Explore South Ari Atoll
South Ari Atoll in the Maldives is a diver's paradise, offering an unparalleled underwater experience. One of the main attractions is the chance to encounter the majestic whale shark, the largest fish in the ocean. Despite their size, these gentle giants are a highlight for divers seeking close encounters with marine life. Sightings are frequent around Sun Island, making it a must-visit for those eager to swim alongside these incredible creatures.
Beyond whale sharks, South Ari Atoll boasts several celebrated dive sites like Broken Rock, Five Rocks, and Kuda Rah Thila. Each offers a unique underwater landscape, from vibrant soft coral reefs teeming with colorful fish to dramatic drop-offs and crevasses. Whether you're exploring these environments from a boat or on a liveaboard, the atoll's diverse marine life and stunning underwater topography make it a top destination for divers worldwide. With such rich underwater biodiversity and breathtaking seascapes, South Ari Atoll truly stands out as a premier diving location.
Top South Ari Atoll Dive Sites
1. Maaya Thila
Maaya Thila is renowned for its vibrant marine life, including white-tip reef sharks, moray eels, and a variety of colorful reef fish. The dive is suitable for all levels, from easy to advanced, and is primarily for scuba diving. It features stunning coral formations and is a protected marine area, ensuring a rich biodiversity.
2. Kudarah Thila
At Kudarah Thila, expect to see schools of barracuda, snappers, and occasionally manta rays. This site offers an advanced level scuba diving experience with its strong currents and intricate reef structures. As a marine protected area, it boasts vibrant coral gardens teeming with life.
3. Broken Rock
The unique topography of Broken Rock, with its split formation, provides a memorable dive adventure. Ideal for advanced divers, the site is home to napoleon wrasse, turtles, and anemone fish. This scuba diving site is not only famous for its geological formations but also for its lush soft corals.
4. Rangali Madivaru
Known for manta ray sightings, particularly in the cleaning station areas, Rangali Madivaru offers an easy to intermediate dive adventure. Primarily a scuba diving site, it features expansive sandy patches and coral reefs, attracting a diverse range of marine life.
5. Dhigurah Thila (Freediving Possible)
Dhigurah Thila is a haven for both scuba and freedivers. Encounter eagle rays, turtles, and occasionally whale sharks in this easy to advanced level site. The thila's shallow waters and vibrant coral gardens make it ideal for exploring without scuba gear. It's part of a marine protected zone, ensuring thriving biodiversity.