Why Mola Mola Fish Are Choosing the Red Sea Around Sharm El Sheikh as Their New Home

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For years, the Mola Mola, or Ocean Sunfish, has been one of the bucket-list encounters for divers visiting destinations like Bali and the Galápagos. However, in recent seasons, divers and guides have reported an increasing number of sightings in the Red Sea, particularly around Sharm El Sheikh.

While they're still considered a rare encounter, marine biologists believe changing sea temperatures, shifting currents, and an abundance of food may be encouraging these gentle giants to spend more time in Egyptian waters.

For anyone diving in Sharm, this means there has never been a more exciting time to explore the reefs with Circle Divers.

Meet the Incredible Mola Mola

The Mola Mola (Mola mola) is the world's heaviest bony fish.

Some astonishing facts include:

Can grow over 3 metres tall
Weigh between 1,000–2,500 kg
Lives for up to 100 years
Eats mainly jellyfish, salps and soft-bodied plankton
Can dive deeper than 800 metres
Produces more eggs than any other vertebrate—up to 300 million during spawning

Despite their enormous size, Mola Molas are completely harmless to divers.

Their strange flattened appearance, tiny mouth, large dorsal fin and constantly surprised expression make them one of the ocean's most unusual-looking animals.

Why Are Mola Molas Appearing in the Red Sea?

Scientists don't believe there's one single reason. Instead, several environmental factors seem to be combining.

1. Warmer Water Temperatures

The northern Red Sea has experienced gradual warming over recent years.

Mola Molas naturally migrate with suitable water temperatures, making Sharm El Sheikh increasingly attractive during parts of the year.

2. Plenty of Jellyfish

Although jellyfish aren't particularly nutritious, they are the Mola Mola's favourite meal.

Seasonal blooms around the Sinai Peninsula provide an excellent feeding opportunity.

3. Healthy Reef Ecosystems

One fascinating behaviour of Mola Molas is their love of "cleaning stations."

Large wrasse and butterflyfish remove parasites from their skin while the fish patiently hover almost motionless.

The reefs around Ras Mohammed and Tiran are famous for these cleaning stations, making them ideal habitat for Mola Mola to bask in.

4. Deep Water Close to Shore

One of the unique features of diving in the Red Sea around Sharm El Sheikh is how quickly the seabed drops into deep water.

This allows deep-water species like Mola Molas to approach reefs without travelling far from their preferred depths.

Where Could You See One While Diving in Sharm?

Although sightings are never guaranteed, divers have occasionally reported encounters during boat diving trips to:

These sites combine strong currents, excellent visibility and deep-water access—conditions that suit visiting pelagic species.

Why Divers Love Seeing a Mola Mola

Unlike sharks or dolphins, Mola Molas rarely appear to be in a hurry.

Many slowly circle divers before continuing their journey, giving underwater photographers plenty of opportunities for unforgettable images.

Their unusual body shape makes them instantly recognisable, and because sightings are relatively uncommon, every encounter feels incredibly special.

For many divers, spotting a Mola Mola ranks alongside seeing:

Oceanic Whitetip Sharks
Hammerhead Sharks
Whale Sharks
Manta Rays

as one of the highlights of a lifetime spent underwater.

What Is the Best Time of Year?

There isn't yet a clearly defined "Mola Mola season" in Egypt.

Most reported sightings have occurred during the warmer months, although encounters remain unpredictable.

The best strategy is simple:

Spend more time boat diving around the world-famous reefs of Sharm El Sheikh.

Fortunately, that's hardly a difficult decision.

Why Boat Diving Gives You the Best Chance

Daily boat diving allows divers to reach offshore reefs where pelagic marine life is most commonly encountered.

Away from the shoreline, nutrient-rich currents attract schools of fish, turtles, rays and occasionally truly spectacular visitors like the Mola Mola.

Every dive becomes a genuine adventure because you never know what might emerge from the blue.

Dive with Circle Divers

At Circle Divers, our experienced guides spend hundreds of days each year exploring the reefs surrounding Sharm El Sheikh.

Whether you're newly certified or have thousands of dives, our daily boat diving trips visit the very sites where rare marine life has been encountered.

While we can never promise a Mola Mola, every dive offers the possibility of something extraordinary.

The Red Sea remains one of the world's greatest diving destinations—and its list of incredible marine life just keeps getting longer.

If you're planning your next adventure diving in Sharm, join Circle Divers and discover why the Red Sea continues to surprise even the most experienced divers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Mola Molas common in the Red Sea?

No. They are still considered an uncommon sighting, making every encounter particularly memorable.

Are Mola Molas dangerous?

Not at all. Ocean Sunfish are gentle giants that pose no threat to divers.

What do Mola Molas eat?

Their diet consists mainly of jellyfish, salps and other gelatinous zooplankton.

Can beginners see a Mola Mola?

Yes. Although sightings are rare, they can happen on recreational boat diving trips suitable for certified divers of all experience levels.

Which dive sites offer the best chance?

Offshore reefs around Ras Mohammed and the Straits of Tiran provide the best opportunity because of their deep water, currents and rich marine ecosystems.