Ocean Sunfish

Mola mola

Offshore Montauk

One of the heaviest bony fish in the sea, a flat, round fish that rests on its side at the surface to warm up after feeding at depth. A single fin moving slowly at the surface off Montauk may be a sunfish rather than a shark. CRESLI logged one on its May 31, 2026 trip.

Best time of day

Calm, sunny mornings

How to see

Board a CRESLI research cruise aboard the Viking Fleet out of Montauk Harbor; CRESLI lists sunfish among the animals its family cruises look for. Occasionally seen from ocean beaches, such as Tiana Beach in Hampton Bays in 2017.

Operator

CRESLI / Viking Fleet+1 631-668-5700Book a trip ↗

Cost

$100 adult, $55 child 5-12, free under 5

Age

All ages (6+ recommended)

Accessibility

Main deck accessible; no wheelchair lift

Responsible viewing

Slow down and keep clear; sunfish basking at the surface are hit by boats. Never touch or lift one.

Weather / sea state

Sea state < 3; trips cancelled in heavy swell.