Five of The Top Dive Sites within Easy Reach of COMO MAALIFUSHI

28 Oct, 2021

On any given day, Thaa Atoll, Maldives is a tableau of cobalt water, soft white sand and swirling tropical foliage. COMO Maalifushi was the first resort to be built in this large, almost circular atoll, one of the least developed atolls in the Maldives. This is exactly its allure: here, dive sites are still being added to the growing list of 32 – each one as diverse as they are beautiful, many freshly found.

There’s something for every diver – approximately half of the chronicled sites are in the inner atoll, making them calmer and more scenic, while those outside comprise of channels (‘kandus’) that challenge even the most experienced. The remote locale also means that no matter the season, your diving boat will usually be the only one at each site, allowing you to stretch out beneath the waves and explore the thriving marine life undisturbed.

Maalifushi is for divers who prefer lower-profile, less-chartered territory – diving with a side of discovery. From gentle reef dives and challenging drifts, to pelagic and macro fascinations, we share five of our favourite dive sites – each within an easy boat ride of our private island resort.

KOLHUFUSHI

Sometimes the best dives are the ones where you simply spend easy time appreciating the beauty of the ocean. Kolhufushi is full of coral – both mounds and large tables – and manta rays sometimes glide by. The upper reef is approximately 6-8 metres deep, sloping down to a 30-35m deep sandy bottom.

Location

On the east side of the atoll, around 20 minutes away by dhoni boat.

What to See

Grey Reef Sharks, White Tip Reef Sharks, Nurse Sharks, Eagle Rays, Stingrays, Bluefin Tuna, Dogtooth Tuna, Fusiliers, Hawksbill Turtles, and large group of Snappers. Occasionally you can also see Mobula Rays and Leopard Sharks

Need to know

Currents range from very mild to moderate. This relaxing dive is suitable for all levels of experience, and is both meditative and engaging.

DEVIL’S CAVE

As expected from its name, Devil’s Cave is dark, wide dive that’s best explored with torches. This outside wall dive offers the opportunity to swim through an overhang that is silhouetted by the bright blue beyond, at approximately 15-20m deep. The upper reef is approximately 6-8 metres deep, its southern end steeply ‘teardropping’ down to 30 metres, classifying it as a deep dive that requires Advanced certification.

Location

To the south-east of Maalifushi, around 25-30 minutes away by dhoni boat.

What to See

White Tip Reef Sharks, Nurse Sharks, Eagle Rays, Stingrays, Dogtooth Tuna, Fusiliers, Big Eye Trevally, Sea Fans and Hawksbill

Need to know

Diving at Devil’s Cave can made easier or harder, mainly depending on depth. Our experienced diving instructors will assist based on your comfort level.

KUDA HAA

Kuda Haa is a pinnacle dive that brings you up close and personal to ridged coral surfaces to see vibrant macro life and the larger marine life that inhabits its crevices. Pinnacles are cylinders of coral that rise from the sea floor. In the Maldives, those that sit completely below the surface of the water are known as ‘thilas’. The top of the Kuda Haa thila is in the shape of a camel’s hump, approximately 20m down with a diameter of roughly 60m.

Location

To the west of Maalifushi, inside the atoll and approximately 15 minutes away by dhoni boat.

What to See

Stingrays, Bluefin Trevally, Dogtooth Tuna, Fusiliers, Glass fish, Leaf fish, Ghost Pipe Fish, Sea Anemones and various types of Shrimp and Nudibranches.

Need to know

Kuda Haa is a deep dive for advanced divers who are macro enthusiasts – the challenge of it being more to spot the tiniest creatures than being physically taxing. 

DHIFFUSHI KANDU

Dhiffushi Kandu can be split into two separate dives: one with the incoming current and one with the outgoing current. For those that enjoy the thrill of swimming with sharks, the former is a dive that many frequent – accompany them on their swim through the large rocky channel mouth 20-25m below the water. With the outgoing current, find a bowl-shaped area within the channel called the Arena for its shape, where an array of fish swirl through. With its busy marine life, corals are not the stars of the show at this site.

Location

his 200m-wide dive is located towards the north of the atoll, around 55 minutes away by dhoni boat (or 25 minutes by speedboat). 

What to See

Grey Reef Sharks, White Tip Reef Sharks, Eagle Rays, Stingrays, Dogtooth Tuna, Big Eye Trevally, Barracuda, Fusiliers and Hawksbill Turtles. Occasionally you can also see Manta Rays, Napoleon Wrasse and Giant Trevally.

Need to know

This dive can be challenging due to its depth and strong currents. 

DHIYAMIGILI CORNER

Dhiyamigili Corner is a classic pelagic dive that surrounds you with larger marine life. It takes an exciting turn when combined with a 2.2km drift dive into Guraidhoo Corner, where grey sharks, eagle rays and the occasional hammerhead shark thrive. Drift diving feels like flying as it relies on being carried by the current, though it requires a good sense of underwater navigation and confidence before attempting.

Location

The southern corner of Dhiyamigili Island, located around 15 minutes away from COMO Maalifushi by dhoni boat.

What to See

Grey Reef Sharks, White Tip Reef Sharks, Nurse Sharks, Eagle Rays, Stingrays, Dogtooth Tuna, Fusiliers, Hawksbill Turtles and Snappers. Occasionally you can see Manta Rays, Mobula Rays and – if you’re lucky – Hammerhead Sharks.

Need to know

For an easier experience, divers can remain at the upper reef of Dhiyamigili, but down in its deeper corners and combined with the drift this is an advanced dive. Currents towards and at Guraidhoo can be very strong – but that’s also what makes it exhilarating.

COMO Maalifushi offers one of the greatest underwater regions on the planet, thanks to the remote location of our resort, the sheer abundance of marine life and clear visibility of the water. There are 32 dives sites – and growing – with numerous unexplored channels and reefs. 

Maalifushi' dive package includes 20 complimentary dives per room, all necessary diving equipment, daily yoga and daily breakfast to fuel your days. Find out more.

COMO MAALIFUSHI

Find restoration surrounded by abundant greenery on our larger Maldivian private island, where we’ve curated special holiday activities that guarantee meaningful memories for all ages, alongside the usual fly-fishing, splash net cruises and castaway island picnics. We’ve taken care of all the milestone holiday dinners as well – simply show up as a family and celebrate. Read more

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