Maaya Thila, North Ari Atoll

This dive site, Maaya Thila, located in the North Ari Atoll of Maldives, was once globally recognized as a top 10 dive site. It is a pinnacle, or 'Thila,' rising from the seabed, offering a unique underwater topography of slopes and surrounding deep pinnacles. While the shallower reef crest above 12 meters has unfortunately sustained damage from historical over-diving, the deeper sections of the Thila remain vibrant and largely intact, providing an acceptable and often spectacular diving experience. Maaya Thila is particularly renowned for its exhilarating encounters with large pelagic species. Divers can frequently witness impressive schools of giant trevally and white tip reef sharks actively hunting, a spectacle often intensified during night dives. The deeper pinnacles circling the main Thila are a prominent gathering point for numerous grey reef sharks, while the entire structure is teeming with dense aggregations of glass fish and a rich variety of other vibrant reef inhabitants. The best time to experience Maaya Thila's highlights for optimal visibility is typically during the Maldivian dry season from December to May, though opportunities for encountering its signature big animals exist throughout the year. Night dives are highly recommended for the heightened activity of hunting predators. For experienced freedivers, the site's average depth of 13 meters, combined with its dramatic topography and abundant marine life, makes it a rewarding location for breath-hold diving.