This dive site, Vilamendhoo, is a renowned spot on Ari Atoll's southwest, famous for its accessible house reef. Divers and snorkelers can easily navigate from the shallow reef flat, starting at 1 meter, to dramatic coral drop-offs plunging to 20 meters. As a resort island's house reef, it offers convenient, year-round access directly from the beach.
The reef boasts wonderful sea life including sharks, turtles, rays, vibrant clownfish, and colorful parrotfish. The healthy coral formations characterize the drop-offs and reef flats, providing habitat for a diverse array of tropical fish species and macro life.
The Maldives generally offers excellent diving year-round, with the dry season (December to April) often having calmer seas and better visibility. This site is particularly great for beginners due to the shallow reef, while freedivers will appreciate the easy access to drop-offs for deeper exploration. Always be mindful of currents, especially near the drop-off, which can vary.
