unlimited tea, coffee, drinking water & snacks * Internet access * Lembeh Divers Permit * Tax & service * Airport transfers

5 NIGHT COMBO PACKAGE for BUNAKEN & LEMBEH

Price = USD 993 per person in double/twin room, to include:

Manado: 2 nights accommodation in Kimez Studio Room at Kima Bajo Resort & Spa * 2 days diving with 7 dives as follows - 4 morning dives, 2 afternoon dives, 1 night dive * Breakfast, lunch & dinner * High Tea with snacks each day * Bunaken National Park Entrance Fee * Tax & service * Airport transfers

Lembeh: 3 nights accommodation in air-conditioned room at Lembeh Cottages * 2 days diving with 7 dives as follows - 4 morning dives, 2 afternoon dives, 1 night dive * Breakfast, lunch & dinner * Unlimited tea, coffee, drinking water & snacks * Internet access * Lembeh Divers Permit * Tax & service * One-way transfer from Kima Bajo Resort * Airport transfer

Book direct today! info@eco-divers.com

Thinking back at 2010 great moments...........

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 08:58:57 +0600

In October 2010 we have had the pleasure to have here with us Anna and Ned De Loach, great and passionate underwater naturalists. They have being doing a workshop featuring Marine Critters behaviours and we had the opportunity to be the first having their new book "Reef Creatures Identification" ............What a great time we have had!.

We have also had the opportunity to get together with some of Eco Divers most devoted guests such as : Micheal and Maria, Simon and Jan and Roger and Wendy. Together We have had a fantastic time diving the islands of the Marine Park and the costal waters. It has been one of the most prolifc time during wich we have found yellow pigmy seahorses, wonderpus octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, mating and lying egg squids, frog fish etc...........

Roger has been producing an excellent video called "Kima Cephalopods" that he had posted on U-tube, here is the link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAzQ4uwM4nk .

Last but not least we are very happy that we could witness Wendy's 900th dive......wow .......we are all proud to say that many of those were made with Eco Divers :) .

Here Below is a picture of Roger and Wendy together with our divemaster Adi.

NEW Bunaken video. Dive in!

Sun, 05 Dec 2010 17:27:46 +0600

You can truly capture the feeling of diving Bunaken Marine Park with this
first video by our new Digital Centre manager, Christian Loader of Scubazoo.

Christian spent time in November shooting video and taking pictures
underwater - and the results are simply fantastic! You, too, can learn to
shoot film like this when you dive with Christian through Eco Divers.

Enjoy!