Whale Sharks all year round.
South Ari Atoll
We have it all!!!
There are 15 deep reefs or thilas or pinnacles in the channel next to Dhigurah… the famous Kudarah thila, Five Rocks & Broken Rock are just 10 minutes away.
Our PADI trained instructors will be happy to show you the best diving in the Maldives! Whether it is full days with lunch looking for whale sharks, dolphins and mantas or exciting pinnacle dives with fantastic marine life and soft coral in amazing colours…
Marine Protected Area
Discover unforgettable underwater encounters near Dhigurah Island, where Boutique Beach is ideally located within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA). Here, whale sharks and manta rays can be seen year-round … whether you’re diving or snorkelling. Marvel at graceful manta rays feeding in Dhigurah Lagoon also we have several nearby cleaning stations that are a haven for these majestic creatures. In addition, the marine protected area is home to magnificent whale sharks, offering an exceptional experience for every underwater adventurer.
In the Maldives, all sharks are protected by law, ensuring that these magnificent creatures continue to thrive in their natural habitat for generations to come. Join us and explore a marine environment where conservation meets the breathtaking beauty of reef sharks.
SAMPA in the Maldives is 42 square kilometres (16 square miles). It’s the largest protected area in the Maldives.
SAMPA is the largest protected area in the Maldives representing one of the world’s most significant sites for whale sharks. Whale sharks in SAMPA are present all year round, and to date, more than 726 individual whale sharks have been sighted within SAMPA with more than 8000 encounters, with many returning frequently to the area (Big Fish Network. 2024). Most sightings in the areas are male juveniles (72.5%) male sex bias. This makes it probable that this area has the highest repeat encounter rate of individual whale sharks in the world. SAMPA is likely a ‘secondary nursery’ location for whale sharks which have grown above the juvenile period. In addition, whale sharks in this region are not seen again once they grow beyond 8m (and so corresponding to sexual maturity). It therefore appears SAMPA offers a critical habitat in this post-juvenile, pre-mature stage.
Famous Dive Sites
Kudarah Thila, is a marine protected reef since 1995 and is one of the most famous reefs in Maldives. Only 10 mins from our harbour and a very exciting dive with thousands of blue stripe snappers often being hunted by sharks, tunas, giant trevallys, and jacks. Some very beautiful soft corals with a large swim thru at one end.
Broken Rock is also a very famous dive site due to its deep canyon which divers can swim thru one by one being very careful with fins, not to damage the beautiful fan corals growing on either side. Fantastic fish life and some brightly coloured soft corals in the overhangs. Sharks and eagle rays can often be seen cruising the current.
Five Rocks also known as Reethi Thila is a great dive with 5 large blocks with canyons in between them. It is known for large barracudas, grey reef sharks in current, many different species of anemones, as well as eagle rays and surgeon fish following you to the surface. Beautiful fan corals form fields around the base of the thila and many beautiful soft corals can be found in the cracks and overhangs. Octopus also regularly seen here.
Kudima Wreck
Kudima Wreck is a 50-meter-long steel vessel resting just off the Machafushi house reef. Intentionally sunk in 1998, it offers divers visiting the South Ari Atoll a unique wreck exploration experience. As you venture around the wreck, you’ll encounter schools of batfish and jackfish and stone fish along with a vibrant array of nudibranchs. This site is a treasure trove of macro subjects, making it a favourite destination for underwater photographers and filmmakers.
Cleaning Stations
Reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) are among the ocean’s most graceful and intelligent inhabitants. Their elegant, flying movements as they glide through tropical waters in search of plankton are truly mesmerising. A key part of their daily routine involves visiting cleaning stations—specific sites on the reef where small cleaner fish and shrimps remove parasites, dead skin, and other debris. This mutualistic relationship is vital for maintaining their streamlined, healthy bodies and optimal swimming performance.
Sharks, too, take advantage of these cleaning stations. Many reef dwelling species, such as white tip and black tip sharks, are known to visit these areas where cleaner fish meticulously remove unwanted parasites and skin debris, including dental treatment removing bits of food. This natural cleaning process is essential for their overall health and helps them navigate the waters more efficiently. Observing both manta rays and sharks at their cleaning stations provides a fascinating insight into the intricate balance and cooperation that sustains marine life beneath the waves.
