Last week the northern reefs of Nusa Penida were again one more time so colorful and filled with life, it was just breathtaking. But there was one encounter last week which was the cherry on top of the cake!
We usually see medium size Napoleon Wrasse at various dive sites from Buyuk to Toyapakeh along the north coast and they are normally a bit shy and observe us from far away. Last week our guests Simone and Lyle from Australia, Heike, Dirk and Markus from Germany and our PADI Open Water course students Thabea and Alex saw a huge Napoleon Wrasse close by. It was feeding relaxed and not distracted at all… and of course he spit out the part of the bites he didn’t like…in this extraordinary and elegant way that the open water students masks were filling up with water from laughing… a stunning experience, and so close.. this is what makes the northern reefs of Nusa Penida unique: you never know what you get, everything is possible.
Napoleon Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus)
Napoleon wrasse are also known as humphead wrasse and they can grow to be over six feet long. They are also thought to live up to around 30 years and can weigh in at over 200kg! They have a very distinct bulbous forehead (which gives them one of their common names) and they have extremely thick lips. They roam through coral reefs in search of hard-shelled prey such as mollusks, starfish, or crustaceans. Napoleon wrasse appear to be a green-blue colour from a distance but they have a beautiful iridescent sheen when closeup and a maze-like pattern on their faces.
Last week at Two Fish Divers Nusa Lembongan we’ve also been busy teaching PADI Courses: Saskia and Lucia from Scottland finished their Open Water Course with Baron, Eric from Germany did very well during his EFR and Rescue course and yes, he nailed it. Thabea and Alexander from Germany started with their Open Water course with Tom and couldn’t get enough, so they just continued and finished the Advanced course as well.
Do you want to join us to enjoy the beautiful reefs of North Nusa Penida and have some personal time with a Napoleon Wrasse? Nusa Lembongan is also home to year-round manta ray sightings, vibrant reefs, schooling fish and beautiful drift dives.
For more information or to make a confirmed booking, fill in the form below and we will get right back to you – we look forward to diving Nusa Lembongan with you soon!
