Main jetty exit

Main jetty exit is a shore-entry reef dive in North Malé Atoll, providing convenient access to a fringing reef with a variety of reef fish and coral habitats, often used as a training and warm-up dive site by local dive operators.

Overview

The main jetty exit dive is a straightforward shore entry from a jetty into the fringing reef beyond. The reef top starts at 4–6 metres and slopes gradually to around 25 metres where it meets a sandy lagoon floor. The coral cover is typical of North Malé Atoll fringing reefs, with hard coral formations providing habitat for the usual complement of Maldivian reef species: parrotfish, surgeonfish, wrasse, triggerfish, and moray eels. The site benefits from its sheltered position on the lagoon side, meaning current is generally mild and conditions are predictable. Night dives are popular here, revealing crabs, shrimps, sleeping parrotfish, and small octopuses that emerge after dark.

Site Information

• Location: Maldives, Asia
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 25 meters
• Typical Visibility: 10-20 meters (33-65 feet)
• Current: Light to moderate

Marine Life

Parrotfish, surgeonfish, wrasse, triggerfish, moray eels, pufferfish, coral grouper, small reef sharks, and — on night dives — crabs, shrimps, octopus, and sleeping reef fish.

Diving Tips

• This is an excellent night dive site due to its easy shore access and gentle conditions.
• Follow the reef slope down to around 20 metres then work your way back up to complete a multi-level profile.
• Visibility can be reduced on incoming tide when sediment is stirred from the lagoon — dive on the outgoing tide for better water clarity.
• Keep an eye out for sandy patches around the reef base, which often harbour stingrays and garden eels.

Getting There

The site is accessed directly from the jetty at the associated island or resort in North Malé Atoll. Specific access arrangements are through the local dive operator.