Joanna James
Home to 26 atolls and over a thousand tiny individual islands, the Maldives offers many great experiences for any who seek it. An incredibly popular choice for vacations amongst people from all over the world, here you’ll find some of the best diving sites on earth. Here is a list of some of them.
Sporadically popping up to around 30 metres and what is essentially one giant reef, Ukulhas Thila can be found along the north rim of the Ari Atoll towards the outskirts. Right at the very edge of this site is Maavaru Kandu, a wide channel. This amazing dive consists of a pinnacle which is narrow and around 300 metres in length. Its 15 metre flat top is often used by Mantas as a cleaning spot from December, all the way till April. If you’re planning on Diving in Maldives, there are tons of great accommodation options to consider for your stay, Kuramathi Maldives is one such example.
Splitting the reef into two sections through a deep canyon containing a unique formation, this dive site is considered a must-see. While swimming through the canyon is technically possible it is wise to only do so if you’re an expert and even then, with extreme caution. This location affords its divers the chance to witness marvellous marine life like jacks, butterflyfish, pufferfish, angelfish and even moray eels. Soft corals featuring lovely pastel shades cover the walls of this canyon.
This is a large Thila that’s located in the Ari Atoll, towards the southwest of the Kudadolhudhoo Island. Boasting visually stunning rock formations and plenty of coral life, this is an excellent site for those interested in underwater photography. The entire pinnacle present here is covered in caves, overhangs and terraces. The middle of the north side is often considered to be the highlight of this dive site, with two tunnels crossing right over each other.
A gorgeous site, Kuda Rah Thila can be found within a marine protected area. You start by swimming right through a coral-covered arch that is in itself a sight to behold. Filled with reef fish like snappers, fusiliers, anthias and even more. Right at the top of the Thila, you’ll be able to spot even more fascinating creatures like turtles, triggerfish, pufferfish, moray eels and so on.
Barracuda Thila, which is also called Okobe Thila can be found towards the southeast of Thulhaagiri. Depending on the current at the time you visit, the experience can actually be different but unique nonetheless. Beautiful creatures like tuna, moray eels, white-tip reef sharks, bannerfish and all sorts of incredible coral formations can be witnessed when you embark on a dive in this location. Featuring a thin but long Thila, this pinnacle can be circled easily within just one dive.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
