This dive site, Thoondu, is a dramatic underwater wall dive located in the Maldives, likely near Fuvahmulah. It features a prominent small overhang that serves as a focal point for localized marine activity. Divers typically explore the vibrant wall, using the overhang for observation, before navigating towards the nearby cleaning station. No specific history or navigation complexities beyond these features are noted.
The main draw of Thoondu is its renowned cleaning station, which consistently attracts elusive thresher sharks, providing a unique opportunity for observation. Other resident pelagic species include silver tip sharks and various snappers. Seasonally, the site is graced by the presence of magnificent oceanic mantas, sunfish (Mola Molas), impressive scalloped hammerhead sharks, and the majestic whale sharks, making it a prime location for diverse big marine encounters. While specific coral types aren't detailed, a wall dive typically boasts a variety of hard and soft corals.
The best time to visit Thoondu for its spectacular seasonal visitors like mantas, mola molas, hammerheads, and whale sharks typically aligns with their migratory seasons in the Maldives, which can vary. For scuba divers, practicing excellent buoyancy control is crucial along the wall, and patience is key when waiting at the cleaning station for the thresher sharks to appear. Skilled freedivers can also find this site highly rewarding for pelagic encounters, though the maximum depth of 32 meters demands advanced breath-hold capabilities and proper technique.
