Fushivaru Thila | Best Diving in the Maldives

Fushivaru Thila - Maldives Dive Site

Dive Site: Protected Marine Area (Thila)
Location: Faadhippolhu Atoll, Channel East Side of Fishivaru Island
Depth Range: 10m - 20m
Coral Growth: Excellent
Features: Manta Rays, Reef Fish, Coral
Fish Life: Abundant
Experience Level: Novice

Dive Site Map - Fushivaru Thila

Fushivaru Thila - Dive Site Maldives

Diving Hints and Currents:

Fushivaru Thila is a top-rated Maldives dive site in the Fushivaru Kandi region, located towards the east side of Fushivaru Island, now a protected marine area.

Fushivaru Thila dive site is the main diving attraction, beating the nearby Fushivaru Corner and Fushivaru Giri, in terms of dive enjoyment and features. Even advanced divers will be spoilt for choice at this stunning Maldives dive spot.

The thila is situated close to the edge of the atoll, bang in the middle of a 500m wide channel separating the reefs of Fushivaru and Madhiriguraidhoo Faru. The thila measures 150 meters in length, 50 meters in width, and stands tall at around 10 meters at its highest point. At any given end, the top is at a depth of 16 meters.

The thila can be navigated in two ways. The outside part, which is slightly deeper at around 30 meters, is the entrance to the atoll. The entrance part and the thila itself can be explored in one dive, or two separate expeditions. Depending on the current, alongside the cliff edge you will find grey reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, barracuda and eagle rays.

On the top of the Fushivaru thila dive site is an untouched reef with stunning table corals. These layered coral formations offer plenty of protection for the Maldivian marine life such as the morays and shy reef fish. There are cleaner wrasse stations peppered all around the reef and it is not uncommon to spot large schools of fish or mantas congregating in the area. More often than not you will catch sight of black snapper fish, blue-dash fusilier, yellow-black fusilier, and aggregations of the oriental sweetlip, cruising around these depths.

The rapid currents that stream through the channel accentuate the brilliant soft corals, as they compete for all available space. Dwelling in the sand bordering the thila at a mere 20 meters you will see white-tip reef sharks and sting rays, whereas around the outskirts are the favorite spots for nurse sharks and turtles. For the manta lovers, it is important to note that they are more likely to be seen with the current flowing outside the atoll.

The currents can be extremely powerful in this channel at Fushivaru Thila dive site, particularly during the infamous north-east monsoon in the Maldives. You should take advantage of ingoing currents, as they provide excellent visibility, and enable divers to navigate the deep outside rim of the atoll, before drifting on to the fushivaru thila. Special care should be taken when diving with an outgoing current, and it is recommended to carry safety balloons at all times.