A Dive on the Wild Side
EXPLORING THE MALDIVES' REMOTE THAA ATOLL
COMO Maalifushi was the first resort to be built in remote Thaa Atoll. 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.
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 to 8 metres deep, sloping down to a 30 to 35 metre deep sandy bottom.
Location On the east side of the atoll, around 20 minutes away by dhoni boat.
What You'll Likely See White Tip Reef Sharks, Eagle Rays, Stingrays, Bluefin Trevally, 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.
As expected from its name, Devil’s Cave is a 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 to 20 metres deep. The upper reef is approximately 6 to 8 metres deep, its southern end steeply ‘teardropping’ down to 30 metres. This classifies it as a deep dive that requires advanced certification.
Location To the south-east of Maalifushi, around 25 to 30 minutes away by dhoni boat.
What You’ll Likely See White Tip Reef Sharks, Nurse Sharks, Eagle Rays, Stingrays, Dogtooth Tuna, Fusiliers, Big Eye Trevally, Sea Fans and Hawksbill Turtles.
Need to Know Diving at Devil’s Cave can made easier or harder, depending on depth. Our experienced instructors will assist based on your comfort level.
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 20 metres down with a diameter of roughly 60 metres.
Location To the west of Maalifushi, inside the atoll and approximately 15 minutes away by dhoni boat.
What You’ll Likely 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 – people interested in spotting the tiniest creatures rather than a dive that's physically taxing.
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, then this the dive for you: you can expect to be accompanied by these mighty creatures on their swim through the large rocky channel mouth 20 to 25 metres below the water. With the outgoing current, find a bowl-shaped area within the channel called the Arena where an array of fish swirl through.
Location This 200metre-wide dive is located towards the north of the atoll, around 55 minutes away by dhoni boat (or 25 minutes by speedboat).
What You'll Likely 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 is a classic pelagic dive that surrounds you with the atoll's larger marine life. It takes an exciting turn when combined with a 2.2 kilometre drift dive into Guraidhoo Corner, where grey sharks and eagle rays 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 You'll Likely See Grey Reef Sharks, White Tip Reef Sharks, Nurse Sharks, Eagle Rays, Stingrays, Dogtooth Tuna, Fusiliers, Hawksbill Turtles and Snappers. Occasionally, you can see Mobula Rays.
Need to Know For an easier experience, divers can remain at the upper reef of Dhiyamigili. Down in its deeper corners, and combined with the drift, this is otherwise suitable for advanced divers. Currents at Guraidhoo can be very strong – but that’s also what makes it exhilarating.
W. COMO Maalifushi | E. [email protected] | T. +960 678 0008
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