Sandbank

★★★★★ (98)

This site is situated close to Dhidhdhoo Island and a naturally formed sandbank. Suitable for most divers. The dive starts on the top reef at a depth of 10 to 12 meters, sloping to 25 to 30 meters at the base.

Very good for grey reef sharks and tuna, snappers, jack fish and barracuda. Here you can also see stingrays, eagle rays, and mantas passing by or circling the many cleaning stations.

Dive Activity

Potential Wildlife Sightings

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

iStock-crisod

Reef Manta Ray
13 Sightings
J
3
F
6
M
2
A
2
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame

Moray Eel
11 Sightings
J
1
F
4
M
2
A
2
M
1
J
1
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 25

iStock/Juliosanjuan

Eagle Ray
10 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
3
A
2
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
1
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 27

iStock-Global_Pics

Barracuda
5 Sightings
J
1
F
2
M
0
A
2
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography

Green Turtle
3 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
2
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto

Wrasse
3 Sightings
J
0
F
3
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl

Octopus
3 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
2
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
iStock-stephnea

Spinner Dolphin
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
Alamy/National Geographic Image Collection

Oceanic Whitetip Shark
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
iStock/Divepic

Giant Oceanic Manta Ray
1 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
iStock-ShaneGross

Loggerhead Turtle
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
1
D
0
Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins

Hawksbill Turtle
1 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
Show More
iStock-June Jacobsen

Whitetip Reef Shark
10 Sightings
J
1
F
4
M
4
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey

Angelfish
10 Sightings
J
1
F
4
M
2
A
2
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
1
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 28

Udo Kefrig

Clownfish
10 Sightings
J
2
F
3
M
2
A
1
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
1
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 100

iStock-burnsboxco

Parrotfish
10 Sightings
J
2
F
4
M
2
A
2
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 40

iStock-wrangel

Triggerfish
10 Sightings
J
2
F
5
M
0
A
1
M
1
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
AdobeStock-Marc Henauer

Grey Reef Shark
9 Sightings
J
3
F
4
M
1
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 85

iStock-mirecca

Surgeonfish
9 Sightings
J
2
F
5
M
2
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 12

iStock/cinoby

Lionfish
8 Sightings
J
0
F
2
M
2
A
3
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix

Sweetlips and Grunts
8 Sightings
J
2
F
4
M
0
A
1
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek

Butterfly Fish
7 Sightings
J
1
F
4
M
2
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
AdobeStock-Nikolai Sorokin

Blacktip Reef Shark
6 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
0
A
2
M
1
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
1
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis

Snapper
6 Sightings
J
1
F
4
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 15

Shutterstock-Al McGlashan

Tuna
6 Sightings
J
1
F
4
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel

Boxfish
6 Sightings
J
0
F
2
M
1
A
1
M
1
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 2

AdobeStock-hakbak

Nurse Shark
5 Sightings
J
0
F
3
M
0
A
1
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker

Grouper/Basslets
5 Sightings
J
0
F
3
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
1
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp

Jackfish
5 Sightings
J
1
F
4
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Soldierfish
5 Sightings
J
1
F
4
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl

Bannerfish
5 Sightings
J
1
F
2
M
2
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal

Damselfish
4 Sightings
J
1
F
3
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Squirrelfish
3 Sightings
J
0
F
3
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3

k

Cornetfish
3 Sightings
J
0
F
2
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer

Stingrays
2 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
1
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk

Goatfish
2 Sightings
J
0
F
2
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo

Trumpetfish
2 Sightings
J
0
F
2
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
iStock-Rob Peatling

Weedy Seadragon
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
1
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 30

Shutterstock-s_a_j

Sand Eel
1 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.

Scorpionfish
1 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 20

iStock-stephankerkhofs

Porcupinefish
1 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR

Pufferfish
1 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3400

Shutterstock-Shane Gross

Shrimp
1 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 55

k

Lobster
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

Dive Sites Nearby

Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

Baarah Thila (★4.1)

A large plateau like thila, in the channel between Baarah & Hanimaadhoo, this dive site has provided opportunities to see everything from mantis shrimp to manta rays and even sail fish circling above. A large rocky plateau, covered in older rock and coral formations, the top sits at 15m, dropping off at its sides to 30m.
Aqualung

Baarah Corner (★4.3)

Reef wall from 8m to 25-30m with interesting boulder and old coral formations at the top to deep overhangs and caverns below, often with a changable current to watch for at times and cleaning stations spaced along the top reef, offering opportunities to spot manta rays and turtles in the right conditions/season.
The Barefoot Diving Center, Hanimaadhoo

Baarah Caves (★4.0)

Deep sheer wall to 25-30m from a top reef at around 7m. Deep caverns, overhangs, ledges and small caves at around 16m where white tips and nurse sharks can be seen along with rays resting. Macro life to be found in the deep caverns and along the wall / inside the small overhangs and openings.
Scubapro

Baarah Out (★4.0)

The dive begins on the top of the oceanic plateau at a depth of 8-12 metres, leading to a wall that slopes down to around 28 metres. There are many large coral blocks and small caves.
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

Tweety and Sylvester (★4.6)

This Divesite is located on the east side of the island Baarah and is covered in hardcoral. Easy to dive between 10 - 20m. Also good for beginners.
Mares

Hide and Seek (★0.0)

This divesite on the westside of the island Mulidhoo has lots of overhangs and caves that are waiting to be explored. Looking into the blue can be very rewarding too.
Mares

Maafahi Corner (★4.1)

Starting on the shallow top reef at around 5 meters, sloping down to over 20 metres, we explore the reef and in the right conditions, out into the center of the channel to explore a small coral covered thila. Either way, this site offers lots of opportunities to explore many interesting coral and rock formations.
Aqualung

Muraidhoo Corner (★3.9)

This can be a very easy dive in normal conditions, but also quite challenging in the case of strong currents. The reef starts in shallow waters and goes slowly down to 20 and to 30m in some areas. A large ’aquarium’ section is the highlight of this dive, along with small canyons and large overhangs full of soft corals.
Scubapro

The Ridge (★4.0)

Between the two islands Mafaahi and Muraido, near the canal to the port of Muraido, two long ridges can be found. Depth varies between 15m and 22m.
Mares, Janez Kranjc

Thakandhoo Corner (★4.8)

This dive is located on the south reef of Takandhoo Island. Suitable for all levels of experience. We start in shallow water on the top reef, heading deeper on the slope to some small caves / openings, ending at the corner of the reef around some interesting rock formations, between 18 and 30 metres deep.
Mares, Janez Kranjc

Utheemu Reef (★3.8)

The top reef at Utheemu starts shallow, with a slope/drop off reaching up to 25m+ at the sand. Often with a reasonable current, this site offers opportunities to explore some older coral and rock formations with frequent sightings of grey reef, nurse sharks and eagle rays.
Scubapro

Mulidhoo Aquarium (★4.4)

Aquarium is a dive site located at Mulidhoo Island. It is suitable for all levels of experience. The dive site has a drop off which gives way to a sloping reef dropping down to 25 meters.
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

Dhonakulhi Kandu (★4.6)

A beautiful channel location, with a very shallow top reef, sloping to sand at 18-25m, covered with hard and soft corals, abundant with marine life, often with a slight to medium current.
Aqualung

Filladhoo Thila (★4.7)

This dive site is a pinnacle on the west side of Filladhoo Island. Suitable for all levels of dive experience. There are some nice overhangs along the pinnacle wall.
Mares

Alidhoo Caves (★4.1)

Starting on a beautiful top reef at just 5 meters deep, progressing to a drop off and wall that reaches depths of 30 meters. Along the reef wall there are some large overhangs, where it is possible to see sleeping sting rays or turtles, lion fish, moray eels and lobsters.
Aqualung

Golden Wall (★4.1)

A deep wall dive, starting on a top reef with many hard corals, descending over the edge and down a shear wall, covered in yellow, soft corals to eventual deep overhangs / caverns at its base, around 30m depth.
Mares

Mathifaru Caves (★5.0)

Depending on the current, either we dive the wall or the caves from the same spot. Suitable for most levels. The top reef sits at around 6 metres, sloping to a wall that drops to around 30. Most of the dive is spent under the large overhangs where the main wall and ceilings are covered by yellow, soft corals.
Aqualung

Cathedral (★4.4)

A shallow 10m top reef, sloping to a beautiful reef wall, dropping to 30m, covered in soft and hard corals, with one large, colourful, naturally formed arch.
Mares

Filladhoo (Wreck) (★4.2)

The Filladhoo wreck is the northern-most wreck site in the Maldives, located in Haa Dhaalu Atoll. You will find it to the south of Filladhoo Island and parts of the wreck are breaking the water’s surface.
Aqualung

Naridhoo Wall (★4.6)

A beautiful wall dive, covered with corals at all levels, the dive begins on the top reef at a depth of 10 to 12 meters, following the wall down to a slope at around 18 meters, before dropping further to around 30 metres, where we can explore some large sequential overhangs and caverns at the base.