Coral Giri
3.8551°N 73.4307°E · pinnacle
Overview
Coral Giri is a submerged giri — a small, compact reef head — in South Malé Atoll. Although small in footprint, the structure is densely encrusted with coral growth and provides a concentrated habitat for a wide range of species. Giri sites like this are classic Maldivian dive spots: limited horizontal extent means divers circle the structure repeatedly, getting close to marine life on every pass.
Diving
The giri rises from the sandy floor at 28 m to within a few metres of the surface. The upper section is covered in hard corals, and the sides and overhangs support soft corals, sea fans, and sponges. Nurse sharks and whitetip reef sharks are the most predictable large residents, often found resting in the hollows around the base or under the overhangs.
Schools of glassfish periodically engulf the giri, and lionfish hunt methodically along the reef edges. Hawksbill turtles are frequently present, and moray eels occupy multiple crevices around the structure.
Practical Notes
A calm, sheltered site well suited to a relaxed pace. Ideal as an afternoon or second dive. Suitable for intermediate divers. Visibility typically 15–25 m. Boat access from South Malé Atoll resorts.
Sea-surface temperature and wave height from Open-Meteo Marine (ERA5 reanalysis, monthly averages).
44 verified species observations (25 species) logged within ~11 km of this site between 1984 and 2022, from the Ocean Biodiversity Information System.
- Gempylus serpens
- Cyphastrea microphthalma
- Favites pentagona
- Coscinaraea monile
- Galaxea astreata
- Actinodendron arboreum
- Goniastrea pectinata
- Leptodius sanguineus
- Leptodius gracilis
- Leptodius nudipes
- Xanthias lamarckii
- Ocypode ceratophthalmus
Scientific survey records skew toward sampled taxa (molluscs, corals) and do not reflect what you are guaranteed to see on a dive.
Source: OBIS (obis.org), aggregated Darwin Core occurrence records.
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