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) — 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 respectable diversity too.
Look on hydroids, sponges, soft corals — 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.
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