DIVESITES EMBUDU VILLAGE
Nr. 1
LION’S HEAD
One of the most famous dive sites of the Maldives is “Lion’s Head”. Located in the south of the North Male atoll this classic Maldivian spot owes
its fame to the grey reef sharks which have been feeding here since early Maldivian times. Today the “Lion’s Head” and its big arena are no longer a real dive spot for big fish. Sometimes we
still meet sharks here at deeper depths - anyhow a view away from the reef into the blue water of the Wadoo Channel often earns some reward: once in a while some napoleons, turtles or eagle rays
pass by.
On the steep outside reef we drift along enjoying caves and small washouts for some colourful underwater exploration. At the well-known arena at
about 10 meters depth we can find those picturesque overhangs.
Here we find all the typical wall and steep reef creatures such as morays, lionfish in different colours, big groupers and surgeonfish. The
colourful top of the reef as well as the caves at shallower depths offer us endless diving pleasure during our way up to the surface.
A well-known and famous diving highlight among divers you should add to your diving holiday.
Depth: 5-30 meters
Boat trip: 60 min
Recommendation: lamp
Nr. 2
OLD SHARK POINT
A former shark feeding spot Old Shark Point is not really a big shark place anymore - at deeper depths (25 m +) you can still meet them once in a
while.
However its location at a corner of the outside reef where two current-streams are coming together is the reason for the unbelievable variety of
fish and the play of colours forming the beauty of this spot. The bizarre underwater landscape adds also substantially to this top dive. It seems like climbing in the mountains under water -
caves, edges, washouts and canyons guide our dive. It doesn’t matter if we drift towards the corner or in the other direction - we are pleased by morays, lionfish, sweet lips, groupers and also
bigger fish passing by such as eagle rays. The caves and washouts are always worth a special exploration for sleeping stingrays and hiding napoleons.
The top of the reef offers a world full of colours and marine life making the safety stop a real pleasure.
A top dive offering a lot of fish as well as some special surprise ….
Depth: 5-30 meters
Boat trip: 55 min
Nr. 3
SEPP’S PLACE
Located opposite the Old Shark Point at the other side of the atoll channel, Sepp’s Place offers a totally different
dive surrounding. It’s sandier and also covered with black corals, furthermore we can find a bounty of soft corals here. Compared to the bizarre and thrilling caves at the Old Shark Point the
caves and washouts here are more soft, smooth and colourful.
A dive spot perfectly suited for easy and shallow enthusiasts.
Depth: 7-30 meters
Boat trip: 55 min
Nr. 4
DRAGON’S MOUTH
A well protected inlet of the outside reef offering a number of caves. In both directions we can swim - we start at deeper depths passing huge fan
corals then one level shallower on our way back we are surprised by colourful caves to look at soft corals and colourful sponges. The sweet lip fish, soldier fish and reef groupers are getting
after meal treatment by some cleaning fish so a special diving experience is guaranteed. “Protected” by schools of fish we have to dive through first the most beautiful and most colourful caves
we find at shallower depths around 10 to 15 meters.
An easy and very colourful dive very well suited to take your underwater camera with you.
Depth: 5-30 meters
Boat trip: 45 min
Recommendation: lamp
Nr. 5
PUDEL’S PLACE
Here at the southern end of the North Male Atoll the reef is quite steep.
At about 17 m you will find very nice caves, which expand down to even deeper than 30 m. Yet they invite you to dive into or even through....
Different kinds of soft corals, sea fans, gorgonians and sponges let you never forget this colourful dive site.
Located directly at the Wadoo Channel you have good chances to see big fish yet you also can find lion- or even stonefish.... don’t forget to watch in the blue
water!
Depth: 5-30 meters
Boat trip: 45 min
Recommendation: lamp
Nr. 7
VICTORY
A trip out to the wreck of the Maldivian Victory is always a dive highlight. Compared to other dive bases forced to do daytrips due to long distances, Diverland
Embudu offers a boat trip of just an hour out to this old cargo ship of about 60 meters length. Descending by the anchor rope and the mast we reach this mysterious ship laying between 20 and 30
meters depth offering an exciting dive due to current and depth. You can “stay” on the bridge watching down to the upper deck or go for some exploration into the freight area of the ship. A lot
of soft corals have already settled on the wreck and a lot of lionfish, snappers and big batfish (the biggest you can see around) here to see.
Totally different to the other reef spots it is a real change and also a highlight for our experienced divers.
This dive is only recommended for experienced divers.
Depth: 22-30 meters
Boat trip: 60 min
Recommendation: Nitrox, lamp
Nr. 10 / 11 / 12
VELLASARU CAVES SOUTH-, NORTH / CORNER
Attracted by one cave after another we are gliding with the current from one washout to the next. They are reaching up smoothly to very shallow depths and we are
able to enjoy all the forms and colours. A colourful and very nice outside reef offering plenty of marine life not only on the reef but also in the blue water if you take a look out to the Wadoo
Channel once in a while. Especially the top of the reef always pleases us on the way up with its schools of banner fish passing by slowly.
A soft dive site offering plenty of fish and marine life.
Depth: 5-30 meters
Boat trip: 40-45 min
Recommendation: lamp
Nr. 13
WADOO CORAL GARDEN
As the name implies Wadoo Coral Garden offers a great variety of beautiful and colourful coral formations changing with some sandy places in between.
At this dive site located at the Wadoo house reef some turtles and also baby sharks are living. In addition to these attractions Wadoo Coral Garden offers a lot of
other marine life also - morays, soldier fish, groupers and lobsters are to be seen.
A very nice and relaxing dive interesting also due to its coral formations.
Depth: 3-25 meters
Boat trip: 35 min
Nr. 14
WADOO CAVES
Cave diving at its finest! Hard to compare with other cave dive sites, Wadoo Caves offers a unique and special atmosphere.
At Wadoo Caves we find huge washouts and big caves appearing mystic and mysterious. The cover has bright blue and yellow colours and also the light at deeper depths
offers a unique atmosphere.
Relaxing in these washouts you can enjoy yourself and watch your air bubbles on their way up. A lot of soldier fish and banner fish are swimming upside down along
the ceiling. We start with the deep caves home to big stingrays once in a while and then we drift with the current - always ascending with the caves becoming shallower and shallower. Through
schools of fusilier fish, beside big groupers, surgeon fish and morays we reach the top of the reef offering some smaller washouts and overhangs nicely covered with colourful soft
corals.
All divers interested in caves should explore this dive site!
Depth: 5-30 meters
Boat trip: 40 min
Recommendation: lamp
Nr. 15
WADOO CHANNEL
Where the Wadoo Channel is at its narrowest we find a smooth and calm underwater landscape - a part of the outside reef going down smoothly and offering a lot of
colourful surprises .
Boxfish “rotating” around trying to hide behind the next coral block, close by lionfish in different colours and morays cleaned by small crabs, or even some marine
life not so easy to detect such as colourful small nudibranchs or the rare “disguise champion” stonefish - all these diving jewels are waiting for us here. Often we meet turtles on the top of the
reef.
The closer we drift to the corner of the small channel inside the atoll, the bigger the chance to see some sharks playing with the current in their hunt for some
food.
A dive site just to enjoy and relax.
Depth: 7-25 meters
Boat trip: 40 min
Nr. 15a
MYSTERY CAVES
This part of the reef between „Wadu Channel“ and „Canyon“ is always worth a wonderful drift dive.
There are several caves and overhangs along the reef. One big cave from 13 to 20 meter invites the divers to dive in. This will be an unforgettable experience and is
an amazing feeling, to be surrounded by the reef like this. It is recommended to bring a lamp to see the whole variety of marine life, soft corals and sponges in these overhangs.
On the sandy ground divers often spot a sleeping nurse shark or leopard shark.
You can see squirrel- and bannerfish swimming upside down along the caves ceiling and with good eyes you will find some scorpion fish or even a stone
fish.
But don’t forget the blue water; often eagle rays, napoleon and white tip sharks are passing by.
To end the dive you drift along the top reef and will be entertained by octopus, surgeon- and parrotfish.
Depth: 5-30 meter
Boat trip: 40 min
Recommendation: Nitrox, lamp
Nr. 16
CANYON
One of the most impressive underwater landscapes is the “Canyon” - an inlet at the reef giving home to countless animals.
In former days a part of the reef broke off and built a huge block next to the outside reef. Swimming through the Canyon offers a view into the underwater variety
here in the Maldives. A lot of small caves and overhangs to explore and a look up to the surface makes your diving heart laugh - the sunbeam is reflected at all the edges and corners and lightens
the Canyon itself - don’t forget your u/w camera!
This dive site also provides us with blue water animals: just after the Canyon at a coral block at about 30m depth sometimes grey-reef sharks are playing or big
napoleons are crossing our way.
A dive-site famous all over the Maldives, a highlight to remember.
Depth: 5-30 meters
Boat trip: 40 min
Recommendation: lamp
Nr. 17
CATHEDRAL
As the name implies we find a huge overhang on the outside reef making us think of a big cathedral. The decorative cover such as yellow sponges hanging down from the
ceiling gives us the impression they are created by a sculptor. Also the forms and especially the light-atmosphere contribute substantially to remind us of a Gothic church.
After our visit in the church we drift along the reef exploring smaller washouts and caves. The reef here offers a lot of small hiding-places, nice and colourful
corals and sometimes sharks and other bigger blue water creatures.
Cave diving at its finest!
Depth: 4-30 meters
Boat trip: 35 min
Recommendation: lamp
Nr. 18
TURTLE POINT
Softly, not extremely thrilling but very colourful. This reef is waiting to be discovered by enthusiasts about sea-turtles, lobsters and lionfish. But also “Big Game
Freaks” can get a piece of action here by some sharks or stingrays passing by. Interesting formations of coral-blocks to hide under attract a lot of animals. Once in a while a sleeping
nurse-shark can be found under these blocks while other smaller fish watch out.
The top of the reef offers plenty of colours and reef fish for divers during the safety stop and on the way up to the surface.
Suited for all kinds of divers, especially for experienced ones not always on the hunt for the extreme thrill. Divers on the search for some colourful changes
appreciate this dive site.
Depth: 5-25 meters
Boat trip: 25 min
Nr. 19
THE WALL
Drifting along this extremely steep wall and also overhangs the Wadoo Channel gives up one of its nicest parts. Being suspended like a spaceman and gliding beside
and not on the top of the reef is the thrill about wall diving.
And “The Wall” offers it all - several kinds of morays are watching out from their holes and lionfish please us with their colourful display. Anemones, home to
clownfish are passed by. It’s impressive to watch this drop-off nicely covered with corals reminding us on a field of grass in the mountains.
Once in a while risk a look out into the blue water of the Wadoo Channel - some surprise might pass by - eagle rays and sharks are not uncommon at the
Wall.
Close to Embudu this drift dive will please beginners as well as diving “Pros”!
Depth: 5-30 meters
Boat trip: 35 min
Recommendation: lamp
Nr. 20
EMBUDU CORNER
Where the Wadoo Channel leads to the Indian Ocean we find a diversified reef offering steep drop-offs interrupted by softer sections.
All the variety of Wadoo Channel’s reef-formations
and marine-life is to be found here: Walls covered with sponges and soft corals, small caves used by morays as
resting and cleaning places. A lot of lionfish and other
small reef fish give joy to your dive - still don’t forget the sharks once in a while relaxing on the bottom close to the
reef.
This varied dive-site pleases by its interesting reef formation.
Depth: 30 meters
Boat trip: 15 min
Nr. 22
EMBUDU FINOLHU OUTSIDE
An outside-reef going down softly and finding its end on sandy ground at about 25 - 30 meters. The reef offers beautiful corals, a lot of reef-life and smaller
creatures.
“Sleeping” white-tip-reef sharks and stingrays on the sandy bottom can often be an attraction at Embudu Finolhu Outside.
Sometimes - if a good portion of luck is with us - a diver’s dream may come true. Plankton eating Mantas and even Whale sharks have been seen and reported
here.
An easy and colourful dive - always keeping some surprise in the pocket.
Depth: 5-30 meters
Boat trip: 25 min
Nr. 23
EMBUDU EXPRESS
Just around the corner close to Embudu the experienced diver can expect a deep and short action-drift-dive. Descending directly at the edge of the reef we dive
diagonal to the current into the middle of the channel where we hold on at the drop off at a depth of about 36m. As an exception to the rule the reef isn’t very beautiful there. But in front out
in the blue-water we get a collection of big-fish playing with the current; impressive and thrilling in a way you are often not able to realize what really has happened till you’re back on the
boat.
What a diver dreams of his whole dive-life through can become reality down at the Embudu Express: eagle-rays in formation (up to 20 and maybe more, huge stingrays,
schools of jack fish and barracudas, big groupers and of course a countless number of sharks.
To see all these sharks playing with the current is simply fantastic - watching them turn off and then come quite close again playfully swimming against the strong
current whilst we hang on a coral block and try not to be swept off.
After this overload of impressions we drift with the current into the channel following the Thilas and later surface in the blue-water.
Due to the depth, strong current, fast descent and surfacing in the blue-water this dive is only for experienced divers - Embudu Express isn’t just one of our
highlights here it is also one of the best dives in the world!
Only dived under special current conditions
Not recommended for inexperienced divers
Depth: 30 meters
Boat trip: 15 min
Recommendation: Nitrox
Nr. 24
EMBUDU THILA
“What is down under makes the value” - a hidden diving-jewel not able to be seen from the surface is just in front of our tropical island in the middle of the
Embudu Channel. In the same direction than the side-walls of the channel there is a unique reef with its cover, overgrowth and variety of animals …. But hardly dived!
The first Thila is sometimes visited very shortly by the divers coming from the Embudu Express on their way up to the surface. The second Thila mostly remains
untouched. Very colourful and covered with corals untypical for the Maldivian area this reef is perfectly suited for taking pictures or …. Just relax! Only a very small current offers us the
chance to dive these two Thilas.
An easy dive - especially for enthusiasts about photography and “lovers” of fine details.
Depth: 30 meters
Boat trip: 13 min
Recommendation: Nitrox
Nr. 25
EMBUDU CHANNEL
We call it the “soft version” of the famous Embudu Express (Nr.23) - especially for not so experienced divers who want the chance to get the thrill of the exciting
spectacle Embudu Express offers.
To decrease the risk of being caught by the current and drifting over the top of the reef we start the Embudu Channel dive a bit further out on the outside reef and
follow the current to the channel.
The closer we get to the drop-off the more sharks are approaching out of the blue. Grey reef-sharks - first a bit shy - but later get closer to the divers. Often we
also meet white-tips, barracudas, napoleons and schools of eagle-rays there.
Directly at the corner - not in the middle of the channel like the Embudu Express - we hold on and enjoy these creatures playing with the current. Again the
no-decompression limit forces us to let go and we drift into the channel with the reef on the left hand side being able to enjoy the variety of fish at this reef during our way up to the
surface.
Only dived under special current conditions
Not recommended for inexperienced divers
Depth: 5-30 meters
Boat trip: 15 min
Recommendation: Nitrox
Nr. 26
FUSILIER REEF
This reefs location at the east drop-off of the South-Male-Atoll close to the Embudu Channel attracts a host of reef fish and also smaller predatory
fish.
Colourful fusilier fish with bright blues and yellows offer an impressive experience by the thousands. Once gliding slowly next to the diver; once moving fast like a
flying arrow along the reef these fish-schools are going to please every diver’s heart.
In addition to the great variety of fish this reef shows an intact and dense overgrowth of corals giving another colourful part to your dive.
Depth: 5-30 meters
Boat trip: 25 min
Nr. 27
TURTLE REEF
Located on the east-side of the South-Male Atoll this reef offers a good basis for the appearance of sea-turtles.
The reef shows a very dense and varied cover of corals which is used by these interesting animals as necessary hiding places to feel “home” and it also guarantees a
great variety of food.
Furthermore we can find many other colourful reef-inhabitants such as boxfish, porcupine fish, surgeonfish and schools of banner fish.
Easy and relaxing this dive can be
joined and enjoyed by everyone!
Depth: 5-20 meters
Boat trip: 35 min
Nr. 28
Gulhi Outside
This dive spot on the outside of the atoll is a „must“ for beginners as well as advanced divers. With mostly small current we drift along the reef, escorted by
turtles and schools of fish. The reef drops down from 6 to over 30 meter. Every depth offers a variety of different marine life and there is lots to discover. Turtles, morays, lobster and all
different reef fishes want to be seen and the variety of corals are a perfect hide away for lion fish, nudibranches and scorpion fish.
Diving along the reef closer to the Gulhi Channel you’ll find two sandbanks at 25 and 30 m. Here you can see sleeping white tip reef sharks as well as sting
rays.
Gulhi Outside – a dive spot which always gives surprises….
Depth: 6-30 meters
Boat trip: 45 min
Nr. 29
GULHI CHANNEL
An exciting and thrilling drift-dive starting on the outside-reef and ending in the channel itself. At the channel drop-off corner where the current is at its
strongest we hold on to watch the sharks playing with the current. Very often some of these white-tip and grey-reef sharks are getting very close to the divers.
Not just sharks - also big stingrays and schools of eagle-rays sometimes approach out of the blue water.
Of course we will never get fed up by all this action but the no-decompression -limit forces us to let go and we drift with the current into the channel. Either you
go along the reef where you can search out some nice caves and washouts for stingrays before finishing the dive at the top of the reef - or you chose the blue-water-ascent, always ready for some
surprising experiences.
Only dived under special current conditions
Not recommended for inexperienced divers
Depth: 10-27 meters
Boat trip: 45 min
Recommendation: Nitrox
Nr. 30
MANTA POINT
From June till October some Mantas are visiting a cleaning station located in an atoll-channel near the island of Gulhi.
After a blue-water-entry we dive against the current close to a coral block in the middle of the channel which is used as a cleaning station by these impressive and
fascinating animals.
Holding on to the ground near this coral block we watch the “giants of the sea” - the Mantas. Gliding with unbelievable elegant movements they are approaching from
the drop-off of the channel and stop exactly in front of our eyes. Playing with the current they open their wings to be cleaned by all the little cleaning-fish around the coral
block.
After this treatment they sometimes glide slowly and very close above our heads and take a “shower” in our air-bubbles.
An unforgettable diving experience!
Only dived under special current conditions
Not recommended for beginners
Depth: 15 meters
Boat trip: 55 min
Nr. 32
LEMON REEF
As “small brother” of the famous Potato-Reef this inside-reef also inspires you by offering a lot of colourful caves and overhangs as well as plenty of reef-fish and
also smaller animals.
After the boat has anchored you will go for an exploration trip around this reef.
The part showing to Dhigufinolhu goes down very smoothly with sandy places and bizarre coral formations. The other part drops off vertically and also offers
overhangs.
The watchful diver will find rare species of nudibranchs and crayfish. Also turtles pass by once in a while.
A calm, easy and colourful dive suitable for photography (especially macro-pictures) and for beginners.
Depth: 2-25 meters
Boat trip: 60 min
Recommendation: lamp
Nr. 33
POTATO REEF
Located approximately 1 hour south of Embudu this inside-reef is quite uncommon and not typical for the Maldivian area.
After anchoring the boat the divers have plenty of time to surround this “potato-round” reef. Mostly between 15m and 20m you can explore all parts of this colourful
inside-reef. One side offers many soft slopes covered with anemones and soft-corals while the other part is overgrown with sponges, soft-corals and offers a variety of colours like no other reef.
The play of red, orange and yellow colours form a tempting contrast to white and pink. Together with all the fish-schools, the clown-fish, banner fish and the blue jackfish a unique symphony of
colours and forms is given. Small and big caves change with steep walls and overhangs and - you will hardly find it somewhere else on the Maldives - some caves offer the opportunity to dive into;
you can swim into and exit at another entry. So you can dive through colourful channels and chimneys.
As an additional highlight you will find the wreck of a small cargo ship close to the reef. It is already nicely overgrown and adds some adventurous thrill and
atmosphere to your dive.
Potato-reef offers an easy and current-free dive - so it doesn’t only perfectly fit beginners but also for enthusiasts about details and photography. Those who are
addicted to beautiful colours will lose their diving-heart to this colourful place.
Depth: 5-28 meters
Boat trip: 60 min
Recommendation: lamp
Nr. 34
DIGU THILA
This long thila lies in the middle of the channel, south of Ghuli Island. The thila runs east – west, rising to around 10 meters at the western end. The eastern end
joins the shallow entrance to the channel.
We dive the north part of the thila with overhangs and caves between 15 and 20 meters. There is a rich display of soft coral on the reef and seafans in
the caves. Fish life on the thila is prolific with large schools of basslet and snapper and aggregations of bannerfish and sweetlips. Sharks and turtles as well as the “macro life” impress the
divers. Nudibranchs, flatworms and shrimps are wonderful motives for your pictures.
The top of the thila reef is covered with nice coral formations and blocks where you can find hiding morays and
turtles.
The thila is only to be dived under special current conditions.
Depth: 10-30 meters
Boat trip: 50 min
Recommendation: Nitrox
Nr. 35
MAAFUSHI CAVES
There is one spectacular cave on the north side of a small reef between Maafushi and Dhighufinolhu. Its opening is on the reef top at five meters and the cave drops
through the reef to 20 meters. This big overhang invites you to stay and take your time to watch the huge variety of reef life.
Eagle rays are often seen here; and it is a top spot for photographers who don’t want to miss morays with cleaner shrimps, nudibranchs, hawk fish and the colourful
covered overhangs.
Depth: 5-30 meters
Boat trip: 60 min
Recommendation: Lamp
Nr. 36
COCOA CORNER
The north side of Biyaadhoo Kandu has many caves and overhangs near the corner between five to 20 meters. The channel wall is steep – at one point it is undercut
from five to 20 meters – whereas the outside reef corner slopes more gently. The channel is quite deep, descending to 40 meters. Inside the channel 200 meters from the corner, is a large outcrop
of reef 20 meters long at a depth of 30 meters. Turtles frequent the reef, as well as surgeon and black snapper.
At the corner you can meet reef sharks, rays and napoleons and you might spot a
sleeping leopard shark in the sand.
Depth: 5-30 meters
Boat trip: fullday
Recommendation: Nitrox
Nr. 37
KANDOOMA THILA
Shaped like a teardrop, this 300 meter long thila is nothing to cry about. It is one of the most exciting dives in South Male Atoll and boasts great scenery as
well as prolific fish life. The west and north sides are the most spectacular, with the top at 16 meters. At the north-western corner of the thila (Jack Corner), is a cave at 23 meters with soft
coral but the main feature here are the dense schools of big-eye trevally and red bass, tunas and barracudas. There are several large outcrops of rock near the west corner on the north side
covered with bright soft corals. On the reef edge are caves and overhangs full of interesting marine life. Along the reef you will see eagle rays and reef sharks but for most of the divers the
highlight is to find the big green turtles, sleeping and strolling on the top of the reef.
Depth: 16-30 meters
Boat trip: fullday
Recommendation: Nitrox
Nr. 38
KANDOOMA CAVES
One of the underwater marvels of the Maldives are the huge caves on the reef corner near Kandooma Island. They are among the largest caverns to be found in the
tourist atolls. Just 50 meters from the corner are two huge caves close to one another; one is at 20 meters with a hole in the roof at 10 meters; the other is at a depth of 16 meters. The 16
meter cave is about 70 meters long and has a curly overhang blocking out much of the light inside. Take a torch! Inside are yellow sponges, seafans and small tube corals and very often giant
morays.
Further inside the channel are overhangs and another two caves, one which starts at 10 meters and has a hole in the top at three meters.
There are many grouper and squirrelfish to be found in the caves and along the reef are clown triggerfish, napoleon, sweetlip and angelfish and - most impressive -
the big green turtles.
Kandooma Caves has to be in every divers logbook….
Depth: 16-30 meters
Boat trip: fullday
Recommendation: Nitrox, lamp
Nr. 40
Guraidhoo Channel
The entire Guraidhoo Channel between Guraidhoo Faru and Maadhoo Falhu has been declared a Protected Marine Area.
With ingoing current this dive site promises a unique diving opportunity for viewing a wide range of fish life. The outside reef has many reef fish including
schooling bannerfish as well as turtles and many species of grouper. Near the corner, big schools of fusilier, rainbow runner, tuna and trevally congregate, while on the corner at 25 meters, grey
reef sharks and snapper prey on fish. Napoleon and eagle rays also pass by.
A long cave with fans, sponges and soft corals at 16 meters on the corner is a quiet refuge, not only for cave-dwelling fish, but for divers seeking a break from the
currents.
Inside the channel, a series of caves and overhangs occur at 10 meters while below are numerous outcrops of reef. At one point inside the channel is a huge overhang
descending from the reef top at five meters to over 30 meters.
Currents can be troublesome through this channel. A whirlpool effect dragging divers up and down can occur.
This dive also is only recommended for experienced divers.
Only dived under special current conditions
Not recommended for inexperienced divers
Depth: 5-30 meters
Boat trip: fullday
Recommendation: Nitrox
Nr. 41
MEDHU FARU
The south side of Medhu Faru has many impressive features making it one of the most scenic drift dives.
With an ingoing current, divers can start on the outside reef
where a long ledge at 30 meters sweeps round the corner into Guraidhoo Kandu. With wavering seafans springing out from the ledge, soft coral in abundance and big fish – sharks, barracuda and
napoleon – in the open ocean, this is a sensational start to an exhilarating dive.
Near the corner, the wall of the channel becomes more steep and the current accelerates through the pass. A
large rock draped in soft coral lies near the corner forming a small canyon at 18 meters. Sharks, trevally, tuna and fusilier congregate here. At 10 to 15 meters there are caves and ledges well
worth a visit. One big overhang cuts through the reef from three to 30 meters. A sandy bay 250 meters inside the channel complete the picture.
Strong outgoing currents can be dangerous at Medhu Faru that’s why this dive spot is only to dive under special current conditions.
Depth: 5-30 meters
Boat trip: fullday
Nr. 42
Wari Giri
If we call the Lemon Reef „little brother“, Wari Giri must be „little sister“ of the Potato Reef
The “underwater hill” comes up to 3 m depth and you can swim around slow and easy. As currents are very rare around this reef, the spot is perfect for beginners and
photographers. The Macro-life varies from Mantis shrimps, nudibranches, flatworms, and shrimps. The wonderful corals offer perfect camouflage for scorpion- and stone fish, overhangs and
caves offer shelter for lionfish, morays and lobster. Above the sandy part of the reef fuseliers and different schools of juveniles find their beat.
The perfect dive spot for all “Macro photographers” and those looking for an relaxing but diversified dive.
Depth: 3-30 meters
Boat trip: 50 min
Recommendation: Lamp
Nr. 43
Gulhi Beyru
With either an outgoing or ingoing current, Gulhi Beyru promises a unique diving opportunity for viewing a wide range of fish life. The outside reef has many reef
fish including tunas, big moray eels and eagle rays. Overhangs and caves at 25-30 meters with fans, sponges and soft coral is a quiet refuge for cave-dwelling fish.
At the corner in about 25
meters it is possible to see white tip reef sharks and stingrays. Inside the channel a series of caves and overhangs occur. Beautiful corals and bizarre coral formations impress the divers. More
inside the channel at 30 meters are two big rocks forming a canyon. Big schools of fish as well as turtles and Napoleon ensure a variety of fish life.
Currents can be quite strong in the channel. It’s important to dive close to the reef and not to lose orientation.
Depth: 5-30 meters
Boat trip: 45 min
Recommendation: Nitrox
Nr. 44
MANTA POINT / LANKAN CAVES
Manta Point has a wide reputation as one of the most consistent sites for attracting large numbers of big manta rays. In 15 meters depth on the south east corner of
Lankanfinolhu reef are several large coral rocks which mark the point where mantas converge during the south-west monsoon season. Mantas have been photographed here as early as April and as late
as November. These rocks are one giant cleaner station for the mantas. Cleaner wrasses can be observed swimming out to the hovering mantas to remove old skin and parasites. The mantas circle the
rocks awaiting their turn to be cleaned and when they are finished they swim gracefully up and down the reef feeding on plankton in the shallow water.
Sometimes mantas come so close you can almost touch them, however divers are asked not to chase or harass mantas as they are easily frightened and less inclined to
return in the future. Do not hold the top of the coral rocks or the mantas may think the cleaning station is occupied.
On a sandy section at 20 meters are a number of white tip reef sharks and near the southern tip of Lankanfinolhu reef is Lankan Caves. A long section of overhangs
and caves between five and 15 meters where many parrotfish, surgeon, trevally and emperor fish can be seen.
Depth: 5-30 meters
Boat trip: fullday
Nr. 45
BANANA REEF
Banana Reef, named after its shape when viewed from the air, was one of the first dive sites to be discovered in the Maldives.
The best diving is at the north
eastern end where there are big spectacular rocks, caves, deep gutters and precipitous overhangs. The scenery is amazing and around these big rocks predatory fisch like barracuda, trevally and
black snapper converge.
Here also are large morays that entwine themselves in green coral trees.
The caves have several species of grouper, some pufferfish and many smaller species of wrasse.
Cleaner wrasse are common, often swimming well out from the reef and into schools of dark-banded fusilier.
At the west end a semi-circular wall drops steeply to 25 meters. There is a big cave
here between 10 and 15 meters with crimson soldierfish and shadow-fin soldierfish. Many swim upside down and all have big eyes to see in the dark. A little deeper is a small cave at 20 meters
with morays and groupers inside.
On the reef top is some very beautiful natural cover and on cliffs and ledges between three and 10 meters is colourful sponge and coral.
Depth: 3-30 meters
Boat trip: fullday