Maamigili Beyru

This dive site, Maamigili Beyru, is situated on the southern tip of Maamigili Island within the Ari Atoll. It features an outer reef that gently slopes to about 10 meters before transforming into a steep wall extending beyond 40 meters, characterized by small overhangs and crevices. Divers typically navigate along the reef, moving right or left depending on the prevailing current. While there's no specific historical narrative provided, its location near Maamigili's airport makes it a highly accessible and popular diving destination. Maamigili Beyru is renowned as a premier location for encountering whale sharks, making it a major highlight for divers. In addition to these magnificent giants, the site teems with large schools of various fish species that congregate along the reef edge. The reef itself, with its sloping sections and wall, provides habitat for diverse coral formations; typical Maldivian hard and soft corals would be present within the crevices and on the reef. The best time to visit Maamigili Beyru for whale shark encounters is generally year-round in the Maldives, though specific seasons might offer higher chances. Divers should be prepared for variable currents and exercise caution upon surfacing due to frequent boat traffic, making an SMB deployment highly recommended. Freedivers will also find the site excellent, especially for observing whale sharks in the shallower reef areas, offering a unique opportunity for breath-hold encounters with large marine life.