Exit 10
3.6339°N 72.9610°E · reef
Exit 10 is the uppermost numbered exit point in a series of reef moorings along the outer reef system near the central-southern atolls, marking the terminal section of the reef circuit used by local operators for drift and circuit dives.
Overview
Positioned close to Exits 1 and 2 in this tightly grouped cluster, Exit 10 accesses the reef wall and slope that forms the final section of the circuit dive route. The site’s reef profile mirrors the adjacent exits — a sloping outer wall from the crest at 3-5 meters down to sandy and rubble bottom at 25 meters — but its position as the last exit in the numerical sequence suggests it is used under specific current conditions when the drift terminates further along the reef. The coral coverage is solid, with table and brain corals dominating the upper slope and encrusting growth and sea fans taking over below 15 meters. Schools of fusiliers and bannerfish are typically concentrated above the reef crest, and resident Napoleon wrasse are a reliable highlight on this section of reef. The operational system of numbered exits reflects the Maldives’ well-developed dive infrastructure, where systematic site management ensures consistent access across varying tidal conditions.
Site Information
- Location: Maldives (South/Central Atolls)
- Entry Type: Boat dive
- Site Type: Reef
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Maximum Depth: 25 meters
- Typical Visibility: 15-30 meters
- Current: Moderate; variable direction with tide
Marine Life
Napoleon wrasse, schools of fusiliers and bannerfish, grey reef sharks, moray eels, surgeonfish, grouper, and healthy hard coral gardens on the outer slope.
Tips for Divers
As the final exit in the series, this site benefits from knowing the full circuit route — confirm the planned exit point with your divemaster before entering. If the current reverses during the dive, this exit or one of the adjacent numbered points will be selected as the appropriate egress. The Napoleon wrasse encountered here are often habituated to divers and will approach closely.
Sea-surface temperature and wave height from Open-Meteo Marine (ERA5 reanalysis, monthly averages).
19 verified species observations (14 species) logged within ~11 km of this site between 1991 and 2022, from the Ocean Biodiversity Information System.
- Rhincodon typus · Whale Shark
- Carcharhinus melanopterus
- Berthellina citrina
- Chelidonura varians
- Hypselodoris whitei
- Caloria indica
- Verconia varians
- Salmoneus alpheophilus
- Axiopsis serratifrons
- Ralumcaris bisquamosa
- Odontonia sibogae
- Salmoneus arabicus
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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