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Maalhos Thila

3.4 — based on 12 community signals
4.2 12 species 24 contributors

Maalhos Thila is a year-round Maldivian dive site with 12 documented species observations and active community video record.

⭐ Best for beginners.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
BleachingRiskFamily-friendlyPhotoFriendly

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
beginner
Best months
Year-round
Marine life
Manta ray

Top operators here

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Map

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Maalhos Thila location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
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Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
9.3 kn
Wave
1.52 m
Water
29.5°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: W (51%)
Now: W (274°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.67m

Next: High at 05:00 (+0.55m)

+0.7 m+0.1 m
▲ 05:00 · +0.55m ▼ 10:00 · +0.42m ▲ 14:00 · +0.52m ▼ 22:00 · +0.07m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV9.25 · very high Air PM2.55 · good 05:59 18:06
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 10.9 1.56 9 0mm
09-20 13.3 1.46 9 9mm
09-21 13.5 1.36 9 2mm
09-22 13.6 1.22 9 4mm
09-23 13.2 1.18 6 1mm
09-24 16.5 1.36 9 11mm
09-25 15.8 1.36 8 8mm
⚠ Coral bleaching: Watch — favorable conditions
DHW: 1.3°C-weeks · NOAA Coral Reef Watch

About this spot

Maalhos Thila sits in the Maldives as a thila (reef formation) accessible to divers year-round. The site has built a modest following among divers and snorkelers, with 12 species observations logged by the community and three video contributions documenting conditions and marine life. This indicates a productive reef system worth exploring across seasons. The site is not within a Marine Protected Area, which means standard Maldivian dive regulations apply. Divers should confirm current conditions and any local restrictions with their operator before entry. Community reports and videos provide real-world perspective on visibility, current patterns, and what to expect during your visit. Coral bleaching remains a concern in the Maldives region, so check recent updates from local dive operators and monitoring agencies before booking. The 12 species records suggest healthy biodiversity despite broader reef stress in the region. Videos posted by visitors can give you the most current snapshot of macro life, schooling fish, and structural conditions.

📖 Guide: Diving in the Maldives: 156 Sites, Mantas & What to Know

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Marine life

Manta ray

Dive types

Reef

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type D/G/J/K/L · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 8500km · ~1955kg · €35

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 54/100
  • Visa: Visa on arrival · 30 days max
  • Flight: 11h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 10h east · 7 days recovery

FAQ

When is the best time to dive Maalhos Thila?

Maalhos Thila is diveable year-round. The Maldives has two monsoon seasons—dry northeast (November–April) and wet southwest (May–October)—but thilas remain accessible throughout. Check with local operators for current conditions, as seasonal swells and visibility shift.

What depth and difficulty rating does this site have?

Specific depth and difficulty data are not documented for Maalhos Thila. Contact local dive operators or review community videos to assess suitability for your certification level and experience.

What marine life will I see?

Twelve species observations have been logged at Maalhos Thila. Check community video content and species records on your booking platform to see current reports of fish species, rays, sharks, and reef life typical of Maldivian thilas.

Do I need permits or special access?

Maalhos Thila is not in a Marine Protected Area, so standard Maldivian dive rules apply. Book through a licensed local operator who will handle permits and briefings. Always verify current regulations with your dive shop before entry.

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

AriUthuru Dive Centre

5.5 km
5.0 (35 reviews) closed
Dive centre
Verified Booked 36+ times this month
Hours: Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Noohiri Diving & Water Sport Center

5.5 km
4.8 (32 reviews) closed
Dive centre
Verified Booked 37+ times this month
Hours: Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

HimendhooThila West

9.6 km
Dive centre

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Dive 42 - Felicity Maldives Liveaboard - North Ari Atoll - Maalhos Thila (Spooky Octopus)

Dive With James

Very Strong Current, Get Your Hooks On! | Maalhos Thila, Maldives

The Scuba Scallop

MAAYA THILA, MALDIVES (TOP 5 DIVE SITES IN THE WORLD)

Sound of Colors
wind peaks May-Oct-Aug, calmest Nov-Apr-Mar, dry Jan-Jun.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: Jun (100/100) Worst: Jan (0/100) Now: Sep (93/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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