Maaya Thila,Maldives
Maaya Thila is a renowned dive site in the Maldives located in North Ari Atoll. It's celebrated for its marine biodiversity and is considered one of the best night diving locations in the Maldives. While not significant for historical artifacts, it has cultural importance for the Maldivian dive community and tourism economy, contributing to marine conservation awareness and local livelihoods dependent on dive tourism.
Places to visit
- Night diving with abundant macro life
- White-tip reef shark sightings
- Cleaning stations with cleaner wrasses and shrimp
- Large schools of snappers and fusiliers
- Stunning coral-covered pinnacles and overhangs
Unique Aspects
- Shallow top that drops off into deeper channels
- Strong currents that attract pelagics
- Well-formed coral pinnacles with swim-throughs
- Excellent visibility (often 15-30m)
- Healthy hard and soft coral growth
Things to do
- Scuba diving (day and night) - drift dives and drift entries
- Snorkeling around the reef edge (limited in depth)
- Underwater photography and macro photography
- Dive courses and guided marine biology briefings
- Marine life spotting from liveaboards
Best Time to Visit
November to April for calmer seas and better visibility; May to October can have stronger currents and more plankton which can be good for macro life but reduce visibility.
Weather Conditions
Tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round (25-31°C). Northeast monsoon (dry, Nov-Apr) brings clearer waters; southwest monsoon (wet, May-Oct) brings more rain and possible rougher seas.
Entry Fees & Permits
No site-specific entry fees. Dive trips are organized by resorts and local dive centers; typical dive durations follow standard dive shop schedules. Night dives are usually scheduled after sunset with prior briefing.
Accessibility
Accessible by boat from resorts and liveaboards in North Ari Atoll. Commonly visited on day trips from nearby resorts or as a stop on dive liveaboards. Nearest domestic airport is Maafaru (VAM) or Velana International Airport (MLE) followed by boat/seaplane transfers depending on the guest's resort.
Recommended Duration
Plan for at least 2-3 days if diving multiple times; a 7-10 day liveaboard is ideal to explore Maaya Thila and surrounding Ari Atoll sites thoroughly.
Clothing & Gear Tips
Bring standard tropical dive gear (or rent locally): 3mm wetsuit for warmth during night dives, dive torch for night dives, reef-safe sunscreen, light beachwear, waterproof camera housing for underwater photography.
Local Food & Souvenirs
Taste Maldivian cuisine at resorts (fish curries, Mas Huni breakfast), and buy locally made handicrafts or small coral-themed souvenirs. Support eco-friendly souvenirs and avoid buying coral or marine life products.
