Rihivelhi Caves

This dive site, Rihivelhi Caves, is an enchanting inner reef dive renowned for its stunning topography. Divers navigate through a vibrant reef system adorned with numerous overhangs, primarily found between 10 and 25 meters. While not a true cave system, these extensive overhangs provide ample sheltered areas to explore, making a torch highly recommended to reveal their hidden beauty. The dive typically involves exploring the reef wall and its various nooks. There is no specific history or story provided for the site. The marine life at Rihivelhi Caves is diverse and abundant. Divers can frequently encounter large pelagics such as Napoleons and white tip reef sharks, often accompanied by impressive schools of fish. Turtles are a common sight gliding gracefully through the water. The reef itself hosts a variety of smaller creatures including moray eels, lobsters, and interesting shells. Keep an eye out for unique inhabitants like the halimeda ghost pipe fish, a treat for macro enthusiasts. The reef is characterized by robust hard corals and beautifully colored soft corals flourishing within the protection of the overhangs. The best time to visit Rihivelhi Caves, like most Maldivian dive sites, is during the dry season (December to May) for optimal visibility and calm conditions, though diving is excellent year-round. This site is suitable for divers of all levels, with its shallow average depth allowing beginners to enjoy the outer reef, while the deeper overhangs offer exciting exploration for more experienced divers. Freedivers will also find the site appealing, with depths well within reach for breath-hold exploration of the reef and its shallower overhangs. A torch is essential for appreciating the full spectrum of colors in the overhangs.