Maaya Thila

About this dive site

This dive site is located at Maaya Thila, a protected Marine Reserve within the Maldivian government. The thila itself is approximately 80 meters in diameter and offers an easy circumnavigation – assuming favorable currents. Divers can spend considerable time exploring the reef’s diverse underwater environment. The top of the reef descends from six meters to depths reaching 30 meters or more. Several coral outcrops are present on the northwest and south sides, providing additional habitat. Numerous caves and overhangs punctuate the thila's structure. A particularly noteworthy feature is a large cave on the north side teeming with marine life; this area frequently hosts white-tip reef sharks, often alongside dog-toothed tuna, great barracuda, blue-faced angelfish, moorish idol, tall fin batfish, parrotfish, butterfly fish, clown triggerfish, and even lionfish. Stonefish and anglerfish are also occasionally observed for the attentive diver. A sizable rock on the south side contains a meter-wide swim-through at 24 meters. The reef top is rich with fusilier and blue stripe snapper, and a large turtle is commonly seen patrolling the area. Visibility is excellent, and the vibrant soft coral and gorgonian formations along the reef faces add to the site's appeal. Night dives are also offered when conditions permit, providing an extraordinary experience.