DIVERLAND MALDIVES

No. 1

LION'S HEAD

Lion's Head is arguably one of the most famous dive sites in the Maldives. This "Maldives classic" in the southern North Male Atoll owes its fame to the grey reef sharks that were fed here at the beginning of diving tourism. Today, Lion's Head, with its arena, is only a limited dive site for large fish. However, at greater depths, shark encounters can be expected from time to time. Just as a glimpse into the blue waters of the Wadoo Channel is always worthwhile; encounters with eagle rays, turtles, and Napoleon wrasse are common here. We drift along the steeply sloping outer reef with the current. The reef stretches down in brilliant colors, with repeated washouts and overhangs beckoning for exploration, and at the arena at a depth of ten meters, we also find those legendary overhangs that have become so famous as photo motifs. These steep walls are also home to their typical inhabitants: moray eels with cleaner shrimps, lionfish in a variety of colors, large groupers, and surgeonfish. Both the caves in the shallow areas and the colorful reef roof make diving a real pleasure. This world-famous spot remains a holiday highlight for many divers.

Depth: 5-30 m

Meter travel time: 60 min.

Recommendation: Lamp

No. 2
OLD SHARK POINT

A former shark feeding site, Old Shark Point is now only occasionally a spot for large fish (at depths of 25 meters and above). The beauty of Old Shark Point, however, lies in the splendor of colors that stems from its location at a corner of the outer reef. The confluence of two currents here creates an incredible abundance of fish and a bizarre underwater landscape.

Those who enjoy mountain climbing will also be captivated by this "underwater mountain landscape" with its overhangs, drop-offs, caves, and ledges. Depending on the current, you can drift toward or away from the reef corner, where lobsters, leaffish, moray eels, stonefish, numerous sweetlips, and groupers live in a protected canyon; lionfish drift along the ceiling in the caves; and where giant Napoleon wrasse, eagle rays, and stingrays often sleep beneath the ledges and drop-offs.

A fish-rich dive full of surprises.

Depth: 5-30 meters
Travel time: 55

No. 3

SEPP'S PLACE

Directly opposite Old Shark Point, on the other side of the channel, lies Sepp's Place, which is quite different from Old Shark Point. It's a bit sandier, therefore covered with more black coral, as well as clusters of colorful soft corals. It's not as deep, but just as (like any outer reef dive site) ideal for encounters with large fish.

The caves cannot be described as bizarre or exciting (as at Old Shark Point), but as colorful, gentle and peaceful.

A dive for lovers of detail, sponges, small fish and beautifully overgrown caves.

Depth: 7-30 meters
Travel time: 55 min.

No. 4

DRAGON'S MOUTH

A protected indentation in the outer reef holds countless caves. The diver swims first in one direction, then in the other, passing large fan corals further down. When he turns around and dives one "level" higher along the reef, he is continually surprised by new, colorful caves, both small and large, which he cannot swim into, but into which he can peer.

Soft corals and sponges form the backdrop for sweetlips, soldierfish, and small groupers, which have their gills and teeth cleaned by blue cleaner fish in the caves. The most beautiful and colorful caves are located in the shallow areas, about 10 to 15 meters deep. In front of them are colorful schools of fish that arrogantly turn aside as you swim through them.
A calm, colorful dive, very suitable for photography (especially macro shots) and for beginners.

Depth: 5-30 meters
Travel time: 45 min.
Recommendation: Lamp

No. 5

Poodle's Place

Here, at the southern end of North Male Atoll, the reef drops off relatively steeply. From about 17 meters, divers are presented with beautiful outcrops and caves that extend beyond the 30-meter mark. Nevertheless, they invite you to dive into them or even through them. The various species of soft corals, gorgonians, and sponges make this colorful diving experience unforgettable. Keep your eyes open; frogfish can often be spotted here. Since the dive site is located directly on the Wadoo Channel, encounters with large fish are also possible. Scorpionfish and/or stonefish are also frequently seen.

Depth: 5-30 meters

Travel time: 45 min.

Recommendation: Lamp

No. 7
WRECK "VICTORY"

Almost every dive center in North and South Male Atoll offers a trip to the Victory wreck, with most offering a day trip. From Embudu, however, the Victory is just under an hour's boat ride away.
The “Victory”, a 3500 ton freighter, 110 meters long, sank in 1981 – on a Friday the 13th.

On its voyage from Singapore to Male, the captain deviated from the buoy-marked route shortly before reaching its destination, causing the freighter to run aground on the Hulul reef at full speed. The ship sank within minutes, but the crew and passengers fortunately survived the crash unharmed.
The sinister ship, which can be reached by swimming down the anchor line and down the mast, lies at a depth of between 20 and 30 meters and offers a challenging dive (due to currents and depth), where you can stand on the bridge and look down at the deck, manipulate the steering wheel, or swim into the cargo holds. What's particularly striking are the many soft corals and even stag corals that have settled on the iron, as well as the lionfish, snappers, and large batfish (the largest to be seen in the area!) that have chosen the wreck as their new home.
A dive site that is definitely different from the reef sites and is a welcome change for experienced divers.

Depth: 22-30 meters
Travel time: 60 min.
Recommendation: Nitrox, lamp

No. 10 / 11 / 12

VELLASARU CAVES SOUTH, NORTH/CORNER

One cave after another beckons, drifting with the current and entering one after the other, experiencing how the caves gently descend to ever-shallower depths, enjoying not only the colors and shapes within the small caves themselves but also the vibrant activity and life of the small and large fish outside. The sun shines in, refracting off the reef with its small overhangs and illuminating the water and the reef from above. At this dive site, there's a very good chance of spotting a very rare shark: a four-meter-long, dark thresher shark (or thresher shark). A gentle dive site with plenty of fish.

Depth: 5-30 meters

Travel time: 40-45 min,

Recommendation: Lamp

No. 13

WADOO CORAL GARDEN

As the name suggests, divers can expect beautiful coral formations alternating with light sandy areas. Wadoo's house reef, where this dive site is located, is home to several turtles and baby sharks. The former are frequently encountered, the latter rarely. But these two species shouldn't be the only reason to visit the reef. The other marine creatures that live between and on the reef blocks also promise an interesting and relaxing dive.

Depth: 3-25 meters

Travel time: 35 min.

No. 14
WADOO CAVES

Wadoo Caves is also a cave diving site, but just as every dive is different from the other, Wadoo Caves cannot be compared to other cave diving sites.
Wadoo Caves are large, bulbous caves that appear mystical and mysterious, especially due to their bright blue and yellow vegetation and their depth (up to 30 meters).

In the Wadoo Caves, you can spend a long time on the ceiling, watching your own air bubbles trickle down the roof of the cave and collect in small streams and pools. The fish, many red squirrelfish and bannerfish, swim upside down, belly-up, along the ceiling. When you reach the reef top, divers will also find beautiful small overhangs and caves covered with soft corals.
If you love caves, you must discover this dive site!

Depth: 5-30 meters
Travel time: 40 min
Recommendation: Lamp

No. 15

WADOO CHANNEL

Located at the narrowest point of the Wadoo Channel, this is a tranquil underwater landscape with a variety of fascinating inhabitants.
When trying to get a closer look at the porcupine fish, which quickly hides beneath one of the numerous coral reefs as the diver approaches, one usually also finds a lionfish, a moray eel, a stonefish, nudibranchs, or some other small treasure. Another attraction are the many turtles that have settled at this part of the reef.
The closer the dive leads to the corner of the small atoll channel, the more likely you are to encounter one of the sharks that stand there in the current, searching for food.

A dive that has a lot to offer connoisseurs.

Depth: 7-25 meters
Travel time: 40 min.

No. 15a
MYSTERY CAVES

This reef section, between Wadu Channel and Canyon, is worthy of being described as a dive site in its own right. Several overhangs stretch along the reef. A large cave invites you to dive down to about 20 meters. It extends up to 13 meters and offers an unforgettable experience of being surrounded by the reef. For the overhangs, it's recommended to bring a flashlight to enjoy the full splendor of the soft corals and sponges, and to spot other reef dwellers sheltering within the cave. It's not uncommon to spot a sleeping nurse or leopard shark on the sandy bottom.
You can observe soldierfish and bannerfish swimming headfirst along the cave walls, and those with good eyesight are sure to spot the occasional dragonfish or scorpionfish. However, don't forget to look into the blue water, as eagle rays, Napoleon wrasse, and maybe even the occasional shark are often spotted here. When diving out onto the reef, octopus, surgeonfish, and parrotfish provide entertainment.

Depth: 5-30 meters
Travel time: 40 min
Recommendation: Nitrox, lamp

No. 16
CANYON

One of the most photogenic underwater landscapes is the Canyon, a real break in the reef that has become home to hundreds of different creatures.
Where the canyon offers a sheltered habitat, all kinds of colorful fish can be found. You can swim back and forth in the canyon, first along the bottom (about 20 meters deep), then higher and higher, up to the overhangs and small caves. At every height, there are new details to discover, new types of reef growth to admire. A look up toward the water's surface is worthwhile, because when the sun's rays shine against the edges and corners of the reef, refracting there or brightly illuminating the canyon itself, every diver's (and every photographer's!) heart will sing.
Big fish are also present on this dive: just after the canyon, near a cave and a coral block at a depth of about 28-30m, small reef sharks often play or a Napoleon swims majestically past.

A dive site known throughout the Maldives that delivers what it promises for lovers of detail, spectacular landscapes and big fish.

Depth: 5-30 meters
Travel time: 40 min
Recommendation: Lamp

No. 17

CATHEDRAL

A large overhang on the outer reef is reminiscent of a cathedral. This impression is enhanced not only by the decorative vegetation (e.g., yellow sponges hanging from the ceiling as if carved into stone), but also by the sublime shape and, above all, the light, reminiscent of a Gothic church. Those who drift along the reef after visiting the "cathedral" are likely to encounter some large fish and explore other caves and small niches. On this colorful, diverse reef with its numerous hiding places, there's something for everyone. A beautiful cave diving site.

Depth: 4-30 meters

Travel time: 35 min

Recommendation: Lamp

No. 18

TURTLE POINT

A gentle, unexciting, but very colorful reef awaits lovers of turtles, lobsters, and lionfish. Big fish enthusiasts might also spot the odd shark or stingray here. Interesting coral blocks, in and beneath which all kinds of animals hide, also attract attention. Every now and then, for example, a nurse shark sleeps beneath one of these blocks, and from the various recesses of the blocks, like the inhabitants of an apartment building, various fish peek out. Colorful tube worms have settled on the roof of these corals; they disappear immediately if touched, only to reappear timidly if you wait patiently. Their colorful splendor and delicate structure make them resemble flowers. This spot is especially appreciated by experienced divers who aren't necessarily always looking for extremes, but rather a pleasant change.

Depth: 5-25 meters

Travel time: 25 min.

No. 19

THE WALL

Immediately after jumping into the water, the diver is struck by how extremely steep the reef drops at this point in the Wadoo Channel. Whether you're in the middle, at the top, or at the very bottom, floating in weightlessness, next to rather than above the reef, is something very special. Fan corals jut out from the wall, reticulated moray eels peer out from small holes, and pink, almost fluorescent anemones, unique to this dive site, invite anemonefish to live there. The entire wall is covered with many small tufts, reminiscent of an alpine meadow in their delicacy and color. If the current is weak, you can enjoy the small, flower-like growth; if you drift with a stronger current, you can enjoy the bizarreness of the wall, which impresses every diver. Very close to Embudu, a dive site awaits both beginners and "professionals" that will never forget.

Depth: 5-30 meters

Travel time: 35 min.

No. 20
EMBUDU CORNER

Where the Wadoo Channel flows into the ocean you will find a varied reef with steep drops and shallower passages.
All the reef formations and life forms typical of the Wadoo Channel can be found here. Shallow walls covered with sponges and soft corals, some table corals, small caves that serve as cleaning and resting places for moray eels, lionfish, and, in addition to a large number of small reef fish, the occasional shark can be found resting on the bottom near the reef.
A leisurely dive that is particularly exciting because of the interestingly designed reef.

Depth: 30 meters
Travel time: 15 min.

No. 22

EMBUDU FINOLHU OUTSIDE

A gently sloping outer reef that ends in a sandy area at about 25-30 meters. The reef itself is impressive due to its diverse formations and abundance of lower life. Whitetip reef sharks and, frequently, stingrays, which "sleep" on the sandy bottom, are considered minor attractions. With a lot of luck, you might also encounter a large plankton-feeding fish like a manta ray or even a whale shark. All in all, a peaceful dive that may hold a few surprises.

Depth: 5-30 meters

Travel time: 25 min.

No. 23

EMBUDU EXPRESS

Less than fifteen minutes from the island, a deep, short, and action-packed dive awaits experienced divers. You descend directly to the reef edge and then swim diagonally to the current into the middle of the channel at about 32 meters, where you hold on. The reef at this edge is, for once, not very beautiful. ...But instead, the diver sees a collection of large fish in the blue water, which is usually so impressive that one often only realizes what one has seen after the dive. What a diver normally dreams of a lifetime can be encountered on the Embudu Express: eagle rays in formation (20 or more), enormous stingrays, schools of tuna and barracuda, fat groupers, and countless sharks. It's fantastic to watch the sharks play with the current, return, turn away, and playfully swim against the strong current again, while you hang on a coral block, trying not to be swept away. After this spectacle, you drift with the current into the atoll channel and ascend along the thila and later in the blue water. Although (due to depth, current, rapid descent, and resurfacing in the blue water) this dive is only suitable for experienced divers, the Embudu Express remains one of the highlights of Embudu and certainly one of the best dives in the world. to dive in special currents;

Not suitable for beginners.

Depth: 30 meters

Travel time: 15 min.

Recommendation: Nitrox

No. 24

EMBUDU THILLA

Barely visible from the surface, a hidden gem lies right on our doorstep. In the middle of the Embudu Channel, parallel to both side walls, lies an underwater reef unique in its vegetation and biodiversity, yet rarely dived. Participants on the Embudu Express often take a quick look at the first thila before continuing their ascent in the blue water. The second thila, however, remains mostly unvisited. To allow all divers to visit and photograph this reef, dominated by millions of small fish and a number of soft corals that are unusual for the Maldives, we dive both thilas when the current is light. A calm dive that will especially delight underwater photographers and lovers of fine details.

Depth: 15-30 meters

Travel time: 13 min.

Recommendation: Nitrox

No. 25

EMBUDU CHANNEL

This dive is essentially done at the same location as the Embudu Express (No. 23). To allow even less experienced divers to experience this captivating spectacle, this dive is a bit more "gentle." To reduce the risk of being swept over the reef top by the current, we enter the water a little further along the outer edge of the atoll and then, slowly going deeper, drift with the reef on the left to the Embudu Channel. Once you reach the step leading to the channel, the outlines of grey sharks stand out against the blue background. They are initially suspicious but then approach the divers. Whitetip reef sharks, barracudas, Napoleon wrasse, and schools of eagle rays are also common there. We stay right at the corner—not in the middle of the channel like on the Embudu Express—until the no-decompression limit or the air reserve forces us to surface. Afterwards we let ourselves be carried by the current into the channel, making sure to stay close to the left wall so that we can admire the biodiversity of this reef during the ascent phase and the safety stop. Only to be dived during special currents

Only conditionally recommended for inexperienced divers

Depth: 20-30 meters

Travel time: 15 min.

Recommendation: Nitrox

No. 26

FUSELIER REEF

The location of this reef on the eastern edge of South Male Atoll and its proximity to the Embudu Channel attract countless reef fish and small predatory fish. The colorful fusiliers, with their brilliant blue and yellow colors, offer an impressive spectacle in their thousands. At one point, they hover lazily close to the diver. Shortly afterwards, the entire school flees in a zigzag pattern, its flashing colors resembling a firework display. It's not just the diversity of fish that makes this quiet dive so interesting, but also the bizarre coral formations on the reef top.

Depth: 5-30 meters

Travel time: 25 min.

No. 27

TURTLE REEF

Both the location and vegetation of this reef, located on the eastern side of the South Male Atoll, are the basis for the increased presence of sea turtles. The reef features very dense and diverse coral growth, which provides these interesting creatures with both the necessary hiding places and a plentiful food source. Furthermore, many colorful reef dwellers can be found here, such as boxfish, porcupinefish, surgeonfish, and large schools of bannerfish. Since the turtles prefer to stay at the top of the reef, this site is very shallow. The resulting lower air consumption allows for long dives.

Depth: 5-20 meters

Travel time: 35 min.

No. 28

Gulhi Outside

This dive site, located on the outer reef, is a must-see for both beginners and experienced divers. With a mostly gentle current, you drift along the reef, accompanied by turtles and schools of fish. The reef begins at a depth of approximately six meters and then drops to over 30 meters. At every depth, the reef presents itself as diverse, and there is much to discover. Turtles, moray eels, lobsters, and many colorful reef fish frolic. The diverse corals also provide hiding places for lionfish, nudibranchs, scorpionfish, and stonefish. Diving further toward Gulhi Channel, you will come across two sandy areas at depths of 25 and 30 meters. Sleeping whitetip reef sharks and stingrays can usually be found here. Gulhi Outside – a dive site that's always good for a surprise...

Depth: 6-30 meters

Travel time: 45 min

No. 29

Gulhi Channel

An exciting drift dive that begins on the outer reef and ends in the channel. At the entrance to the channel, where the current is strongest, we hold on tight and watch the sharks circling there. Some whitetip reef sharks and grey sharks come quite close to the diver. Not only sharks, but also stingrays and eagle rays make the heart of any big-fish lover beat faster. Once you've had your fill of the view, you simply let go and are carried by the current into the channel, where you can then, as you please, either ascend along the colorful and interesting reef or choose the free-floating option in the blue water. Strong current

Not suitable for beginners

Depth: 15-27 meters

MeterTravel time: 45 min

Recommendation: Nitrox

No. 30

MANTA POINT

From June to October, several manta rays visit a cleaning station in an atoll channel near Gulhi. After a dive into the blue water, we dive diagonally to the current into the middle of the channel to a coral block that serves as a cleaning station for these impressive animals. We settle there and watch the manta rays as they gracefully emerge from the channel, stopping right in front of us to be groomed by the cleaner fish. Sometimes they sail slowly over our heads and "bathe" in our air bubbles. An unforgettable experience for every diver. To be dived only during specific currents.

Not recommended for beginners

Depth: 15 meters

Travel time: 55 min

No. 31
LEMON REEF

As the “little brother” of Potato Reef, this inner reef also impresses with its colorful caves and overhangs, as well as an almost inexhaustible diversity of reef fish and lower animals.
On this dive, the boat anchors while the divers explore the reef. The side facing Dhigufinolhu slopes gently, is somewhat sandier, and covered with bizarre formations of staghorn corals. While the other side drops vertically and also forms overhangs.
Attentive divers will discover rare species of nudibranchs and crustaceans here, and encounters with sea turtles are also occasionally encountered.
A calm, colorful dive, very suitable for photography (especially macro shots) and for beginners.

Depth: 2–25 meters
Travel time: 60 min
Recommendation: Lamp

No. 32

POTATO REEF

To the south of Embudu, about an hour away, lies an inner reef that is unusual and atypical for the Maldives. After anchoring the boat, divers swim around the circular reef (about 30 to 50 minutes) and explore all sides of this inner reef at shallow depths (up to 18 meters, maximum 20 meters). One side features many gentle slopes covered with anemones and soft corals; the other side is densely covered with sponges and soft corals and is as colorful as any reef. Shades of brown, red, orange, and yellow contrast attractively with bright white and purple. Combined with the swirling schools of fish, anemonefish, bannerfish, and blue jacks just off the reef, the result is a symphony of colors and shapes. Small and large caves alternate with steep slopes, and—something rarely found elsewhere in the Maldives—some even invite you to swim in through one entrance and out through another (located above or below), allowing you to swim through colorful channels and chimneys if you enjoy it. As an additional attraction, the wreck of a small freighter was sunk. The ship is already beautifully overgrown, lending the dive an even more adventurous atmosphere. The dive is easy, completely current-free, and, due to its shallow depth, ideal for beginners, but also for detail enthusiasts and photographers. A must for anyone who loves beautiful colors.

Depth: 5-30 meters

Travel time: 60 min

Recommendation: Lamp

No. 33
DIGU THILA

This long thila lies south of Ghuli Island, in the middle of the channel. It stretches from west to east and rises to ten meters in the west. To the east, it flows into the channel's entrance.
We dived the north side of the thila. At a depth of approximately 20 m, we encountered a series of overhangs and caves. These caves boast a dense array of soft corals and sponges. The fish population at the thila is abundant, with large schools of snappers and anthias, as well as clusters of bannerfish and sweetlips. Sharks and turtles can also be regularly observed. Fans of "smaller" fish will also get their money's worth, as they can also find various species of nudibranchs, flatworms, and shrimp. The roof of the thila also offers beautiful coral formations and blocks where moray eels and turtles play hide-and-seek.
The Thila can only be dived under certain current conditions.

Depth: 10-30 meters
Travel time: 50 min.
Recommendation: Nitrox

No. 34
MAAFUSHI CAVES

A spectacular cave is located on the north side of a small reef between the islands of Maafushi and Dhighufinolhu. Its opening is located at a depth of five meters on the reef top and leads through the reef to a depth of 20 meters. The large overhang invites you to linger, and you should take your time to observe the numerous reef inhabitants sheltered within the cave.
Eagle rays are often seen on this reef; it is also a prime spot for photographers who don't want to miss out on subjects such as moray eels with cleaner shrimps, anthias, nudibranchs, and, of course, the beautifully overgrown overhangs.

Depth: 5-30 meters
Travel time: 60 min.
Recommendation: Lamp

No. 35
COCOA CORNER

North of the Biyaadhoo channel, adjacent to the corner, there are numerous caves and overhangs at depths between five and 20 meters. The reef wall leading to the channel is steep; in one spot, it even undermines the reef at depths of five to 20 meters, while the drop-off at the outer corner is more gentle. The channel is quite deep at 40 meters. In the channel, 200 meters from the reef corner, a reef extension extends at a depth of 30 meters, about 20 meters long. Here, you can find turtles, surgeonfish, and black snappers. On the corner, you can also encounter reef sharks, rays, and Napoleon wrasse, and spot a leopard shark sleeping in the sand.

Depth: 5-30 meters
Travel time: Full day trip
Recommendation: Nitrox

No. 36
KANDOOMA THILA

This approximately 300-meter-long, teardrop-shaped thila is among the best the South Male Atoll has to offer. It boasts stunning scenery as well as lush flora and fauna. The most spectacular are the west and north sides, with the reef roof at a depth of 16 meters. At the northwest corner of the thila (Jack Corner), at a depth of 23 meters, there is a cave where the abundance of soft corals is less impressive than the dense schools of jacks, tuna, and barracudas. Further rock formations with beautiful soft corals extend along the reef. Beautifully overgrown caves and overhangs can be found along the edge. Snappers, eagle rays, sharks, and jacks like to congregate here. The highlight for many, however, are the graceful green turtles that like to nestle on the reef roof.

Depth: 16-30 meters
Travel time: Full day trip
Recommendation: Nitrox

No. 37
KANDOOMA CAVES

One of the underwater wonders of the Maldives are the enormous caves at the reef corner near Kandooma Island. They are among the largest known in the tourist atolls. Just 50 meters from the corner, two large caves lie close together. One is located at a depth of 20 meters with a hole in the ceiling at 10 meters. The other is at 16 meters. The latter cave is about 70 meters long and has twisting overhangs, so little light penetrates. A flashlight is recommended here to admire the soft corals and large moray eels. Further inside the channel, there are overhangs and two more fish-rich caves. One of these begins at 10 meters and also has a hole in the ceiling at 3 meters.
Large fish, such as sharks, eagle rays, and the large, beautiful green turtles, can be observed. Kandooma Caves certainly belongs in every logbook....

Depth: 16-30 meters
Travel time: Full day trip
Recommendation: Nitrox, lamp

No. 38
Guraidhoo Channel

The entire Guraidhoo Channel between Guraidhoo Faru and Maadhoo Falhu is designated as an underwater nature reserve.
With the current flowing in, this spot promises a unique diving opportunity with a wide variety of fish. The outer reef has a substantial fish population, including schools of bannerfish, various grouper species, and turtles. Near the corner, there are schools of fusiliers, rainbow racers, tuna, and jacks, while directly at the corner, at 25 meters, grey reef sharks and snappers hunt for prey, and Napoleon wrasse and eagle rays swim around.
A long cave at the corner, 16 meters deep, attracts visitors not only with sponges, fan corals, and soft corals. It also provides refuge for cave-dwelling fish and for divers seeking a break from the current. Several caves in the channel are located in the ten-meter range, while countless reef extensions lie below them. At one point in the channel, there is even a huge overhang that drops from five to over 30 meters.
The channel's reef formations can create eddy currents with a whirlpool effect. Therefore, this dive is only recommended for experienced divers!
Only to be dived in special currents;
Not recommended for beginners.

Depth: 5-30 meters
Travel time: Full day trip
Recommendation: Nitrox

No. 39
MEDHU FARU

The south side of Medhu Faru has many impressive features that promise a very varied drift dive. With an incoming current, you can descend along a long ledge on the outer reef. The edge swings around the corner of the reef into Guraidhoo Kandu. Sharks and Napoleon wrasse, along with fan and soft corals extending from the ledge into the open water, guarantee the start of an exciting dive. Near the corner, the reef edge steepens in the channel, and the currents are accelerated by the narrow passage. A large rock covered in soft corals lies near this corner and forms a small canyon at a depth of 18 meters. Sharks, jacks, and tuna like to congregate here. At a depth of 15 to 10 meters, however, there are caves and overhangs worth diving. A large overhang cuts through the reef at depths of three to 30 meters, and a sandy cove, approximately 250 meters inside the channel, completes the picture.
Strong outward currents can be quite dangerous at Medhu Faru. Therefore, this dive site should only be visited under specific current conditions.

Depth: 5-30 meters
Travel time: Full day trip

No. 40
WARI GIRI

If we call Lemon Reef the little brother, then Wari Giri is the little sister of Potato Reef.
The "underwater mountain" rises to a depth of 3 meters and can be circumnavigated at a leisurely pace. This dive, which is almost always current-free, is therefore ideal for beginners and photographers. The macro life on the reef is impressive, with mantis shrimp, a variety of nudibranchs, flatworms, and shrimp. The wonderful vegetation provides ideal camouflage for scorpionfish and stonefish, while overhangs and caves provide shelter for lionfish, moray eels, and lobsters. Schools of fusiliers and a striking number of schools of various "baby fish" complete the picture.
A must for lovers of macro and relaxed, varied diving.

Depth: 3-30 meters
Travel time: 50 min.
Recommendation: Lamp

No. 41
GULHI BEYRU

We call the south side of the Gulhi Channel Gulhi Beyru and it can be dived with incoming as well as outgoing current.
Tunas, large moray eels, and eagle rays frolic on the outer reef. Overhangs at about 25-30 meters boast large gorgonians and soft corals. At the corner at about 25 meters, it is possible to observe whitetip reef sharks and stingrays. In the channel, a chain of overhangs stretches along the reef. Beautiful vegetation and bizarre reef formations impress divers. Further in the channel, at about 30 meters, two enormous rock formations have been eroded, forming a canyon. Not only is the vegetation attractive, but the abundance of fish, turtles, and Napoleon wrasse also delight, making this dive site a unique experience. Currents can be quite strong in the channel, so it is important to dive close to the reef and not lose your bearings.

Depth: 5-30 meters
Travel time: 45 min.
Recommendation: Nitrox

No. 42
MANTA POINT / LANKAN CAVES

Manta Point is widely known as a manta spot and is visited by many dive schools and safari boats. Large manta rays are consistently seen here in considerable numbers. At the southeast corner of Lankanfinolhu Reef, at a depth of around 15 meters, lie various coral blocks where the animals congregate during the southwest monsoon. Manta rays can be photographed here from April at the earliest to November at the latest. These rocks serve as a large cleaning station for them, and the cleaner fish can be observed cleaning the hovering manta rays, removing parasites. The rays wait patiently until it's their turn, one after the other. Then they glide gracefully around the reef in the shallow water, searching for more plankton.
Sometimes the manta rays come so close that you could touch them. Divers should avoid disturbing the animals, as they will then visit these areas less and less frequently. Likewise, you should stay together, maintain your distance, avoid swimming around, and avoid staying near the rocks, as this will make the manta rays think the cleaning station is occupied.
Sleeping whitetip reef sharks can be seen on a sandy patch at a depth of 20 meters, and near the southern tip of Lankanfinolhu Reef is the Lankan Caves dive site. A long stretch of overhangs and caves teeming with jacks, parrotfish, surgeonfish, and angelfish.
Depth: 5-30 meters
Travel time: Full day trip

No. 43
Banana Reef

The reef gets its name from its banana-shaped shape, which is easily recognizable from the air. It was also one of the first dive sites discovered in the Maldives.
The best diving site is at the northeast end. This is where spectacular rocks, caves, deep inlets, and steep overhangs are found. The scenery is wonderful, and numerous predatory fish such as barracudas, jacks, and snappers congregate around these rocks. Large moray eels are found in this area, slithering along the branches of green coral. The caves are home to various species of groupers, pufferfish, and many species of wrasse. Cleaner wrasse are very common, often venturing far from the reef to join the schools of various fusiliers that are abundant here.
At the western end, a semicircular rock wall drops steeply to a depth of 25 meters. Here lies a large cave, between 10 and 15 meters deep, teeming with soldierfish and squirrelfish. Many of them swim upside down, using their large eyes to see better in the darkness. A little deeper, at 20 meters, there is another, smaller cave with moray eels and groupers.
The reef roof is beautifully overgrown and the cliffs and protruding edges between three and ten meters are covered with colorful sponges and corals.

Depth: 3-30 meters
Travel time: Full day trip