Bali is especially famous for the Mola Mola and Manta rays, but there are a lot more rare creatures making it worth going snorkeling or diving in Bali. This island is the temple of marine life, you have the chance to explore a wide range of hidden treasures!
Manta Rays
Book your trip to Nusa Penida and fly next to Mantas through the sea!
Divers from all over the world arrive in Bali with one aim: Spotting these magic giants flying through the sea! Mantas can be found between Nusa Ceningan and the beautiful island Nusa Penida (all over the year), at the dive site “Manta Point”. That is where the cleaner wrasse eats off the parasites covering their body, their cleaning station. You can see these gentle giants while scuba diving or snorkeling!
Mola Mola
Discover the Mola Mola sunning on the surface in Nusa Penida!
I am sure you’ve heard about the famous Mola Mola, Sunfish or even Moonfish. It is known to be the heaviest bony fish worldwide. The season runs from July to October, in this period it is more likely to spot them. Still a mystery, there are a lot more environmental influences impacting the appearance of this impressing fish coming up from the deep ocean. Maybe you’ll get lucky observing the Mola Mola sunning on the surface on your next trip; but usually they are found at between 20m – 40m.
Frogfish
A weird- looking master of disguise!
Usually Frogfish live on the ocean floor walking (they rarely swim) around reefs, rocks and coral. They belong to the family of Anglerfish and you can identify this fish by it’s bright colours: white, yellow, red, green, pretty much any colours you can imagine. Furthermore they have the amazing ability to camouflage themselves by changing their colours to blend with the environment. Frogfish can survive for up to twenty years – which is very unusual for marine life! The Frogfish can usually be found in Padang Bai (at sites like The Jetty or Blue Lagoon) they are also popular finds in Tulamben.
Scorpion fish
This fish has inhabits shallow waters and also spends most of it’s time near to the ocean bottom. One distinguishing feature is the type of sting in the form of sharp spines coated with venomous mucus. Like the Frogfish, some types of Scorpionfish can change their colour to match their surroundings. Generally they’re not aggressive, but if they feel threatened they will erect their dorsal spines. So make sure that you always keep an adequate distance to their fins carrying poisonous venom. You can typically find these beautiful creatures in Tulamben and Padang Bai – though they can be found all over Bali. Usually, they are easiest to find while scuba diving, though you can spot them while snorkeling too.
What is YOUR favourite marine life in Bali? Let us know in the comments below! Or join us for a dive trip to explore for yourself!
