Entrence base

Entrence base

Entrence base is the primary reference mooring and dive entry point in a cluster of numbered reef sites in North Male Atoll, serving as the anchor position from which the numbered series (110, 128, 155) radiate along the outer reef edge.

Overview

The “base” designation marks this as the operational reference point for the numbered entry system on this section of North Male Atoll’s outer reef. The site drops from a shallow reef crest into a sloping wall to 25 meters, with the broadest coral coverage of the cluster — wide hard coral tables and brain corals on the upper slope giving way to sea fans and soft corals in the current-exposed lower zones. The base mooring is typically the most-used entry in the cluster for day trips out of Male, resulting in a site where the fish life is particularly habituated to divers. Turtles are common, often remaining on the reef top during dives, and the resident grouper population is notably large. The sandy base at 25 meters features a resident cloud of garden eels and is a reliable place to find blue-spotted stingrays.

Site Information

• Location: North Male Atoll, Maldives
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 25 meters
• Typical Visibility: 15-30 meters
• Current: Moderate; often sheltered compared to 155

Marine Life

Hawksbill turtles, large grouper, blue-spotted stingrays, garden eels, moray eels, grey reef sharks, schools of snapper and fusiliers, sea fans, and healthy hard coral tables on the upper slope.

Tips for Divers

This site makes an excellent base for divers new to the North Male reef system, as the fish life is approachable and the topography is clear. Combine a descent to the sandy base (25 m) with a leisurely ascent through the coral gardens for a well-rounded 50-60 minute dive. The mooring is typically the busiest of the cluster, so earlier morning dives offer more peaceful conditions.