Ihi Reef

Ihi Reef is a coral reef dive near the inner waters of South Male Atoll, offering a pleasant mix of hard coral formations and reef fish diversity in a sheltered setting accessible year-round.

Overview

Located in the relatively sheltered interior of South Male Atoll, Ihi Reef is a sloping reef that descends from a shallow crest at 4–5 metres to around 25 metres where the structure meets a sandy floor. The upper reef slope features well-developed hard coral including branching and encrusting Acropora, home to schools of anthias and chromis that swirl above the coral in dense clouds. Grouper and Napoleon wrasse occupy the mid-reef zone, while moray eels are frequently spotted peering from crevices at 10–15 metres. The sandy base has garden eels and the occasional blue-spotted stingray. Hawksbill turtles pass through the reef regularly, and whitetip reef sharks sometimes rest on the sand beside the reef base. The sheltered position means currents are generally light, making this a good dive for maximising bottom time and relaxed exploration. Visibility ranges from 15 to 25 metres. Water temperature averages 27–29°C.

Site Information

• Location: Maldives, Asia
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Depth: Up to 25m
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Site Type: Reef

Marine Life

Hawksbill turtles, Napoleon wrasse, grouper, moray eels, whitetip reef sharks, anthias, chromis, blue-spotted stingrays, and garden eels.

Diving Conditions

Condition	Details
Visibility	15–25m
Current	Light
Water Temp	27–29°C
Best Season	Year-round

Tips for Divers

A good site for beginners stepping up from house reef dives, or intermediate divers seeking an unhurried exploration dive. The shallow crest is excellent for safety stops and offers some of the best fish density on the reef.

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