South Ari Atoll
Ari Atholhu Dhekunuburi (Alifu Dhaalu Atoll)
Mahibadhoo
South Ari Atoll is globally renowned for year-round whale shark sightings and luxurious overwater resorts like Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. Locally, islands like Dhigurah lead community tourism and marine conservation, combining world-class diving with cultural authenticity.
Islands of this Atoll
Broken Rock South Ari Atoll
Intermediate
Glassfish & sweepers Soldierfish & squirrelfish Soft corals & sponges Hawksbill turtles (resting) Nurse shark (occasional) Moray eels Lionfish & scorpionfish Shrimps & lobsters Sweetlips Nudibranchs
Dhigurah Arches South Ari Atoll
Beginner–Intermediate
Glassfish & sweepers Soldierfish & squirrelfish Soft corals & sponges Hawksbill turtles (resting) Nurse shark (occasional) Moray eels Lionfish & scorpionfish Shrimps & lobsters Sweetlips Nudibranchs
Huvahendhoo Caves Lily Caves South Ari Atoll
Beginner–Intermediate
Glassfish & sweepers Soldierfish & squirrelfish Soft corals & sponges Hawksbill turtles (resting) Nurse shark (occasional) Moray eels Lionfish & scorpionfish Shrimps & lobsters Sweetlips Nudibranchs
Maamigili Beyru Whale Shark Zone South Ari Atoll
Beginner–Intermediate
Whale sharks (year‑round, boat cover) Manta rays (seasonal) Tunas (yellowfin/skipjack) Jacks/trevally Barracuda Grey reef sharks Eagle rays Fusiliers bait balls Turtles Remoras
Mirihi Thila South Ari Atoll
Beginner–Intermediate
Soft corals & anthias clouds Grey reef sharks (current side) Napoleon wrasse Hawksbill turtles Schooling trevally Barracuda Batfish Moray eels Leaf scorpionfish Nudibranchs
Omadhoo Thila South Ari Atoll
Beginner–Intermediate
Soft corals & anthias clouds Grey reef sharks (current side) Napoleon wrasse Hawksbill turtles Schooling trevally Barracuda Batfish Moray eels Leaf scorpionfish Nudibranchs
Vakarufalhi Thila South Ari Atoll
Intermediate
Soft corals & anthias clouds Grey reef sharks (current side) Napoleon wrasse Hawksbill turtles Schooling trevally Barracuda Batfish Moray eels Leaf scorpionfish Nudibranchs
Dhangethi Kandu Corner South Ari Atoll
Advanced
Grey reef sharks Whitetip reef sharks Eagle rays Dogtooth tuna Giant trevally Barracuda Napoleon wrasse Green & hawksbill turtles Snappers & fusiliers Batfish
Dhigurah Thila South Ari Atoll
Intermediate
Soft corals & anthias clouds Grey reef sharks (current side) Napoleon wrasse Hawksbill turtles Schooling trevally Barracuda Batfish Moray eels Leaf scorpionfish Nudibranchs
Kudarah Thila South Ari Atoll
Intermediate–Advanced
Soft corals & anthias clouds Grey reef sharks (current side) Napoleon wrasse Hawksbill turtles Schooling trevally Barracuda Batfish Moray eels Leaf scorpionfish Nudibranchs
Maamigili Corner South Ari Atoll
Intermediate
Grey reef sharks Whitetip reef sharks Eagle rays Dogtooth tuna Giant trevally Barracuda Napoleon wrasse Green & hawksbill turtles Snappers & fusiliers Batfish
Moofushi Manta Point Panettone South Ari Atoll
Intermediate
Reef mantas (cleaning/feeding) Mobula/eagle rays Grey reef sharks (perimeter) Green & hawksbill turtles Schooling jacks/trevally Barracuda Tunas Fusiliers Napoleon wrasse Occasional whale shark
Rangali Madivaru Manta Point South Ari Atoll
Intermediate
Reef mantas (cleaning/feeding) Mobula/eagle rays Grey reef sharks (perimeter) Green & hawksbill turtles Schooling jacks/trevally Barracuda Tunas Fusiliers Napoleon wrasse Occasional whale shark
Vilamendhoo Thila South Ari Atoll
Intermediate
Soft corals & anthias clouds Grey reef sharks (current side) Napoleon wrasse Hawksbill turtles Schooling trevally Barracuda Batfish Moray eels Leaf scorpionfish Nudibranchs
Dhidhdhoofinolhu Outside South Ari Atoll
Intermediate
Grey reef sharks Eagle rays Dogtooth tuna Giant trevally Barracuda Napoleon wrasse Green & hawksbill turtles Snappers & fusiliers Batfish Moray eels
Five Rocks Thinfushi Thila South Ari Atoll
Intermediate–Advanced
Soft corals & anthias clouds Grey reef sharks (current side) Napoleon wrasse Hawksbill turtles Schooling trevally Barracuda Batfish Moray eels Leaf scorpionfish Nudibranchs
Kudhimaa Wreck Machchafushi South Ari Atoll
Beginner–Intermediate
Glassfish & sweepers Soldierfish Lionfish Scorpionfish (incl. leaf scorpionfish) Batfish Sweetlips Trevally (GT) & jacks Barracuda Moray eels Nudibranchs & flatworms
Mandhoo Corner Outside South Ari Atoll
Intermediate–Advanced
Grey reef sharks Eagle rays Dogtooth tuna Giant trevally Barracuda Napoleon wrasse Green & hawksbill turtles Snappers & fusiliers Batfish Moray eels
Nalaguraidhoo Outside Sun Island South Ari Atoll
Intermediate
Grey reef sharks Eagle rays Dogtooth tuna Giant trevally Barracuda Napoleon wrasse Green & hawksbill turtles Snappers & fusiliers Batfish Moray eels
Seventh Heaven South Ari Atoll
Intermediate–Advanced
Grey reef sharks Eagle rays Dogtooth tuna Giant trevally Barracuda Napoleon wrasse Green & hawksbill turtles Snappers & fusiliers Batfish Moray eels