The Basking Behaviour of Molas

Posted on October 10, 2025October 10, 2025 by Annabel Thomas

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The Basking Behaviour of Molas: An Essential Part of External Parasite Removal

If you’ve ever been diving in Bali and spotted a giant, pancake-shaped fish floating sideways near the surface, you’ve probably encountered a Mola alexandrini — though most divers call it Mola-Mola. These ocean sunfish are truly unique, not only for their odd appearance but also for their fascinating basking behaviour.

Why Do Molas Bask in the Sun?

At first glance, it might seem like Molas are simply relaxing near the surface. In reality, this behaviour is far from lazy — it’s a vital survival strategy. After spending time in the cold, dark depths, basking in shallow water allows them to warm up and, more importantly, visit reef cleaning stations where smaller fish help remove parasites.

The Parasite Problem

Molas are unfortunately prone to carrying a wide variety of parasites, both external and internal. These parasites can cause skin lesions, sores, and infections, making life difficult for the gentle sunfish. Left untreated, they can weaken the fish and leave it more vulnerable to disease.

Cleaning Stations: The Ocean’s Health Clinics

In reef areas, Molas position themselves vertically or horizontally to give cleaner fish — such as bannerfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish — access to their skin and fins. These smaller fish pick off parasites, providing the Mola with much-needed relief while enjoying a nutritious snack in return. It’s a beautiful example of symbiosis in action.

Observing Molas Respectfully

For divers and snorkellers, witnessing a Mola’s basking and cleaning routine is a truly special experience. However, it’s important to observe from a respectful distance. Disturbing them can interrupt their essential cleaning process — something they rely on to stay healthy.

Ready to see these majestic creatures up close? Join our exclusive 2025 Mola Mola Dive Experience and witness the basking behaviour of Molas in Bali’s crystal-clear waters. 🌊 Secure your place today for a front-row encounter with one of the ocean’s most extraordinary species — an adventure you’ll never forget.

By Mardia, AMD-B’s 2023 Divemaster Internship

Mola-Mola and Manta Dive Site

Posted on October 3, 2025October 3, 2025 by Annabel Thomas

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Discovering the Mola-Mola and Manta Dive Site

If you’re planning a diving trip to Bali and hoping to witness both the Mola-Mola (Ocean Sunfish) and the magnificent manta rays, this is the dive site you can’t miss. The combination of rare pelagic sightings, vibrant reef diving, and Bali’s stunning underwater scenery makes this one of the island’s most bucket-list experiences.

📅 Best Season to Dive with Mola-Mola and Manta Rays

Mola-Mola (Ocean Sunfish): Best spotted between July and mid-November, when they rise from the deep for cleaning.

Manta Rays: These graceful giants can be found all year round, especially around Nusa Penida.

📍 Top Dive Locations

– Crystal Bay & Blue Corner – great for spotting both Mola-Mola and thrilling drift dives.
– Batu Abah (Vertigo Point) – often attracts pelagic species, with dramatic underwater landscapes.
– Manta Point I & II – year-round manta encounters at cleaning stations.
– Toyapakeh – coral reefs with occasional pelagic sightings.
– Malibu Point – relaxed drift dives with schools of fish and occasional sunfish.

🌟 Why Divers Love This Site

Unforgettable Encounters – rare chance to see Mola-Mola and manta rays in one trip.

Varied Dive Experiences – cleaning stations, drift dives, and reef exploration in one outing.

Conservation Focus – AquaMarine offers the PADI Manta Ray Awareness Speciality, deepening diver knowledge about manta biology and sustainable practices.

✅ Codes of Conduct for Divers

To ensure safe and respectful encounters, divers are expected to follow clear guidelines. When approaching Mola-Mola, it is vital not to chase, touch, or block their path. Divers should keep a respectful distance, maintain proper buoyancy control, and allow the fish to settle naturally at cleaning stations. Similarly, manta rays should be approached calmly, without the use of sudden flashes or disruptive movements.

Before beginning your Mola-Mola & Manta dive in Bali, it’s essential to follow AquaMarine’s Code of Conduct to protect these gentle giants. The Ocean Sunfish rely on cleaning stations where reef fish remove parasites critical to their health. By keeping a respectful distance and avoiding disturbance, divers allow the Mola-Mola to settle for longer periods, resulting in healthier fish and far more rewarding encounters, with extended opportunities to observe their natural behaviour.

🌏 Why This Dive Belongs on Your Bucket List

The Mola-Mola & Manta dive site in Bali is a dream come true for underwater enthusiasts. With the right timing, guidance, and respect for the ocean, you’ll experience one of the most awe-inspiring marine encounters in the world.

✨ Pro Tip: Book your dives with experienced operators who prioritise conservation and safety. This way, you’ll not only get the best chance to see these giants but also help protect Bali’s fragile marine ecosystem.

Mola-Mola and Manta Dive Site

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Diving in Bali

Diving with Mola Mola (Ocean sunfish)

Posted on June 23, 2023March 25, 2024 by Annabel Thomas

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Diving with Mola Mola (Ocean sunfish)

In the past, aggressive divers routinely disturbed Ocean sunfish at cleaning stations. This resulted in them spending less time near shore and greatly limited the number of sightings. Records from the early ‘90s show that Mola-Mola were seen in far greater numbers, were more at ease, and remained stationary at cleaning stations for longer periods. This allowed divers to enjoy their natural behaviour with longer encounters with the mysterious Ocean sunfish.

AMD-B’s Mola-Mola Code of Conduct is designed to provide an enjoyable and safe diving experience while ensuring the lowest impact on Bali’s Ocean sunfish. The aim of our Code of Conduct is to ensure they can settle onto cleaning stations without being disturbed. Once settled, they remain for longer periods offering better quality interaction for divers. We hope they can rebound to their previous high numbers.

Mola-Mola CoC Relevant to AMD-B Divers

If Mola-Mola are entering the cleaning station, do not approach until cleaning has begun and they are stationary for minimum 1 minute.

Maintain a minimum of 10 metres when MM are approaching the reef and not yet cleaning.

When at the cleaning station, maintain a minimum of 3 metres from the closest Ocean sunfish.

DO NOT TOUCH.
You will remove mucus protecting it from infection.

Approach Mola-Mola slowly within its field of view.

Do not swim behind an Ocean sunfish as this can startle it.

Do not swim under an Ocean sunfish as your bubbles may disturb cleaning behaviour.

Do not block its escape route off the reef or pathway onto a cleaning station (it will leave!).

If a Mola-Mola approaches, remain still.

Do not use flash photography.

Do not make loud noises (including tank bangers and similar).

AquaMarine restricts group sizes to a maximum of 4 divers and 1 guide. For more than 1 group, entries will be staggered to avoid overcrowding.

To be courteous to other divers, AMD-B will restrict viewing time to 5 minutes when other groups are present.

Always follow the directions of your AMD-B dive guide.

Our Nusa Penida trip is now focusing on Mola-Mola sites. So, if you are aiming for Mola-Mola this year, contact our Dive Travel Consultants and get yourself signed up. In addition, make sure you don’t miss out our Mola-Mola special offers.