HP Reef (Girifushi Thila),Maldives

• Pinnacle and Thila structure with steep walls and overhangs
• Regular sightings of grey reef sharks and occasional scalloped hammerheads
• Large schools of snappers, jacks, fusiliers and bannerfish
• Cleaning stations frequented by Napoleon wrasse and groupers
• Excellent coral gardens and macro life in crevices

• Strong currents that make for dramatic drift dives and concentrated fish activity
• Clear visibility often ranging from good to excellent (15–30 m)
• Varied topography: shallow bommies, deep drop-offs, swim-throughs and caves
• A top site for both pelagic encounters and colorful reef photography

• Guided scuba diving (single or double tank boat trips)
• Drift diving along the rim of the thila
• Underwater photography and wide-angle/macro shooting
• Snorkeling in calmer, shallower sections (with a guide)
• Night dives nearby (subject to operator scheduling and conditions)

Best time: December to April (northeast dry season) for calmer seas and best visibility; however, HP Reef is diveable year-round with variable conditions.

Typical weather: Tropical maritime climate — warm year-round (air 26–32°C). Sea surface temperatures usually 27–30°C. Monsoon seasons can change wind and current patterns: southwest monsoon (May–October) can bring more variable seas.

Entry/fees: No public entrance gate; access is via licensed dive operators. Fees depend on operator (includes boat transfer and dive guide). Standard dive boat schedules typically run morning and afternoon dives; full-day dive trips with two dives are common.

How to get there: Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately a 20–40 minute speedboat ride from Malé or Hulhumalé depending on operator and sea conditions. Only accessible by boat; there is no shore access. Nearest international airport: Velana International Airport (MLE) on Hulhulé Island near Malé.

Recommended stay: For divers: a half-day or full-day trip for 1–2 dives; if you want multiple dives and buffer time, plan on staying in the Malé/Hulhumalé/nearby resort area for 2–3 days of diving to include other nearby sites.

Bring: reef-safe sunscreen, lightweight tropical clothing, a light windbreaker for boat rides, dive certification card and logbook, personal dive gear if preferred (mask, fins, snorkel). For dives expect to wear a 3 mm wetsuit (seasonal).

Local food: Try Maldivian seafood dishes (mas huni, grilled fish, garudhiya) available in Malé and resorts. Souvenirs: Handicrafts, lacquer boxes and textiles purchased from licensed shops. Do not buy coral, shells or other protected marine items — exporting coral is illegal and harms the reef.