Explore Thaa Atoll
Thaa Atoll, also known as Kolhumadulu, is an alluring dive destination in the Maldives, offering an array of experiences for divers of all levels. This relatively unexplored atoll is home to over 40 named dive sites, each with its unique charm. The vibrant coral gardens, such as the Caribbean Garden and Gorgonian Garden, are a diver's paradise, teeming with life and color. The waters here are some of the healthiest in the Maldives, with stunning corals and crystal-clear visibility creating an enchanting underwater landscape.
Diving styles in Thaa Atoll range from exhilarating channel dives in the kandus to serene reef explorations. While the kandu dives, with their strong currents, call for seasoned divers, the atoll also offers gentler reef dives suitable for novices. Pelagic creatures like eagle rays and reef sharks glide effortlessly alongside abundant reef fish, offering breathtaking encounters. What's more, the Dutch Divide presents intriguing swim-throughs and overhangs, drawing adventurous divers into its dynamic environment. Notably, the atoll is home to fascinating marine life, including the captivating long-legged spider crab, adding to the area's rich underwater tapestry.
Top Thaa Atoll Dive Sites
1. 7-Up
This dive site features vibrant coral walls that attract schools of fusiliers and barracuda, along with diverse macro life, ideal for photographers. It's an easy scuba diving site, with its clear waters being a standout feature. Ideal for those seeking solitude and vibrant marine life.
2. Beauty and the Beast
A prime drift dive spot, home to napoleon wrasse, snappers, tuna, jacks, and eagle rays. Suitable for advanced divers due to the strong currents. Scuba diving is the main option here, offering a rich tapestry of "beautiful beasties." No specific protected areas are noted.
3. Olhurgiri Kandu
This drift dive site is frequented by white tip reef sharks, with tuna and eagle rays nearby. The currents make it suitable for advanced scuba divers. Its vibrant soft coral gardens add to the underwater spectacle, though no specific ecological zones are highlighted.
4. Gorgonian Garden
Perfect for both scuba and freediving, this site offers encounters with manta rays by day and ghost pipefish, crabs, and shrimp by night. The diverse macro life makes it a haven for adventurers and photographers, although it's not a designated marine park.
5. The Dutch Divide
For experienced scuba divers, this site features strong currents, swim-throughs, and overhangs. It hosts lobsters, spider crabs, schools of trevally, tuna, and various sharks. Its topography and abundant marine life provide a thrilling dive experience, with no specific protected status.