The Napoleon fish (Cheilinus undulatus), also known as the humphead wrasse, is one of the great icons of the world’s coral reefs. With its bulbous forehead, thick lips, striking coloration, and impressive size—males can grow up to 2 meters long and weigh over 100 kilograms—this reef giant is as unmistakable as it is majestic.

These fish are long-lived, intelligent, and full of character. They inhabit coral-rich waters of the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea to the Great Barrier Reef, playing a vital role in reef ecosystems by feeding on hard-shelled prey and even coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish. Yet despite their resilience, Napoleon wrasse are listed as Endangered by the IUCN, threatened by overfishing, habitat loss, and illegal wildlife trade.

For divers and underwater photographers, few encounters compare to swimming alongside one of these gentle giants. But such meetings come with responsibility. Here, we explore five of the best destinations to dive with Napoleon wrasse and offer practical advice on how to observe and photograph them respectfully, helping to preserve this remarkable species for generations to come.

Where to See Napoleon Wrasse: Five World-Class Dive Destinations

Laamu Atoll, Maldives

In the southern reaches of the Maldives, Laamu Atoll offers one of the best chances to see Napoleon wrasse in healthy numbers, thanks to a longstanding national export ban and the protection offered by local marine parks. Channel dives, such as Fushi Kandu and reef walls near Mundhoo, regularly deliver sightings of adult humphead wrasse gliding through the blue. With strong tidal currents bringing rich nutrients, these sites attract large pelagics alongside resident reef giants. Early morning dives and slack tide windows often offer the best visibility and the most relaxed fish behavior, giving divers and photographers ample time to observe these iconic creatures without intrusion.

Palau, Micronesia

Few places rival Palau for sheer underwater drama, and for encounters with Napoleon fish, it remains a classic. At dive sites like Blue Corner, steep reef walls drop into the abyss, while strong currents sweep in clouds of reef fish, sharks, and—frequently—Napoleon wrasse. These enormous fish are often seen patrolling cleaning stations or moving slowly among schools of fusiliers, seemingly unbothered by the presence of divers. With the right approach—slow, quiet, respectful—photographers can capture them silhouetted against the vibrant reefscape, backlit by the shimmering surface overhead. The fish here are accustomed to divers, but still demand space and patience.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

While humphead wrasses are more scattered across the vast Great Barrier Reef than in some Indo-Pacific hotspots, outer reefs near Cairns and Lizard Island still hold impressive individuals, particularly around deeper bommies and coral walls. These regions are often accessed by liveaboards, which allow divers to reach remote zones where human pressure is lower and reef health is generally better. Mature males may appear unexpectedly, emerging from behind coral heads or cruising along drop-offs, and their vivid green-and-blue hues come alive in natural light. With Australia’s strict marine park protections and growing awareness of reef conservation, encounters here are both ethically sound and photographically rewarding.

The Red Sea (Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia)

Egypt’s Red Sea coastline remains one of the most reliable places to find Napoleon fish, especially at iconic offshore sites like Daedalus Reef, Elphinstone, and the Brothers Islands. These isolated reefs, far from fishing villages, serve as sanctuaries for large marine life. Here, divers often find solitary male wrasse circling the perimeter of the reef, inspecting passing divers or hovering above cleaning stations. The crystal-clear waters, hard coral formations, and dramatic vertical walls offer a stunning backdrop for photography, especially during the calm months from April to October. While strong currents can be a challenge, they also bring life—and the chance to witness one of the reef’s true giants in motion.

Raja Ampat and Nusa Penida, Indonesia

Within the Coral Triangle, Indonesia’s waters boast some of the richest biodiversity on the planet, and it’s no surprise that Napoleon wrasse still appear at sites in Raja Ampat and Bali’s Nusa Penida. In Raja Ampat, the reefs around Misool and Dampier Strait occasionally yield sightings of both juveniles and adults, often near sea fans and cleaning stations. In Nusa Penida, drift dives over vibrant coral gardens occasionally reveal humphead wrasse moving with the current, their imposing forms outlined by shafts of sunlight. While fishing pressure has impacted some populations, the creation of marine protected areas and the rise of conservation-minded dive operators have given these magnificent fish a better chance of survival—and divers the chance to meet them eye-to-eye.

Approaching the Napoleon Wrasse: Dive Etiquette and Photography Tips

Napoleon wrasse are curious but cautious. If approached too quickly, they will often vanish into the blue, depriving other divers of the opportunity to observe them. To maximize the encounter:

• Swim slowly and avoid direct approaches—let the fish come to you.
• Maintain excellent buoyancy and avoid disturbing the reef or sand.
• Use natural light or diffuse strobes for photography—harsh flashes can scare the fish.
• Take turns if you're diving in a group—avoid crowding the animal.
• Never feed or bait the wrasse, and support dive operators who promote ethical interactions.

Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing their complete form, while patience and anticipation often result in the most captivating images. Look for moments when the fish is interacting with its environment—hovering near a cleaning station, tilting to inspect divers, or arching gracefully over coral bommies. These natural behaviors tell a story that goes far beyond a single snapshot.

Conservation Matters: What Divers Can Do

Though they seem robust, Napoleon wrasse are slow to mature and reproduce, making them vulnerable to overfishing and habitat degradation. Divers can support conservation efforts by choosing operators that respect local protections, reporting sightings to citizen science initiatives, and spreading awareness through their own photos and stories.

Avoid supporting restaurants or markets that sell reef fish, such as Napoleon wrasse, and always follow guidelines within marine protected areas. Simple choices made underwater—and on land—can help ensure that these extraordinary animals remain a living part of our reefs, not just memories in a logbook.

Moments Worth Protecting

To see a Napoleon wrasse in its natural habitat is to witness one of the coral reef’s most charismatic residents. For those who approach with patience and care, the reward is not just a photograph—but a moment of connection with a creature whose future depends, in part, on our respect for it.