Joanna James
Beneath the azure waters of the Ari Atoll in the Maldives lies a mesmerising realm of marine wonders waiting to be discovered. The colourful coral formations, vibrant marine life, and crystal-clear visibility make the Ari Atoll (made up of the North and South Ari Atolls) a paradise for intrepid travellers seeking an unforgettable underwater adventure. From captivating thilas to encounters with manta rays and sharks, this tropical haven offers a plethora of sites that promise to leave divers spellbound.
A modest coral structure that emerges from the ocean floor, Hafza Thila is also referred to as "shark point" and is a prime dive site to spot stealthy predators in their natural habitat. The current diverges along one side of the coral formation and is where you can look forward to some memorable encounters; be prepared to catch sight of white tip reef sharks, grey reef sharks and even tuna and fusiliers. Hafza Thila is also a place where you have a chance to spot baby white tip reef sharks, scorpion fish and if you’re lucky, grey reef sharks being cleaned by tiny cleaner fish!
At Moofushi Manta Point, divers are greeted by the majestic circular ‘dance’ of manta rays especially between December and April. At this time, you have a good chance to witness how these mantas gather at what is called a ‘cleaning station’; here, you can watch as cleaner wrasse, which are small fish, eat the leftover food from the mouths of mantas as well as remove any parasites on their bodies in a remarkable act of ‘cleaning’! One of the country’s most stunning dive sites, it is also where one can encounter grey reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, trevally, tuna, and snappers.
This thriving house reef is perfect for more underwater adventures; what’s more, the nearby Kandolhu Maldives resort offers access to a dive school with SSI and PADI-certified courses for beginners as well as dive excursions including to this site. The reef which has multiple points for entry and exit, encircles the island and is known for its rich marine biodiversity with diverse denizens of the deep to be found there; as you venture beneath the waves, be on the lookout to not only spot colourful reef fish but hawksbill turtles, shrimp, manta rays and much more.
For more underwater escapades in the Ari Atoll of the Maldives, scuba diving can be enjoyed at the site called Maalhoss Thila. This undersea attraction is also known as the Blue Caves and is where one will come across an enthralling array of hard corals; as you venture deeper, you will see soft corals too at caves and overhangs, all combining to provide a colourful display of natural beauty. Of course, amidst the coral are fascinating marine species of all shapes and sizes that add to the charm of Maalhoss Thila which is well worth exploring.
Amongst the many highlights of diving in Maldives, is the chance to explore sunken wrecks and the Ari Atoll will not disappoint in this regard either. While here, you can plan an underwater excursion to explore the Fesdu Wreck, a former fishing trawler that now rests below the waves. This vessel which has a length of around 30 metres, lies at a depth of approximately 30 metres and has become a home for coral and marine life. It lies near the base of a thila (which is worth exploring too) and offers divers a chance to encounter longnose hawkfish, damselfish, clownfish, glass fish and many other marine species.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
