The Ocean Sunfish, more commonly known as Mola Mola is the worlds largest bony fish. They can weigh anything up to a staggering 2000 kilograms, and with dorsal fins extended they can be as tall as they are long, reaching lengths of over 3 and a half metres. Not many places in the world can boast the opportunity to see these gentle giants of the sea, but right here in Bali we are lucky enough to have regular sightings around the islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.
These elusive fish inhabit the seas surrounding Bali all year round. However, it is between the months of July and October when upwellings bring in colder water from the depths towards the surface, in turn drawing in the Mola Mola. Probably one of the best spots in the world to see the Mola is a dive site called Crystal Bay, which in itself sports utterly incredible visibility. It is at the depths of this sloping dive site where most of the sightings occur, so this dive site favours those with experience and at least an Advanced Open Water certification, enabling you to go deep in search of Mola Mola.
As you may have read in my previous blog post, we run trips to Nusa Penida on request. Combining the very high probability of diving with Giant Manta Rays at Manta Point with the increased chance to see Mola Mola straight after, the days itinerary starts in Sanur at 9:00am. From there you depart for the first dive of the day at Manta Point, a cleaning station home to giant Manta Rays. After a surface interval and short speedboat ride you will be ready for your 2nd dive of the day at Crystal Bay, hunting for Mola Mola. Afterwards we usually finish things off with a very enjoyable drift dive at a site named SD.
This day trip could prove to be one of the best dive outings you’ve ever embarked on. If you are in the area between the months of July-October I strongly suggest you take at least a day in search of these two giants of the sea with us.
This post is also available in: German
