Black Sand Dive Retreat

Our 1-week stay at Black Sand was memorable. Accommodations, view and food were outstanding, not to mention the diving. A special mention for the diving staff, the dining room staff as well as Freely, Linda and the resort driver who were very friendly and helpful. We have been to Lembeh 3 times, the next time we return it will certainly be to Black Sand.

From the moment we were picked up at the airport and our return to, we were greeted with smiles and good service, nothing was ever too much trouble. The resort is lovely with lots of bungalows, restaurant and swimming pool. Food was great with lots of new flavours to be tried with plenty of variety and fresh fruit at each meal. The dive boats were small but comfortable & returned to the resort after each dive. Due to the location of this resort the dive sites are close by. Our boat crew & dive guide were quick to help and full of smiles which goes a long way to making a 'happy dive'. Lembeh is a great place to dive, and we came home with some great photos. Overall, a great experience and our 2nd visit to Lembeh.

INCREDIBLE. We had the most amazing stay at Black Sands. The guest bungalows are wonderful with great views over the bay and a lovely swimming pool and garden to relax in. Linda was absolutely fantastic at looking after us and her English is superb. The food was fantastic, freshly cooked and very good for vegetarians and meat eaters. The diving was incredible. We had never done muck diving before, and were astounded at what could be found. Huge thanks to Stefan and Yano for spotting the most extraordiary wildlife and to Captain Rimi on the boat. We could not have been more thrilled to see a flamboyant cuttlefish, mimic octopus, coconut octopus (so full of character), seahorses, ghost pipefish, sand-striker 'Bobbit' worms, frogfish, nudibranchs, mantis shrimp. Every dive brought new delights. There is also some incredibly beautiful coral here which was great for my Mum who snorkels. Huge thanks to all the staff for making our stay so memorable.

Comfortable and spacious cottages facing the sea. They provided insect repellant but we didn't need it. Food was good, every meal was different and served to the guests. Options ncluded meat, fish, vegetarian. Starter, main and dessert. Etmo and Stefan great dive guides. There was plenty of space to gear up. The place was always clean. We would rest at the dive centre during surface intervals since the dives were nearby. The boats and engines in good condition. Romie was helpful and always smiling. Linda and her crew provided great service. Our flight was cancelled due to volcanic Ash and she made sure we got our transfers to airport hotel and helped to converse with airport staff. Ask for the massage if you would like one. There is no spa nearby but the resort can arrange for the massage in your room.

This resort was fabulous! The accommodations were spacious and comfortable. The staff were so attentive The pool was inviting. We loved the diving and snorkeling. The operation is very well run and the critters seen on the dives were amazing. Octopus, frog fish, sea snake, snake eels, angler fish, scorpion fish. Even the snorkeling just at and near the property was full of cool fish and critters. I had my seahorse friends that I would check on each day. There are anemones and damsels/clownfishes, lionfishes, puffers, and Bangka cardinal fishes all over the place. Maybe too common to be special but I loved them all! I recommend booking a package that includes full board and transportation to and from the resort. The meals were well crafted, delightful to look at plated, delicious and satisfying. We have very fond memories of our stay!

This is a very pleasant place. We got new friends from the BSDR team. We received perfect, faultless and complete service. We had wonderful, very interesting and absolutely special dives with them. Very good team, professional divers, amazing cuisine. Thank you very much for the nice dives and your friendship! We highly recommend this wonderful paradise in the Lembeh Strait to everyone! Beatrix and Zoltan