Dharavandhoo Thila

Dharavandhoo Thila is another dive site in our portfolio. This protected pinnacle sits on the west side of Dharavandhoo island and was designated a Marine Protected Area. This site has one of the best macro photography opportunities in Baa Atoll. For advanced divers looking for something special, this thila delivers on multiple fronts.

The Dive

The top of the thila starts at 6 metres and descends to around 30 metres. What makes this pinnacle unique is its dual-sided structure where the inner area features a shallow sandy area populated by garden eels swaying in the current, while the outer area reveals magnificent overhangs adorned with vibrant sea fans. Conditions depend on current strength, so we recommend this site for advanced divers comfortable with variable conditions.

Macro Life

For photographers, Dharavandhoo Thila is a macro paradise. Bring your macro lens and take your time exploring the overhangs where nudibranchs hide among the coral. Scorpionfish and lionfish lurk in the crevices, perfectly camouflaged until you spot that telltale eye. On the sandy outer section, garden eels create mesmerising displays, retreating into their burrows as you approach. Look closely and you might spot gobbies partnered with pistol shrimp in their shared burrows. The overhangs shelter hundreds of vibrant anthias, large groupers, Napoleons, and moray eels peering out from their holes. Healthy corals throughout the site make every corner worth exploring.

Protected Area

Dharavandhoo Thila was designated an Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Area (EBSA) in November 2023, recognising its importance to the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve ecosystem. A Conservation Action Plan running from 2025 to 2035 is now in place to protect this vital habitat. When diving here, we ask all our guests to practice responsible diving – maintain distance from marine life, never touch the corals, and keep a respectful distance from any mantas at the cleaning station. By diving responsibly, we help ensure this remarkable site remains healthy for generations of divers to come.