Dharavandhoo Thila

A submerged reef off Dharavandhoo island and a major reef manta cleaning station, with more than 500 individual mantas and over 1,600 sightings logged as of 2020. The inner side has overhangs draped in sea fans with cleaner shrimp; the outer side is a sandy slope with garden eels. It was made a designated protected area in 2023. Cleaning-station action is shallow, around 8-15m.

Depth

8–30m

Current

Mild

Diver level

Open water

Entry

Boat

Unique features

Major reef manta cleaning station (500+ mantas logged)
Inner overhangs with sea fans and cleaner shrimp
Designated protected area (2023)

Sources & last checked

Checked July 2026

This is a researched draft, not yet human-verified. The seasonality and logistics are drawn from the sources below — confirm specifics (permits, fees, closures) with an operator before you book.

Dharavandhoo Thila Protected Area — Environmental Protection Agency, Maldives
Diving in Baa Atoll — PADI

Note on the data: Exact coordinates not published; approximate off the western side of Dharavandhoo island.