Biyadoo Kuda Giri
3.9065°N 73.4488°E
Biyadoo Kuda Giri
Location: South Malé Atoll, Maldives Depth: 5–25 m Difficulty: Intermediate Entry: Boat
Overview
Biyadoo Kuda Giri is a small giri — a compact submerged coral head or reef mound — off the coast of Biyadoo Island in South Malé Atoll. Kuda means “small” in Dhivehi, and the site lives up to its name as a contained but richly inhabited reef structure. Despite its compact size, the giri harbours a surprising density of marine life, making it a favourite for repeat dives.
Diving
The giri tops out in shallow water and falls to sand at around 25 m. The sides are encrusted with hard corals and decorated with sea fans, and the overhangs around the base provide shelter for resting nurse sharks and moray eels. The sandy areas between the giri and the nearby reef are home to garden eels and occasionally blue-spotted stingrays.
Schools of glassfish periodically swarm the giri’s exterior, and their presence invariably draws trevally and lionfish hunting through the shoals. The site is well suited to a leisurely, unhurried dive focused on marine life observation.
Marine Life
- Nurse sharks and moray eels
- Glassfish schools and hunting trevally
- Lionfish
- Blue-spotted stingrays
- Garden eels (sandy surrounds)
Practical Notes
A calm, sheltered site well suited to intermediate divers. Good for a second or third dive when larger current sites have been done in the morning. Visibility 15–25 m. Accessed from Biyadoo Island Resort and nearby South Malé Atoll operators.