Maaya Thila

Maaya Thila

Maaya Thila is an isolated submerged pinnacle in North Ari Atoll and a Protected Marine Area since 27 September 1995 — one of the Maldives’ most famous night dives, celebrated above all for its resident whitetip reef shark population.

Overview

The pinnacle covers roughly 1,024 hectares of protected zone, with the reef summit at around 7–12 metres and the walls dropping to over 30 metres. Multiple small overhangs, cavities, and ledges ring the perimeter. Whitetip reef sharks are almost always present, circling the reef in dozens — they are the definitive wildlife encounter at this site. Grey reef sharks are also common, and both species become highly active hunters at night when lit by dive lights. The site is renowned as one of the best night dives in the Maldives specifically because of whitetip hunting behaviour. Stonefish, moray eels, turtles, and octopus are also confirmed at the site on night dives. Currents are unstable and unpredictable; this is not a site for novice divers. The Maldives Environment Ministry confirmed grey reef sharks and whitetip reef sharks in its Protected Area designation.

Site Information

• Location: North Ari Atoll (Alifu Alifu), Maldives — Protected Marine Area since 27 September 1995
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Pinnacle/seamount
• Difficulty Level: Advanced
• Maximum Depth: 30 meters
• Typical Visibility: 15-25 metres (can be reduced by plankton blooms)
• Current: Strong and unpredictable; surges common

Marine Life

Whitetip reef sharks (resident and numerous — the primary species), grey reef sharks, stonefish, moray eels, turtles, octopus. Napoleon wrasse and grouper reported by dive operators. No site-specific confirmed records of hammerheads or whale sharks at this site.

Diving Tips

• Night diving is the premier experience here — whitetip sharks become active hunters after dark.
• Reef hooks are strongly recommended for day dives when current runs; confirm your operator supplies them.
• Position on the sheltered side of the pinnacle for shark viewing — do not chase or crowd the animals.
• Currents are unpredictable and surging; strong buoyancy skills and current-diving experience are required.
• This site requires Advanced Open Water or equivalent certification minimum.

Getting There

Maaya Thila is in North Ari Atoll, accessible by seaplane from Malé (approximately 25 minutes) or speedboat (approximately 2 hours). Most North Ari Atoll liveaboards and resorts list it as a signature dive.

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Sources: Maldives Environment Ministry Protected Areas, Away Lands Maaya Thila Night Dive Guide, Scuba Diving Earth Maaya Thila. Last updated 2026-06-15.