Banana Reef - Fee Gaa Giri

This dive site, Banana Reef, also known as Fee Gaa Giri, is a legendary and iconic dive spot in the Maldives. Shaped distinctly like a banana, the reef features a vibrant reef top ranging from 3 to 8 meters, which dramatically drops off to depths exceeding 30 meters. Divers can explore numerous caves and overhangs that punctuate the reef's structure. While no specific history or story is provided, its fame is well-established among divers visiting the region, offering a diverse underwater topography for exploration. The marine life here is exceptionally rich and varied. The site is renowned for a surprising variety of schooling fish, creating dynamic underwater spectacles. Large pelagic species are frequently sighted, adding to the thrill. A highlight is an enormous school of blue-striped snappers that often takes residence within the large overhangs, providing a stunning visual experience. While not explicitly mentioned, expect to see healthy coral formations typical of Maldivian reefs, providing shelter and food for countless smaller reef inhabitants. Banana Reef is an excellent dive site year-round, though the dry season (December to May) often offers the best visibility and calmest conditions. It is ideal for both scuba divers and freedivers, with its shallow reef top perfect for snorkeling and shallower freedives, and its deeper sections appealing to more experienced breath-hold divers. For scuba divers, exploring the overhangs and the drop-off offers the best chances to encounter schooling fish and larger pelagics. This site is suitable for a wide range of skill levels due to its varied depth profiles and accessible reef top.