Finolhu Faru

Finolhu Faru is an outer reef (faru) dive site in South Male Atoll, offering a classic Maldivian reef slope with strong coral coverage and reliable fish life in the waters off the sandbank island of Finolhu.

Overview

Faru in Dhivehi means the outer reef — the atoll’s perimeter reef facing the open ocean — and Finolhu Faru delivers the characteristic profile of such sites: a shallow crest dropping through coral terraces to a steeper outer slope before opening into blue water. The reef at this point in South Male Atoll is in good condition, with hard coral dominance on the upper slope transitioning to a more varied community of soft corals and encrusting organisms on the deeper faces. Napoleon wrasse are commonly encountered along the outer edge, and grey reef sharks are frequently seen patrolling the deeper slope in small groups. The site benefits from its proximity to Emmadi Giri (Manta Point), which is visible in good visibility conditions, and is often included in the same day programme as the manta station. Schools of fusiliers hang in mid-water along the reef edge, attracting hunting trevally and barracuda on incoming tides.

Site Information

• Location: South Male Atoll, Maldives
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 25 meters
• Typical Visibility: 15-30 meters
• Current: Moderate; stronger on outer face with incoming ocean swells

Marine Life

Napoleon wrasse, grey reef sharks, schools of fusiliers and barracuda, big-eye trevally, hawksbill turtles, parrotfish, and mixed hard and soft coral communities. Occasional manta rays when combined with nearby Emmadi Giri.

Tips for Divers

This site pairs well with the manta station at Emmadi Giri for a two-tank programme. The outer slope is the most productive section — stay at 15-20 meters on the outer face for shark and Napoleon wrasse encounters. The reef crest provides a good safety stop area with snorkellable depth for boat pick-up in calm conditions.