OMADHOO THILA SUITABLE FOR: Intermediate level DEPTH: 10m dropping to 30m EXPECT TO SEE: Long-nose hawkfish, napoleon wrasse, barracuda, eagle rays and white tip reef sharks, large schools of bannerfish, snappers and fusiliers TIME FROM OMADHOO: 10 minutes ABOUT: One of our most northerly dive sites lies in the Omadhoo channel, two thilas meet, to give it the nickname of the “Big Valley”. In the area between the thilas large coral blocks form an interesting landscape. With numerous overhangs along the reef there are many colourful hard and soft corals, as well as the infamous long-nose hawkfish hiding in the black corals. Looking out into the blue, divers can often see napoleon wrasse, barracuda, eagle rays and white tip reef sharks. Large schools of bannerfish, snappers and fusiliers are found swarming above the reef top. Omadhoo is widely regarded as one of the true highlights of South Ari Atoll. BODUFINOLHU THILA SUITABLE FOR: Advanced divers DEPTH: 22m sloping to 30m and beyond, maximum dive depth 30m EXPECT TO SEE: White tip reef sharks, stingrays, mobula mantas and whale sharks TIME FROM OMADHOO: 150 minutes ABOUT: Bodufinolhu Thila dive site is a deep and small thila, which lies on a sandy plateau, 10-20 metres away from a sloping outreef. Bodufinolhu Thila is covered in hard coral. Take a peek beneath the coral blocks for baby white tip reef sharks. The sandy plateau is often visited by stingrays and there is a further chance of seeing white tip reef sharks here. Where the current hits the thila, schooling mobula mantas are often seen. When the season and currents are right, there is also the chance of seeing the gentle giants, the whale sharks. MAAMAGILI BEYRU SUITABLE FOR: All experiences DEPTH: 5-7m top reef, dropping down to 30m and beyond, maximum dive depth 30m EXPECT TO SEE: Moray eels, lion fish and nudibranches, eagle rays, mobula mantas and whale sharks TIME FROM OMADHOO: 140 minutes ABOUT: Maamigili Beyru is an outer reef on the southern tip of the Ari Atoll and can be dived regardless of the current conditions. The top reef starts at 7 metres and is dominated by hard coral formations. Expect to see many different types of moray eels, lion fish and nudibranches. Eagle rays and mobula mantas are also common here. During the right time of the year, whale sharks can also be seen cruising along the reef. MAAMAGILI KANDU SUITABLE FOR: All experiences DEPTH: 5m top reef, sloping to 30m and beyond, maximum dive depth 30m EXPECT TO SEE: Napoleon wrasse, green turtles, white tip reef sharks and whale sharks TIME FROM OMADHOO: 140 minutes ABOUT: The Maamigili channel leads onto the largest outreef in the Ari Atoll, which is home to big schools of fish, napoleons, big green turtles and white tip reef sharks. But Maamigili gained its reputation as being one of the best dive sites in the Maldives due to the frequent whale shark encounters (depending on the season). The whole outreef has recently been made into a Marine Protected Area in order to help preserve and protect the current whale shark population which is resident to Maldivian waters. MADIVARU MANTA POINT SUITABLE FOR: All experiences DEPTH: 12m dropping down to 25m and beyond EXPECT TO SEE: Manta rays and napoleon wrasse TIME FROM OMADHOO: 120 minutes ABOUT: Madivaru Manta Point is a recent addition to the protected marine areas of the Republic of Maldives, and from January until April it is famous for it’s manta cleaner stations. The mantas come up from the deeper parts of the ocean where they feed and use the shallower waters of Madivaru Manta Point to free themselves of unwanted parasites. During the dive these majestic creatures with a wing span of 3-4 metres hover just above your head. The cleaner stations are also used by giant napoleon wrasse. DHIDHDHOO BEYRU SUITABLE FOR: All experiences DEPTH: 7m top reef, sloping down to 30m and beyond, maximum dive depth 30m EXPECT TO SEE: Hard coral, moray eels, lion fish, nudibranches, rays, whale sharks in season TIME FROM OMADHOO: 120 minutes ABOUT: Dhidhdhoo Beyru is a sloping outer reef at the southern tip of the Ari Atoll which can be dived with any current. The reef starts at seven metres and is dominated by hard coral growth. Many moray eels, lion fish and nudibranches can be found along the reef while in the blue water eagle rays and mobula mantas are often spotted. The highlight at this dive site has to be the whale shark encounters which are common during the right season. DHIGURAH BEYRU SUITABLE FOR: All experiences DEPTH: 5m top reef sloping down to 30m and beyond, maximum dive depth 30m EXPECT TO SEE: Fusiliers, turtles, eagle rays, moray eels, leaf fish and whale sharks TIME FROM OMADHOO: 110 minutes ABOUT: The Dhigurah Beyru reef starts at between five to eight metres and slopes down to a terrace at 30-35 metres. Schooling fusiliers, turtles and eagle rays can all be seen passing in the blue water, while moray eels and leaf fish can be found on the reef itself. From the beginning of September until the end of November there is a good chance of encountering whale sharks at this spot. DHIGURAH ARCHES SUITABLE FOR: All experiences DEPTH: 5m - 25m EXPECT TO SEE: Moray eel, lionfish, stingray TIME FROM OMADHOO: 110 minutes ABOUT: Dhigurah Arches is located on the house reef of the island of Dhigurah where the reef drops down from 5 to 25 metres. The dive spot is full of little inlets, caves and overhangs with some swim-throughs. Morays, lion fish and stingrays can often be found and in the summer months we occasionally see Mantas here. Dhigurah Arches is also a great night dive site! DHIGURAH BEYRU THILA SUITABLE FOR: All experiences DEPTH: 10m on the top of the thila, descending to 30m and beyond maximum dive depth 30m EXPECT TO SEE: Schooling fish, napoleon wrasse, white tip reef sharks, stingrays and the occasional grey reef shark TIME FROM OMADHOO: 110 minutes ABOUT: Dhigurah Beyru Thila lies across a channel, close to the edge of the atoll. The side of the thila that faces the channel edge has beautiful overhangs and terraces, whereas the opposite side slopes into a sandy area at 20 meters. Although the reef is dominated by hard corals, soft corals can also be found. Being close to the edge of the atoll, this reef is home to big schools of fish, big napoleon wrasse, white tip reef sharks, stingrays and the occasional grey reef shark. KAMAA FUSHI TEOFULI HURAA OMADHOO HAUSE REEF SOUTH OMADHOO HOUSE REEF NORTH MEDU THILA SUITABLE FOR: Intermediate level DEPTH: 12m top reef, descending to 30m EXPECT TO SEE: Table corals, soft corals, nudibranches, moray eels, porcupine puffer fish, white tip reef sharks, stingrays, eagle rays, turtles, tuna and fusiliers TIME FROM OMADHOO: 100 minutes ABOUT: Medu Thila is a large reef located close to the channel edge which is packed full of beautiful hard and soft corals. The reef starts at 12 metres and is layered with table corals. Hidden amongst these table corals you can find nudibranches, moray eels and porcupine puffer fish. While swimming along the reef, keep your eye out for white tip reef sharks and stingrays sleeping on the sandy areas. Eagle rays, turtles, tuna and large schools of fusiliers can also be seen. THELUVELIGAA SOUTH SUITABLE FOR: All experience levels DEPTH: 3m top reef, dropping down to 30m EXPECT TO SEE: Stag horn corals, table corals, sponges and giant clams, nudibranches and lobster. TIME FROM OMADHOO: 70 minutes ABOUT: A very easy dive site, located next to the little island of Theluveligaa in the inside of the atoll, protected from strong currents. It is a wonderful coral garden, full of newly grown hard corals, you will be amazed by the beautiful stag horn and table corals here. There are also sponges and giant clams in all colours. Amidst the corals you will discover all kinds of small fish, nudibranches and, if you are lucky, even lobster. Out in the blue anything is possible, such as white tip reef sharks, an eagle ray or a manta mobula. KUDA THILA SUITABLE FOR: Advanced level DEPTH: 12m top reef, sloping to 30m and beyond, maximum dive depth 30m EXPECT TO SEE: Big groupers, schooling fish, grey reef sharks and other pelagics TIME FROM OMADHOO: 80 minutes ABOUT: Kuda Thila is a medium sized reef close to the channel edge. The dive spot starts at 12 metres and slopes away at the sides. Big groupers and many schools of fish can be found here. As this reef lies close to the channel edge look out for big pelagic fish. Grey reef sharks are a common sight here. MADI FARU MANTA POINT SUITABLE FOR: All experience levels DEPTH: 2m top reef sloping down to 20m EXPECT TO SEE: Mantas, nudibranches, guitar sharks, garden eels, stingrays and eagle rays TIME FROM OMADHOO: 20 minutes ABOUT: Between the months of May to November large congregations of mantas are often encountered here. Watch these majestic animals feed on the plankton rich waters in an outgoing current. This site can, however, be dived all year round, as it is an easy dive site with something for everyone from petite gorgonian sea fans at just 10m, tiny nudibranchs to guitar sharks. The western corner is covered with beautiful formations sloping off to a sandy bottom where garden eels, stingrays and eagle rays can be seen. DHANGETHI CORNER SUITABLE FOR: All experiences DEPTH: 7m top reef, descending to 30m and beyond, maximum dive depth 30m EXPECT TO SEE: Bat fish, fusiliers, turtles, napoleons and white tip reef sharks TIME FROM OMADHOO: 90 minutes ABOUT: Dhangethi Corner is a sloping out reef where the top reef starts at seven metres before dropping away to a channel entrance. Along the out reef itself, keep looking out into the blue water for the chance of seeing some pelagic fish passing by. Dhangethi Corner has a very interesting coral peninsula that starts at 12 metres sloping down to the channel entrance at 25 metres. Schools of bat fish and clouds of fusiliers, turtles, napoleons and white tip reef sharks have all been spotted here. KANDU THILA / SOBASH THILA BLACK CORALL VILAMENDHOO THILA SUITABLE FOR: Intermediate level DEPTH: 4m top reef, dropping down to 30m and beyond, maximum dive depth 30m EXPECT TO SEE: Glassfish, anchovies, squirrel fish, sweet lips, snappers, moray eels, lobster and crabs. TIME FROM OMADHOO: 70 minutes ABOUT: This is a corner dive located on the eastern side of our neighbouring island. You pass continuous caves and overhangs of varying depths from 12-26m. There are lots of small glassfish, anchovies, squirrel fish, sweet lips and snappers as well as moray eels, lobster and crabs. The top reef reaches shallow water with some nice coral blocks providing an interesting safety stop where, if you are lucky you might spot a turtle. From May to November there is a chance of seeing mantas on the top reef, and perhaps a whale shark passing by. The dive site makes a good drift dive if the current is flowing. LILLY BEACH THILA SUITABLE FOR: Experienced divers DEPTH: 15m dropping down to beyond 30m, maximum dive depth 30m EXPECT TO SEE: Sharks, eagle rays, tuna, stingrays and napoleon wrasse TIME FROM OMADHOO: 60 minutes ABOUT: This finger shaped reef has a length of 250m and lies on the outside of the channel. There are many beautiful overhangs and corals to be seen and it is teeming with healthy marine life. You can also see sharks, eagle rays, big tuna, stingrays and napoleon wrasse and, with a bit of luck, grey reef sharks too. This site is for experienced divers due to its location, blue water safety stop and depth. Beautiful and so close to Lily Beach. DHANGETHI THILA SUITABLE FOR: All experiences DEPTH: 7m top reef, descending to 30m and beyond, maximum dive depth 30m EXPECT TO SEE: Bat fish, fusiliers, turtles, napoleons and white tip reef sharks TIME FROM OMADHOO: 70 minutes ABOUT: Dhangethi Corner is a sloping out reef where the top reef starts at seven metres before dropping away to a channel entrance. Along the out reef itself, keep looking out into the blue water for the chance of seeing some pelagic fish passing by. Dhangethi Corner has a very interesting coral peninsula that starts at 12 metres sloping down to the channel entrance at 25 metres. Schools of bat fish and clouds of fusiliers, turtles, napoleons and white tip reef sharks have all been spotted here. ANGAGA THILA SUITABLE FOR: All experiences DEPTH: 8m top reef, descending to 35m, maximum dive depth 30m EXPECT TO SEE: Tuna, barracuda, mantis shrimp, octopus, patterned puffer fish, white tip reef sharks, banner fish, turtles and stone fish TIME FROM OMADHOO: 70 minutes ABOUT: Angaga Thila is located in front of the Angaga resort and is well protected from currents due to its location in the middle of the atoll. The reef drops steeply down on all sides and ends at 35 metres in the sand. Between 15-24 metres the reef is dotted with different sized overhangs. Hunting tunas, schooling barracudas, the fastest animal on earth - the mantis shrimp, octopus, a rare and beautiful patterned puffer fish, white tip reef sharks, a school of banner fish, turtles and stone fish all make Angaga their home. ALI THILA SUITABLE FOR: Intermediate level DEPTH: 10m top reef, descending to 40m, maximum dive depth 30m EXPECT TO SEE: Black coral trees, long nose hawk fish, anemones, clown fish, fimbriated moray, bat fish and banner fish TIME FROM OMADHOO: 70 minutes ABOUT: Ali Thila offers steep walls on all sides of the coral formation, ending at 35-40 metres with a sandy bottom. The reef is covered in black coral trees, which are the perfect hiding place for long nose hawk fish. Many bright pink anemones with clown fish and the rare fimbriated moray can also be found here. Where the current hits the reef, schooling bat fish and banner fish can be found. NU GIRI SUITABLE FOR: All experiences DEPTH: 3m top reef, descending to 30m EXPECT TO SEE: Disc anemones, black coral trees, glass fish, cleaner wrasse, cleaner shrimps, moray eels, nudibranches, scorpion fish, lion fish, fusiliers and banner fish TIME FROM OMADHOO: 70 minutes ABOUT: Nu Giri is a very shallow reef starting at just three metres. As the reef slopes down, overhangs can be found right the way down to the sandy bottom at 30 metres. Noo Giri is covered in disc anemones and black coral trees. Smaller crevices on the reef are often cleaner stations covered in glass fish. Look for cleaner wrasse and different kind of cleaner shrimp behind the glass fish. Moray eels, nudibranches, scorpion fish and big lion fish can be found in the overhangs, fusiliers and banner fish surround the reef. KUDA GIRI SUITABLE FOR: All experiences DEPTH: 3m top reef, descending to 30m EXPECT TO SEE: Disc anemones, black coral trees, lobsters, moray eels, lion fish, fusiliers and banner fish TIME FROM OMADHOO: 80 minutes ABOUT: Kuda Giri is a small reef that starts at just 3 metres and which has overhangs running around the coral block between 12 and 22 metres, before levelling out at 30 metres into a sandy plateau. Kuda Giri is covered in disc anemones and black coral trees. The overhangs are home to lobsters, moray eels and lion fish. In the blue water, keep an eye out for schooling fusiliers and banner fish. KUDHI MAA WRECK SUITABLE FOR: Intermediate level DEPTH: 12m descending to 30m EXPECT TO SEE: Bat fish, puffer fish, box fish, lion fish, sponges, sea squirts and corals TIME FROM OMADHOO: 70 minutes ABOUT: Kudhi Maa Wreck is a medium sized steel wreck lying very close to the Machafushi house reef. The wreck was purposely sunk in 1998 to provide divers visiting the South Ari Atoll with a wreck. The wreck itself has easy access to the cargo holds on both sides. On and around the shipwreck you can find a school of bat fish, some puffer fish, box fish and the customary large lion fish. Needless to say, the wreck is bursting with macro subjects for budding photographers and film makers. One interesting feature of the wreck is the competition for space that has sprung up on the surface itself. Algae, sponges, sea squirts and corals are all fighting for that valuable piece of metal to start their growth from. DHANGETHI BEYRU SUITABLE FOR: All experiences DEPTH: 6m - 30m EXPECT TO SEE: Fusiliers, puffer fish, moray eel, lion fish, nudibranches, eagle rays, turtles and napoleon wrasse TIME FROM OMADHOO: 80 minutes ABOUT: Dhangethi Beyru is a sloping outer reef that starts at about seven metres. As you descend, some small overhangs appear at around 20 metres, that are often full glass fish. Schools of fusiliers can be seen cruising by in the blue water, while puffer fish, porcupine fish, moray eels, lion fish and nudibranches can be found on the reef itself. Keep an eye out as well as for eagle rays, turtles and napoleons. DHIGURAH THILA SUITABLE FOR: Intermediate level DEPTH: 8m top reef, descending to 30m EXPECT TO SEE: Soft corals, gorgonian fan corals, nurse sharks, lobsters, turtles, scorpion fish, baby eagle rays and white tip reef sharks TIME FROM OMADHOO: 110 minutes ABOUT: Dhigurah Thila is a medium sized reef with overhangs that are covered in soft corals and gorgonian fan corals at either end. The occasional nurse shark can be found in the overhangs along with numerous lobsters. Turtles, scorpion fish and baby eagle rays have made this dive site their home, along with the sleepy looking white tip reef sharks on the sandy bottom at 22 metres. THINFUSHI ET SUITABLE FOR: Intermediate level DEPTH: 8m top reef, dropping to 30m EXPECT TO SEE: Gorgonian fan corals, whip corals, daisy corals, octopus, turtles, oriental sweetlips, schools of snappers, scorpion fish and white tip reef sharks TIME FROM OMADHOO: 110 minutes ABOUT: Thinefushi Etere Thila is a medium sized reef with big overhangs at either end of the formation. The top reef starts at eight metres giving way to overhangs starting at 20 metres. Beautiful corals formations fill these overhangs, with gorgonian fan corals, whip corals and daisy corals all growing in huge numbers. A sandy alley separates four blocks from the main reef, and these blocks are abundantly overgrown with soft corals. Octopus, turtles, oriental sweetlips, schools of snappers, scorpion fish and white tip reef sharks can also be found on this beautiful dive site. BROKEN ROCK SUITABLE FOR: Intermediate level DEPTH: 12m top reef, descending to 30m EXPECT TO SEE: Fan corals, napoleon wrasse, turtles, scorpion fish, moray eels and soft coral TIME FROM OMADHOO: 100 minutes ABOUT: Broken Rock is one of the most well known dive sites in the South Ari Atoll due to the unique formation which has a canyon splitting the reef in two, and hence the name Broken Rock. While swimming through the canyon which splits the thila in two, keep an eye out for the large fan corals which stick out from the walls. Resident napoleon wrasse, turtles, scorpion fish and a stunning variety of marine life including many species of moray eels and an abundance of soft coral make Broken Rock a great dive spot that always throws up something new. MUSHIMASMINGILI THILA (Fish Head) SUITABLE FOR: Intermediate level DEPTH: 10m descending to 30m EXPECT TO SEE: Napoleon wrasse, grey and white tip reef sharks, schooling fish, batfish, trevallies, tuna and fusiliers TIME FROM OMADHOO: 50 minutes ABOUT: This marine protected dive site is 1 hour away and enjoyed on half day trips. A very curious napoleon wrasse lives here, but the real kings of the reef are the grey and white tip reef sharks. You can be totally surrounded by schooling fish and batfish. It is also possible to see bigger fishes like trevallies and tuna hunting the fusiliers. It’s a very beautiful dive site, covered in brown plate anemones, pretty overhang formations, abundant fish life. A real highlight of the Ari Atoll! KUDARAH THILA SUITABLE FOR: Intermediate level DEPTH: 13m top reef, descending to 30m EXPECT TO SEE: Soft corals, gorgonian fan corals, blue striped snappers, turtles and napoleons TIME FROM OMADHOO: 100 minutes ABOUT: One of the most famous dive sites in the South Ari Atoll, Kudarah Thila is a stunning small reef covered in soft corals in all colours of the spectrum. Kudarah Thila has two large overhangs located on the eastern side of the thila, which are packed full with yellow daisy corals on the ceilings and huge gorgonian fan corals along the bottom. One end of Kudarah features a small archway which is plastered in soft coral. The reef itself is surrounded by large schools of blue striped snappers, and boasts regular visits from turtles and napoleons as well as the occasional white tip or grey reef shark. Kudarah Thila is, and has been one of the South Ari Atoll's top dive spots since the atoll opened its doors to divers. ALIKOIRAH FARU SAFARI MEDU GIRI KANDU FARU ORIMAS THILA ORIMAS FARU (NORTH) MAAGA FARU (SOUTH) ORIMAS WALL (SOUTH) ELLAIDHOO HOUSE REEF KANDHOLHUDHOO THILA ELLAIDHOO THILA BODU THILA HALAVELI WRECK BATHALA MAAGA KHAN THILA MEMU KUDA FARU BATHALA THILA MARY THILA MAAYA THILA KARI BEYRU THILA DHIGU THILA (NORTH) HAFSA THILA BEYRU MADIVARU VELIDHOO MANTA POINT FESDU WRECK MAALHOSS THILA DONKALO THILA EMAS THILA ATAFARU THILA KUDADHOO FARU COCONUT THILA DHIGU THILA (SOUTH) PINAPPLE THILA SHAMEEM THILA MIARUGALA THILA ATABU THILA LAARA THILA KONAGAU FARU FUSHI FARU BATHALA MAAGA FARU GENBURUGAU THILA GENBURUGAU FARU GENBURUGAU GIRI ORIMAS FARU (SOUTH) SAFARI WEST DONAGALI THILA MIYARUGA THILA MAA THILA GANGEHI KANDU UKULHAS THILA RANVELI KUDA THILA SUITABLE FOR: Intermediate level DEPTH: 5m top reef descending to 30m EXPECT TO SEE: Stingrays, white tip reef sharks, sand eels, nudibranches and flatworms TIME FROM OMADHOO: 70 minutes ABOUT: Ranveli Kuda Thila is a long reef full with beautiful pyramid corals. The dive spot consists of two Thilas - a smaller round one that starts at about 10 metres and a larger Thila that reaches up to five metres. The sandy saddle that separates the two is home to stingrays, sleeping white tip reef sharks and sand eels. Keep your eye out for some of the most spectacular species of nudibranch and flatworms that can be found here, making this a great site for photography. HIMENDHOO DHEKUNU KANDU BEYRU THILA CORAL GARDEN KUDA MIYARU THILA CAMEL ROCK CORAL HILLS DHONIE CORNER JACKFISH CHANNEL HITHI FARU EAST LUCKY ROCK KUDA THILA SOUTH MIYARU THILA CORAL GARDEN BEYRU GATO THILA RHANDI WRECK BARACUDA POINT BARABARU POINT BULHALHOHI CORNER REHI GIRI PANETONE THUNDUFUSHI THILA DEGA THILA MOOFUSHI KANDU BODU FINOLHU WRECK TIN THILA VIHAMAAFARU N/E MATHIVEREE DHEKUNU KANDU
ERE THILA
Dive sites