Rihiveli Faru

Rihiveli Faru is a fringing reef formation (faru) located near Rihiveli island in South Male Atoll. The site follows the outer slope of the reef, combining a shallow coral plateau with a gently inclining wall that bottoms out on a sandy terrace at 20–25 metres.

Site Conditions

• Depth range: 5–25 m
• Typical visibility: 15–25 m
• Currents: Light to moderate; generally manageable
• Best season: November–April for settled northeast monsoon conditions

What to Expect

The reef top at 5–8 metres is a productive snorkelling and shallow diving zone, with dense table coral formations providing habitat for hawksbill turtles, which are frequently sighted resting and grazing at this site. The slope below the plateau hosts an active cleaning station ecosystem — blue streak cleaner wrasse tend to large Napoleon wrasse, grouper, and triggerfish. Reef whitetip sharks cruise the lower sections alongside occasional passing grey reef sharks from the nearby channel. The sandy bottom features blue-spotted ribbontail rays and the characteristic garden eel colonies common throughout South Male Atoll.

Tips for Divers

The site’s accessibility and shelter from prevailing swells make it a reliable option during liveaboard itineraries passing through South Male Atoll. The shallow reef top is excellent for a safety stop, doubling as a macro photography platform with nudibranchs and small crustaceans inhabiting coral rubble zones. Best dived on the incoming tide to enjoy clear water flowing from the open ocean across the reef crest.