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A scuba diver explores a submerged shipwreck deep underwater, capturing adventure and exploration.
📷 Maël BALLAND · Pexels

? thila

3.5 — based on 15 community signals
4.2 12 species 22 contributors

A Maldivian thila offering year-round diving with 12 recorded species and active community engagement.

⭐ Best for intermediate divers.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Intermediate
Shore entryBleachingRiskCurrentVariesSeasonal

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
intermediate
Best months
Year-round
Marine life
Common octopus, Hawksbill turtle, Blacktip reef shark

Top operators here

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Map

This spot Operators POIs Airport Nearby spots
? thila location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
17.4 kn
Wave
1.84 m
Water
29.9°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: W (47%)
Now: W (275°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.96m

Next: Low at 19:00 (+0.13m)

+0.9 m0 m-0.1 m
▼ 19:00 · +0.13m ▲ 01:00 · +0.81m ▼ 07:00 · +0.2m ▲ 12:00 · +0.84m Now +0.1m
Fri 11Sat 12Sun 13Mon 14Tue 15Wed 16Thu 17
UV1.65 · low Air PM2.57 · good 06:00 18:09
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-11 20.7 1.9 2 17mm
09-12 18.3 1.84 3 33mm
09-13 22 1.78 3 49mm
09-14 18.7 1.62 4 19mm
09-15 14.5 1.12 3 23mm
09-16 13.2 0.96 3 20mm
09-17 12 0.88 8 13mm
⚠ Coral bleaching: Watch — favorable conditions
DHW: 1.9°C-weeks · NOAA Coral Reef Watch

About this spot

Thila diving in the Maldives combines shallow coral formations with deeper drop-offs, making these submerged pinnacles iconic destinations. This particular thila draws divers seeking tropical reef encounters and varied marine life. The site remains accessible throughout the year, though seasonal currents and weather patterns affect conditions. Local diving communities have documented 12 distinct species at this location, providing a solid baseline for what you'll encounter. Three community-produced videos offer real footage of the site, helping you understand the layout and typical marine activity before you arrive. The thila sits outside a marine protected area, meaning standard Maldivian diving regulations apply. Current reef health indicators suggest monitoring coral conditions, as bleaching events can impact tropical reefs regionally. Visibility, depth, and water temperature vary seasonally, so checking recent trip reports closer to your travel dates will refine expectations.

📖 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

Common octopusHawksbill turtleBlacktip reef shark

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 New moon · 0%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 8541km · ~1964kg · €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 this thila?

The Maldives operates as a year-round destination, and this thila is diveable throughout. Dry seasons (November–April, July) typically offer calmer conditions. Check updated weather and current reports closer to your trip for optimal planning.

What depth and difficulty should I expect?

Thila dives vary in profile—shallow coral crowns and steep drop-offs are typical. Without specific depth data, arrive prepared for both shallow reef navigation and deeper wall sections. Confirm exact conditions with local operators before booking.

What marine life will I see?

Twelve species have been documented at this site. Tropical reef fish, rays, and sharks are common on Maldivian thilas. Review the three available community videos to preview typical encounters and behavior patterns.

Do I need permits or special access?

The thila lies outside protected marine areas, so standard Maldivian diving rules apply. You'll dive through an established operator. Confirm your liveaboard or day-boat arrangement and any local entry requirements before travel.

Operators near this spot

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

Dive Base

4.8 km
Dive centre

Pineapple Island Hausriff

6.4 km
Dive centre

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Maldives Dive Site | Kandooma Thila | South Male Atoll

Brian Davies Scuba
💬 3 top comments
  • So sick 😃 I like how the sharks lay on the bottom just chillin

    @BAMFSQUAD · 👍 0
  • Which island you stayed on and which dive shop you did this dive with?

    @Mohammad_Siddiq · 👍 0
  • hope no shark the sea here near in the house hehe, wow thats so big turtule i see there and in critter hunter video also

    @RhebheczQBLIFE · 👍 0

MALDIVES - Dive No.3 - Maaya Thila

Monstrosa - Underwater Explorers

Fish Head Thila - Best Scuba diving in North Ari atoll in Maldives

matheeq
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: Mar (100/100) Worst: Jan (0/100) Now: Sep (66/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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