The Ari Atoll is a pelagic paradise,geographically different from other areas of Maldives, since the Atoll does notfeature long stretches of barrier reef common to other areas of the Maldives.Instead, there are lots of “Thila” (under Water Mountains/pinnacles), exposedto the nutrient rich ocean currents, where the pinnacles act as sites for coralgrowth, in turn acting as sites of marine aggregation, making these hidden gemsunder water excellent locations for scuba diving both around the pinnacles andin the “Kandu” (Channel). Due to this endowment by nature these pinnacles actas reservoirs of plankton thus acting as feeding spots to many species ofmarine life such as the majestic whale shark and the giant Manta Ray. In addition,sharks are abundant in these areas and you might also get the chance to observeschools of hammer head sharks. Further Ari Atoll is hailed as the best locationin Maldives for viewing giant pelagic species of fishes, and the clear waterswill offer you visibility from 20-40 meters, offering ideal conditions forunderwater photography. Although divingis available at all times around Ukulhas, the best period is from January toMay.
Lying in the Ari Atoll, Ukulhas is famous forthe diverse marine life of its surrounding dive sites. The dive sites which aremostly various “Thila” and “Kandu” have dive depths of 20 to 25 meters. Worldfamous diving sites such as the “Fish head” a unique protected area filled withnumerous caves, “Ukulhas Thila” home to numerous pelagic species, the “HafsaThila” filled with various marine fauna, “Maaya Thila” and “Gangehi Kandu”which boasts an amazing forest of diverse corals can be easily accessed fromUkulhas. In addition to the excellent coral structures hundreds of species offauna can be observed in a single dive from any of these sites. Since thepinnacles are in direct contact with the ocean currents these sites are mainlyrecommended for experienced divers. But Ukulhas even offers the divingexperience for beginners as well these dives will be done at the islands housereef and the “Maaya Thila” guided by instructors with years of experience.
The “Ukulhas Thila” situated along thenortheastern outer rim of Ari Atoll can be considered as one of the top divingsites in the whole Maldives. This pinnacle is joined by several others whichsprouts from the 30 meter bottom forming a garland of underwater reefs. The topside of the “Thila” acts as a reservoir for collecting plankton as it drifts inwith the ocean current acting as an excellent feeding spot for the Manta Ray.
Often included in the top ten dive sites ofthe world “Maaya Thila” the protected marine reserve, starts at 6 meters andthe reef edge drops from 12 meters to depths of 30 meters and more. There are multiplesshelves and cave like structures home to varieties of fishes such as the butterfly fish, parrot fish, frog fish and zebra morays, while further down diverswill be awestruck by the flying formations of eagle rays and the occasionalguitar shark. The top reef is a forest of various soft coral and nudibranchsand houses multiple smaller species. “Maaya Thila” has variable currents and issuitable for beginners as well.
One of the best sites in the whole Ari Atollfor viewing sharks, Fish head lies within a protected marine area in themid-eastern region of Ari Atoll. The pinnacle of Fish Head plunges from 10meters to 35 meters and is composed of numerous caves and overhangs whichattracts hundreds of grey reef sharks and blue line snappers among othervarious species. Due to the depth of the underwater spire and unpredictablecurrents, this dive is best suited for intermediate and advanced divers.
The diving spots around Ukulhas can beclassed as following;
House Reef: A House Reef, Is the portion ofthe reef that is closest to the island. House reefs offers excellent snorkelingor scuba diving opportunities. House reefs are easily accessible and can bereached by wading in from the beach itself. Since the waters are calm andcloser to the shore house reefs are ideal for snorkeling and for first timedivers. The Guest houses of Ukulhas will offer you the opportunity to explorethe islands House Reef either through snorkeling or by taking you on divesassisted by qualified instructors who knows the best parts of the reef to gofor a dive.
A Thila or Giri are submerged pinnacles or underwater mountains that can vary in size and shape. These rocky formations are usually filled with various marine flora and acts as home to thousands of marine fauna. A Thila is much bigger in size with a submerged edge of 15 to 30meters, in comparison a Giri is more visible and smaller in size with submerged margins of between 4 and 20 meters. A Thilasituated inside the Atoll will have less strong currents around it and acts asa refuge for much smaller and exotic marine species such as schools of butterfly fish, Moorish idols, leaf fish, the frog fish, nudibranchs, and other small aquatic life. A Thila situated in a kandu will be surrounded by strong currents and attracts grey reef sharks, eagle rays, barracudas, snappers and other pelagic fishes swimming in the current.
A Kandu is the channels that connects a lagoon with the ocean. A Kandu is formed by the eroding action of the strong oceanic currents travelling the edges of Atolls, and these channels are filled with plankton and other ocean going nutrients attracting schools of baitfish,larger pelagics such as grey reef sharks, tuna and manta rays who come to feed, the current along with the opportunity to spot these species provides fantastic drift diving experiences.
A Faru Is a small formation of corals and reefs that surround the Atolls and due to their close proximity to the shoreoffer excellent diving opportunities, regardless of the season and the direction of the currents. A Faru is an excellent location for both snorkelers and novice divers and you can get the chance to see a wide variety of fish and pelagic fishes, sharks, turtles, all kind of rays, trigger fish and many other types of colorful aquatic life.