Finey Thila

This dive site, Finey Thila, is renowned as one of the most vibrant submerged reefs in the Maldives. The thila's peak lies at approximately 15 meters, gradually sloping down to its base around 30 meters, though the maximum recreational depth is 26 meters. Divers typically navigate along the entire thila wall, which is a tapestry of colourful soft corals. A distinctive small canyon at one end provides an interesting feature to explore, offering shelter to numerous smaller species. There's no specific historical account provided, but like many Maldivian thilas, it's a natural formation attracting diverse marine life. The thila is celebrated for its incredible soft coral coverage, featuring striking yellow, blue, purple, and orange hues. Hard corals are also present, adding to the reef's structure. Marine life is abundant and diverse, including magnificent eagle rays, large schools of fish, majestic napoleon fish, and various species of sharks and tuna. The smaller inhabitants are equally captivating, with shrimps, lobsters, and nudibranchs creating excellent opportunities for macro photography. The best time to visit Finey Thila aligns with the Maldives' dry season (generally December to April) for optimal visibility and calmer conditions, though diving is possible year-round. This site is particularly appealing for underwater photographers due to its vivid coral colours and diverse marine inhabitants. For freedivers, the thila's top at 15 meters offers an accessible depth to experience the rich reef life, while scuba divers can explore the wall and canyon down to 26 meters, experiencing both wide-angle vistas and macro details. Divers should be mindful of potential moderate currents typical for thila diving.