Thaa Atoll’s diving is suitable for beginners, but many of the best dive sites have strong currents that requires experience. Advanced divers can explore deep, steep walls that are decorated with coral.With little current, lots of macro life, and the possibility of a manta, the Caribbean Garden is for all divers. This large thila (submerged island) starts at 20 feet (6 meters). The south-east side drops off to 131 feet (40 meters), and on the south-west side there is a sandy plateau that’s peppered with colorful coral. Expect schooling batfish, whitetip reef sharks, and turtles enjoying their lunch on the soft corals. Divers with more experience can enjoy the strong currents at Gorgonian Garden. At over 1500 feet (457 meters) long, this coral reef has a gentle slope to the north and a steep wall, which descends to 131 feet (40 meters), to the south. The wall is covered with large sea fans, and the small caves are decorated with soft coral. Manta rays, turtles, schooling batfish and fusiliers will join you – the fusiliers’ yellow contrasting with the red coral perfectly. Crustaceans creep amongst the rocks like a child playing hide and seek, and nudibranchs add even more color to the reefs.The Dutch Divide has interesting topography with overhangs and swim throughs. However, the currents can be strong and sweeping eddies may be present – so this dive requires experience. The reef begins at 26 feet (8 meters) and descends to 115 feet (35 meters). The reef’s wall is covered in sponge and soft corals, and snapper and glassy fish are plentiful. Spider crabs walk on their long legs like a robot in a sci-fi movie, and barracudas and reef sharks can be found.
Thaa Atoll Sea Life
Whilst mantas are only occasionally seen around the atoll, you’ll have plenty of eagle rays to watch instead. Nurse sharks rest in secluded spots, turtles feed on the coral, and reef sharks track their prey.The healthy, soft corals are like an artist’s palette covered in mixed paint. The reefs are covered in sponges and the sea fans are grand to the point of being baroque.If you’re a photography fan, there is plenty of macro life amongst the small coral bommies. The felt-like textured nudibranchs are ready to pose for your shot, but the crustaceans may retract from your lens if you’re not fast enough.Your dive log will be as big as the Napoleon wrasse after you’ve finished exploring the atoll’s many sites.
How To Get There
Male Ibrahim Nasir International Airport is well served by direct charter flights from Western Europe, but direct scheduled flights are rarer – it may require a lay-over in the Middle East first. If you’re staying on the Thaa Atoll, then you will need to transfer by seaplane (one hour).
