Dhonkalho Thila - Maldives Dive Site
Dive Site: Thila
Location: North Ari Atoll, Channel between Maalhos and Himendhoo
Depth Range: 7m - 35m
Coral Growth: Average
Features: Pelagic fish, Manta rays
Fish Life: Excellent
Experience Level: Novice
Dive Guide Map - Dhonkalho Thila
Diving Hints and Currents:
Dhonkalho Thila dive site is a popular Maldives dive location, best known for its abundance of Manta rays and large reef fish. Also referred to as the "Manta Ray Car Wash" due to the abundance of mantas in addition to the natural whirlpool-like currents and pulls, this top dive site is situated in the channel between Maalhos and Himendhoo.
The location of this dive site in North Ari Atoll, allows for an exhilerating channel dive and many top ten lists of the best dive sites and scuba diving locations will have Dhonkalho Thila amongst the upper echelons. This Maldives dive site is a popular spot for manta rays and whale sharks, and many sightings have been reported all year round, however the best time for diving at this top dive location remains during the north-east monsoon in the Maldives.
It is at this time that a majority of the mantas and sharks can be spotted in and around the channel entrance and reef outskirts, mostly congregating at around 20 - 25 meters. The average visibility range at Dhonkalho Thila dive site is between 15 - 25 meters, with the depths within the dive site ranging from 5 meters to a sandy seabed at 35 meters.
