Bidu Thila

Bidu Thila

Location: North Malé Atoll (western rim), Maldives Depth: 8–30 m Difficulty: Intermediate Entry: Boat

Overview

Bidu Thila is a submerged pinnacle in the western corridor of North Malé Atoll, rising from the sandy atoll floor to within several metres of the surface. The thila has a compact but richly decorated structure, with the upper section colonised by hard corals and the deeper walls supporting large barrel sponges, sea fans, and soft coral outcroppings. It is a reliable site for reef sharks and schooling fish activity.

Diving

Dives begin at the thila’s summit plateau, where table corals and patch reefs shelter chromis, anthias, and juvenile grouper. The circumnavigation of the pinnacle is the standard dive profile, exploring different faces at varying depths down to 30 m. Overhangs on the deeper sections conceal nurse sharks and sleeping whitetip reef sharks.

When a current runs, the thila acts as a focal point for schooling fish and the sharks that hunt them. Groups of grey reef sharks maintain station on the current-exposed face of the pinnacle, and napoleon wrasse move through the area with regularity.

Marine Life

• Grey reef sharks and whitetip reef sharks
• Nurse sharks (resting in overhangs)
• Napoleon wrasse
• Barrel sponges and gorgonian sea fans
• Chromis, anthias, and fusiliers

Practical Notes

Dive timing is ideally planned around the tidal cycle. Moderate incoming current is ideal for activity; strong current can make the dive challenging. Visibility typically 15–25 m. Boat access from North Malé Atoll resorts and liveaboards.