Sea slugs with a fashion budget. 3,000+ species, every one a colour explosion.
Nudibranchs are the supermodels of the macro world: sea slugs that ditch their shell as juveniles and spend adulthood as soft, slow-moving, hyper-coloured grazers. Their bright patterns warn predators of toxic chemistry borrowed from the sponges and hydroids they eat.
The world's nudibranch capital is Lembeh Strait (Sulawesi), where 100+ species on a single week-long trip is realistic for keen photographers, with the strait holding 200+ documented species in total. Anilao (Philippines) and Romblon are equally rich. Bali Tulamben and Andaman have good diversity too.
Look on hydroids, sponges and soft corals, since they specialise in narrow food preferences. Once you've trained your eye for the colours, you'll spot one every few minutes.
Tap a month to highlight it across destinations, or hover any cell for details.
12 destinations across Andamans, SE Asia, East Africa, Pacific, peak seasons vary by location, so plan your trip around the right destination AND the right month.
Tier 2Nudibranchs here: Jan–Apr, Dec · 30 sites
Tier 1Nudibranchs here: Apr–Nov · 35 sites
Tier 1Nudibranchs here: Jan–Apr, Nov–Dec · 40 sites
Tier 2Nudibranchs here: Jan–May, Dec · 30 sites
Tier 3Nudibranchs here: Apr–Nov · 40 sites
Tier 3Coming soonNudibranchs here: Jan–Feb, Jul–Dec · 22 sites
Tier 3Coming soonNudibranchs here: Apr–Oct · 12 sites
Tier 3Coming soonNudibranchs here: Jan–May, Nov–Dec · 20 sites
Tier 3Coming soonNudibranchs here: Mar–Oct · 18 sites
Tier 4Coming soonNudibranchs here: Jan–Apr, Oct–Dec · 50 sites
Tier 3Coming soonNudibranchs here: Apr–Nov · 30 sites
Tier 4Coming soonNudibranchs here: Jun–Nov · 40 sites
Real, curated expeditions, or a custom trip built around the best season and destination to encounter nudibranchs.
Browse our curated, small-group dive trips, fixed dates, vetted partner operators, zero agency fee. Or tell us your dates and we'll build a custom trip around the best season and destinations to encounter nudibranchs.
Tell us when you can travel and your certification level, we'll match the right destination, the right season, and the right trip for diving with nudibranchs.
Chat With a Dive ProWe use essential cookies to run iDive. With your consent we also use analytics and our assistant Laila to improve the site. You can change this anytime. See our Privacy Policy.
