Bungalow 78 exit

Location: Meeru Island, North Malé Atoll, Maldives Depth: 3–25 m Difficulty: Intermediate Entry: Shore

Overview

Bungalow 78 Exit is a named entry and exit point on the house reef of Meeru Island Resort in North Malé Atoll. The “bungalow 78” reference indicates the specific water villa or bungalow at which divers descend directly from the resort’s overwater structures onto the house reef. House reef diving at Meeru is a well-regarded shore diving experience, accessible at any time of day without boat logistics.

Diving

From the exit point divers drop into the shallow reef flat and can explore in multiple directions along the house reef. The outer edge of the reef slopes away steeply to 25 m, with an outer wall section that supports sea fans and sponges. Turtles are resident on the house reef and are regularly encountered. The inner reef flat is productive for macro life, including nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, and cleaner shrimp stations.

Night dives from shore access points like this are popular for observing cuttlefish, octopus, and invertebrates active after dark. The immediate proximity to the resort makes it straightforward to manage multiple dives in a day.

Marine Life

Resident hawksbill turtles
Nudibranchs and ghost pipefish
Cuttlefish and octopus (especially at night)
Moray eels and lionfish
Sea fans and hard corals on the outer slope

Practical Notes

Shore entry requires care — follow the designated entry route marked by the resort. No boat required. Best timed to avoid strong current on the outer reef slope. Suitable for intermediate divers; night dives should be guided or conducted by experienced divers familiar with the reef layout.