Dive site · access from Baa Atoll
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.
- Depth
- 8–30m
- Current
- Mild
- Minimum level
- Open water
- Access
- Boat
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The case for it
Why dive here
- Major reef manta cleaning station (500+ mantas logged)
- Inner overhangs with sea fans and cleaner shrimp
- Designated protected area (2023)
Check before booking
What may rule it out
- Conditions can change. Confirm depth, current and access with a local operator.
Access and timing
Plan this through Baa Atoll
Best overall months: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov. Check the destination planner for operating season, wildlife and other matching sites.
Wildlife
Seen around Baa Atoll
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak seasondestination closed
These are destination-level records, not confirmed sightings at Dharavandhoo Thila.
Giant oceanic manta ray
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | not seen |
| February | not seen |
| March | not seen |
| April | rare |
| May | rare |
| June | rare |
| July | rare |
| August | rare |
| September | rare |
| October | rare |
| November | rare |
| December | not seen |
Humphead wrasse
| 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 |
Reef manta ray
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | rare |
| February | rare |
| March | rare |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | peak season |
| July | peak season |
| August | peak season |
| September | peak season |
| October | peak season |
| November | peak season |
| December | occasional |
Whale shark
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | rare |
| February | rare |
| March | rare |
| April | rare |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | rare |
Bentfin devil ray
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | not seen |
| February | not seen |
| March | not seen |
| April | rare |
| May | rare |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | rare |
| December | not seen |
Nearby alternatives
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Sources & last checked
Checked July 2026
Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.
View 2 sources and checking notes
- 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.