Dharavandhoo thila

Location: Baa Atoll, near Dharavandhoo Island, Maldives Depth: 8–28 m Difficulty: Intermediate Entry: Boat

Overview

Dharavandhoo Thila is a submerged pinnacle in Baa Atoll, close to Dharavandhoo Island. Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the Maldives’ premier diving regions, particularly famous for manta ray and whale shark aggregations at Hanifaru Bay. The thila itself is a well-structured pinnacle with good coral coverage and a productive mix of resident and visiting species.

Diving

The pinnacle rises from the atoll floor to around 8 m depth, creating a classic thila profile with a shallow summit, steep sides, and base overhangs. Soft corals and encrusting sponges cover the walls below 15 m, while the summit plateau has a carpet of hard corals. The overhangs provide rest spots for nurse sharks, and moray eels appear throughout the structure’s crevices.

In the context of Baa Atoll, dives at this thila occasionally benefit from the proximity of the atoll’s rich nutrient environment — mantas foraging through the atoll may pass the thila, particularly during the southwest monsoon plankton bloom season.

Marine Life

Nurse sharks and grey reef sharks
Manta rays (seasonal, passing)
Moray eels and hawksbill turtles
Soft corals and encrusting sponges
Napoleon wrasse (occasional)

Practical Notes

Baa Atoll access requires a domestic flight or speedboat from Malé. Best accessed from Baa Atoll resorts or liveaboards. Current on the thila varies — check tide timing before diving. Visibility typically 15–25 m.

Dharavandhoo thila