Fushifaru Thila

This dive site, Fushifaru Thila, is a prominent pinnacle situated within the northeast channel of the Lhaviyani Atoll. Divers navigate a large, coral-covered plateau that rises from the channel floor. This unique topography, adorned with numerous coral blocks, serves a vital ecological role, particularly as a cleaning station for manta rays. While no specific historical context or story is provided, its formation as a pinnacle in a channel suggests natural geological processes shaped by ocean currents. The marine life at Fushifaru Thila is abundant and diverse. The main draw is the regular presence of majestic manta rays, especially during the southwest monsoon, utilizing the coral blocks as cleaning stations. Beyond the mantas, the site teems with large schools of various fish species, a vibrant array of tropical reef fish, and resident sharks. The coral blocks themselves provide habitat for smaller reef creatures. The best time to experience the highlight of Fushifaru Thila, the manta ray cleaning station, is during the southwest monsoon season. Divers and freedivers visiting should be prepared for potentially variable currents, given its channel location. This site is excellent for wide-angle photography due to the large schools of fish, sharks, and mantas. Both scuba divers and freedivers can enjoy close encounters with the marine life, especially the mantas on the plateau.