Dive site · access from Ari Atoll
Maamigili Beyru
Whale sharks use this coastline year-round, often near the surface.
- Depth
- 5–30m
- Current
- Moderate
- Minimum level
- Open water
- Access
- Boat
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The case for it
Why dive here
- Southern outer reef inside SAMPA
- Whale-shark search area
- Long reef slope suited to drift profiles
Check before booking
What may rule it out
- Moderate current can affect whether the site is suitable on the day.
Access and timing
Plan this through Ari Atoll
Best overall months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec. Check the destination planner for operating season, wildlife and other matching sites.
Wildlife
Seen around Ari Atoll
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak seasondestination closed
These are destination-level records, not confirmed sightings at Maamigili Beyru.
Humphead wrasse
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Reef manta ray
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Whale shark
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Grey reef shark
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | commonly seen |
| February | commonly seen |
| March | commonly seen |
| April | commonly seen |
| May | commonly seen |
| June | commonly seen |
| July | commonly seen |
| August | commonly seen |
| September | commonly seen |
| October | commonly seen |
| November | commonly seen |
| December | commonly seen |
Hawksbill turtle
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | commonly seen |
| February | commonly seen |
| March | commonly seen |
| April | commonly seen |
| May | commonly seen |
| June | commonly seen |
| July | commonly seen |
| August | commonly seen |
| September | commonly seen |
| October | commonly seen |
| November | commonly seen |
| December | commonly seen |
Nearby alternatives
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Sources & last checked
Checked September 2026
Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.
View 2 sources and checking notes
- South Ari Marine Protected Area, Ministry of Tourism and Environment, Maldives
- Improving sightings-derived residency estimation for whale shark aggregations, Frontiers in Marine Science
Note on the data: Coordinates are approximate; not surveyed dive-site GPS.