MAAYA THILA

The pinnacle of Maaya Thila is Ari Atoll's sole claim to fame and is regularly included in the Top 10 best dive spots in the world. It has been designated a marine protected area by the Maldivian government. The well-preserved corals, the extreme richness and variety of fish and the underwater caves make it a diver's paradise. The pinnacle starts at 6 meters and goes down to 40 meters. Fusiliers and blue ray snappers abound on the surface. As you go deeper and explore the caves, you will come across big-eyed bonito, barracuda, beautiful yellow-fronted angelfish, Moorish idols, multitudes of parrotfish, butterflyfish, clownfish, lionfish, batfish, stonefish and scary anglerfish. But it is the schools of sharks that bring divers down to the depths of Maaya Thila. Groups of white tip reef sharks, sometimes as many as ten, are regularly seen cruising around the thila. They have a preference to position themselves where the current is strongest, and some diving practice is required to swim with them. Generally speaking, the unpredictable currents that can be quite strong make Maaya Thila a site reserved for experienced divers. To enjoy calmer waters, you should come between December and May. The site is also the object of beautiful night dives.