Hawksbill turtle - Nusa Lembongan

10 Lembongan Marine Life Favourites

  • June 17, 2017

Whether you are visiting Nusa Lembongan to do some serious scuba diving or just plan to make a morning snorkel trip during your stay it’s worth knowing that the waters surrounding our beautiful island are packed with diverse reef life and even some one of a kind species.

You don’t need to be scuba diving to see these incredible fishes. Just a morning snorkelling trip allows you to take a peek under the waves and see scenes similar to what you view on television with your own eyes!

Here are 10 of our favourites:

Manta Ray Nusa Lembongan

Manta Rays: Manta rays are the largest species of ray and can measure up to 5 meters across. They swim in the same way that birds fly, by gracefully flapping their “wings” and gliding through the water. Don’t be afraid – this species is exceptionally gentle, they have no teeth and eat only plankton.

Pufferfish Nusa Lembongan

Pufferfish: There are many different species of pufferfish around Nusa Lembongan – this one is the porcupine pufferfish as it has spines covering it’s body. All species have big eyes and pouting lips!

Giant Moray Eel

Moray eels: The one pictured here is the giant moray eel and like all moray species it is nocturnal but both divers and snorkellers have a good chance of seeing one with its head sticking out of its day time hole.

Nemo and anemone

Anemone fish (AKA Clown Fish): How do you think Nemo got his name? Because he is an aNEMOne fish! These brightly coloured, cheeky fish live among the anemones but their bright colours mean they are easy to spot.

Mola ramsayi

Mola: The mola (or sunfish) is most commonly seen by divers rather than snorkelers because it is a deeper dwelling fish. Sightings are seasonal around Nusa Lembongan from July through to October. Mola are the heaviest bony fish on the planet and can measure up to 5 meters.

Scorpionfish on the reef

Scorpionfish: Very closely related to lionfish (see below) but extremely well camouflaged. There are several different species around Lembongan and they are all masters of disguise!

Lionfish

Lionfish: An extremely beautiful species with intricate reddish brown stripes and exquisite tasselled spines but they are quite poisonous if touched or stepped on. Fortunately they do not attack and prefer to swim away.

Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle: These beautiful sea turtles were once found in diminishing numbers around Bali as their eggs and shells were highly sought after. Now they are more commonly seen by divers and occasionally snorkellers, thanks to more awareness.

Blue Spotted Sting Ray

Blue Spotted Sting Ray: Usually seen by divers but a possibility for snorkellers in shallow sandy areas where they lay under the sand. This is not one to step on!

Antheas on the reef Lembongan

Antheas: Small, brightly coloured and can be found in hundreds over the coral reef. As you approach they will usually dive into the corals. These are such a sight when the sun is shining overhead as they look like glittering jewels swarming over the corals.


We hope you enjoyed our photo gallery and if you’d like to dive or snorkel during your stay at Villa Nusa just let us know and we can help make arrangements for you.

For more information please contact us on: maya@balivillanusa.com

We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful Island and Villa Nusa soon.