The Mola Mola, often referred to as the Ocean Sunfish, is the heaviest fish in the ocean.  They typically reside in very deep water, too deep for divers.  However, every year between August and October the molas, get within 30 meters of the surface off the coast of Nusa Penida near Bali.  These magnificent creatures can grow up to five meters long.  Since they are almost perfectly round, it’s kind of like watching a Volkswagon Beetle go by.  Check out this video!

In 2015 there there were more Mola sightings off of Nusa Penida than anyone could remember.  This may have been due to the fact that it was an El Nino year and the currents had changed bringing food and cold water closer to the surface.  For whatever reason, it was an extraordinary time to be in Nusa Penida as we often saw three to five Molas per dive.

I had the pleasure of diving my daughter Chloe as my dive guide.  She had just finished her Divemaster certification and was volunteering as a dive guide for the dive shop.  On top of that, we were joined one day by Adam, lead guitarist of our band.  Two of my most favorite people!

If you are interested in diving Nusa Penida, note that all the dive shops and most of the accommodations are next door, in Nusa Lembongan.