Chapati Tilas

This dive site, Chapati Thilas, is distinguished by a main reef that gradually descends onto a wide sandy plateau. This plateau is punctuated by numerous smaller Thilas, or underwater pinnacles, which rise prominently from the seabed, reaching depths as shallow as 15 meters. The plateau ultimately terminates in a significant drop-off at a depth of 25 meters, continuing downwards to approximately 34 meters. Divers typically explore the vibrant life around these Thilas and the interconnecting sandy channels, often encountering resting marine creatures, before investigating the deeper drop-off. Chapati Thilas boasts a rich array of marine animals. On the sandy bottom around the Thilas, divers frequently discover sleeping rays or sharks. The reef itself is home to schools of glassfish and basslets, various types of colorful butterflyfish, striking lionfish, and elusive moray eels. Occasionally, turtles are also sighted. Furthermore, looking into the blue, pelagic species such as tunas, fusiliers, and bannerfish can be observed. The optimal time to visit Chapati Thilas aligns with the Maldives' dry season, generally from December to May, offering excellent visibility and calm conditions. A highlight of this site is the opportunity to witness both macro life within the Thilas and larger pelagic species in the open water. For freedivers, the diverse depth profile, ranging from 15 meters on the Thilas to the 34-meter drop-off, provides ample opportunities for breath-hold diving. Scuba divers, especially those venturing to the drop-off, should be mindful of potentially moderate to strong currents that can occur, adding an exciting element to the dive.