Dhigu Thila
3.9820°N 73.5103°E · pinnacle
Overview
Dhigu Thila is a submerged pinnacle in South Malé Atoll. “Dhigu” means “long” in Dhivehi, suggesting an elongated structure rather than a compact round pinnacle. The extended profile creates a greater surface area of reef wall, with multiple faces to explore at different depths and different current exposure. The name distinguishes it from the many other thilas in the atoll system.
Diving
The elongated thila is best dived by descending on the up-current end and drifting along the length of the structure before ascending on the lee side. This approach allows divers to cover the full extent of the pinnacle while managing current exposure. Overhangs and ledges along the deeper sections harbour nurse sharks and resting whitetip reef sharks.
The upper sections of the thila have good hard coral coverage, with chromis and anthias filling the water column above. Schooling bannerfish are often present around the shallower portions, and napoleon wrasse make regular appearances.
Practical Notes
Best dived with knowledge of the current direction to plan a drift along the length of the thila. Intermediate-level current experience recommended. 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).
171 verified species observations (121 species) logged within ~11 km of this site between 1984 and 2023, from the Ocean Biodiversity Information System.
- Gnatholepis
- Trimma emeryi
- Trimma flammeum
- Trimma striatum
- Hetereleotris zanzibarensis
- Eviota nebulosa
- Trimma naudei
- Cheilodipterus quinquelineatus
- Gerres oblongus
- Sargocentron diadema
- Scorpaenodes albaiensis
- Chromis atripectoralis
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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