What to Do Between Dives: Refuel, Recover, Upskill, and Explore
Lembeh is world-famous for its muck diving, with a reputation built on bizarre and beautiful marine life found nowhere else. But what about the hours you spend above the surface? Whether you’re taking a break between dives, enjoying a non-diving day, or traveling with snorkelers and land-lovers, there’s a surprising amount to see, do, and enjoy in and around Lembeh Resort.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to get the most out of your topside time – from nutritious meals and restorative massages to photography courses, workshops, and island tours off the beaten path. If you’re wondering what to do between dives in Lembeh, you’ll find we have something for everyone.
1. Refuel: Enjoy a delicious meal
Diving is deceptively physical. Even though it feels relaxing underwater, your body works hard regulating temperature, carrying gear, and adjusting to pressure changes. For that reason, nutrition is essential to a safe and enjoyable dive experience. It’s a good idea to consider what (and when) you eat. Here’s our tips for before, during, and after each dive:
- Before you dive:
It’s best to eat at least one hour before your first dive of the day. This gives your body time to digest and convert food into usable energy. Focus on complex carbs and lean proteins: These provide sustained energy without the sluggishness that comes from greasy or heavy foods. Also, drink plenty of fluids (water, fresh juices, and coconut water for electrolytes) – dehydration is a major contributor to cramps and fatigue, and increases the risk of DCS. - Between dives:
Surface intervals aren’t just about off-gassing – they’re the perfect time to replenish energy and prepare for your next dive. Small, light, energy-rich snacks are the order of the day. On our boats we provide watermelon and biscuits, along with water, tea, and coffee to help you refuel and recover. Light lunches at Lembeh Resort are the perfect way to refuel – our buffet is packed with everything the body needs – and a few sweet treats too! - After the dive:
Once your dive day is done, your body needs to repair tissues, rebalance fluids, and recharge. Lean proteins help muscles recover faster, and get you ready for the next day’s adventure. Anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, leafy greens, and omega-3 (like tuna or tempeh) help reduce oxidative stress from exertion and oxygen exposure. Our à la carte dinner menus are the perfect end to a memorable day of diving in Lembeh, and our range of freshly prepared desserts are, quite literally, the icing on the cake!
At Lembeh Resort, our restaurant serves fresh, local ingredients every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while our poolside bar provides convenient snacks and refreshments that you can enjoy right off the boat. We craft our menus according to divers’ dietary requirements, and all dishes can be adapted to suit your needs and preferences.
2. Recover: Get a massage
Scuba diving is a full-body workout, even if it doesn’t always feel like one. From gearing up to carrying cameras, your muscles are constantly engaged. That’s where massage can play a key role in relaxation, recovery, and performance – but timing is everything. So when is the right time to get a massage?
Before Diving
Light, gentle treatments (like foot reflexology or head-and-shoulder massages) can be refreshing, but avoid deep tissue massage before dives. There's also some debate about whether massage can influence nitrogen release in the body – so better to play it safe and wait until the day’s dives are over before engaging in deep tissue massage.
Between Diving
Again, a light shoulder massage can be a refreshing way to relax between dives, but some caution is needed when considering the type and timing of therapy – although deep tissue massages right after diving are not recommended, you can still enjoy a wide range of beauty treatments (manicure, pedicure, facial, etc.) at Lembeh Resort without any worries.
After Diving
After diving is the safest and most beneficial time for a massage. A post-dive massage can help reduce muscle soreness and stiffness, improve circulation and oxygen delivery, boost relaxation and sleep quality, and relieve tension in the neck, back, and legs (all common diving stress zones). At Lembeh Resort, we recommend guests wait 2-3 hours after their last dive of the day before getting a deep tissue massage (although anytime is a good time for gentler massages or beauty treatments at the Spa!).
Speaking of the spa, we unveiled our new and improved wellness sanctuary in 2025, ushering in a new era of relaxation and recovery for divers in North Sulawesi. Open from 8 AM to 10:30 PM, the Spa is a blissful, stylish facility with a connection to nature, where guests can enjoy a wide range of health and beauty treatments delivered by our team of expert therapists.
A massage at the beginning of your stay can help release the tensions of travel, while therapy prior to departure can provide the perfect end to a wonderful stay; in between, our wide range of therapies and indulgent beauty treatments are available every day, in case you feel like a little indulgence and a moment to relax and refresh.
For more information, please check out our website.
3. Upskill: Brush up your photography skills
Lembeh Resort is one of the top destinations in the world for underwater photography education and support. Dive intervals and non-diving days are the perfect opportunity to polish your skills, organize your gear, and get inspired for your next underwater adventure. Our Backscatter-Authorized Photo Center is the only one of its kind in North Sulawesi, a world-class facility that offers personalized instruction for photographers of all experience levels. Here’s a snapshot of the courses we have available:
- Introductory Photo Courses:
Great for divers just getting started with underwater photography. Learn the basics of composition, lighting, strobe use, and equipment settings for better shots. - Intermediate & Advanced Courses:
Fine-tune your settings, master macro shooting, and explore advanced techniques like snooting, backlighting, and blackwater photography. - Private Coaching Sessions:
One-on-one instruction with our resident photo pro, tailored to your specific camera setup, skill level, and creative goals. - Editing and Post-Processing Classes:
Learn how to get the most out of your RAW image files and video editing using Lightroom and Photoshop with expert guidance from our photo center team.
All our classes are customized to the photographer’s skill level, equipment, and interests. Most courses are around an hour long too, so you don’t have to take a whole day off diving to enjoy them. That said, these sessions can also be booked in advance for non-diving days, giving you time to absorb theory, review past shots, and head back underwater feeling better prepared. We also have a dedicated camera room for your gear, and can provide equipment rental and repairs. Lembeh Resort also regularly hosts photography workshops led by leading professional underwater photographers, who will help take your skills to the next level.
4. Explore: Take a topside tour
Last but certainly not least, non-diving days or dive-free mornings and afternoons are a golden opportunity to explore topside. At Lembeh Resort, we run a curated series of overland tours that reveal the cultural, natural, and culinary wonders of the island we call home. So whether you’re looking to photograph tarsiers in the wild, pick up some fresh ingredients for a cooking class, trek up to the crater of a volcano, or delve into the customs of highland village communities, we’ve got the adventure just for you.
Here's a few of our favorite experiences to enjoy topside in Lembeh and the surrounding area:
- Lembeh Island Tour
What it is: A guided trek through Lembeh’s lush tropical jungle – ascend to Gunung Woka for breath-taking views over the Lembeh Strait and Pacific Ocean, and wander through spice villages growing nutmeg, vanilla, cloves, cacao, and kenari nuts
When & Duration: Starts at 8 AM or 2:30 PM; ~3 hours - Minahasan Highland Tour
What it is: A full‑day escape into North Sulawesi’s highlands. Visit historic Waruga stone tombs, the bustling Tomohon market, the scenic Pirnaras waterfall, volcanic peaks like Mahawu, serene Lake Linow and Lake Tondano, plus WWII cave exploration. Includes lunch, guide, and entrance fees.
When & Duration: Departs at 7:30 AM; 7–8 hours - Tangkoko Nature Reserve (Half Day)
What it is: A walking tour into one of the oldest nature reserves in Indonesia, home to a dazzling variety of wildlife. Here you can see tarsiers, black crested macaques, hornbills, cuscus bears, and even flying draco lizards. Tangkoko is just a short drive from Lembeh Resort, making it an excellent walking tour for non-diving days or a substitute for afternoon dives.
When: Departs at 1.30 PM; lasts 5-6 hours - Bitung Traditional Market Tour
What it is: A sensory-rich morning tour across the strait to Bitung’s bustling wet markets. Experience the lively trade of fresh fish, produce, and quirky local products — and pick up some local spices to bring home.
When & Duration: Departs at 5 AM; lasts 2–3 hours
At Lembeh Resort, we believe days above the water should be just as rewarding as your time beneath it. Whether you’re wandering around our leafy and peaceful gardens, refueling with nourishing meals, easing tired muscles in the spa, refining your photo skills, or discovering the rich culture and landscapes of North Sulawesi, there’s no shortage of ways to make every moment count.
So, next time you’re planning your dive holiday with us, don’t forget to plan for the in-between. Because in Lembeh, the magic doesn’t stop when you surface – the end of each dive is just the beginning.
Ready to book your diving (and non-diving) adventure with Lembeh Resort? Get in touch.
