Maagiri Reef

A lively giri (coral patch reef) in North Malé (Kaafu) Atoll, in the central cluster near Bandos and Thulhaagiri, reached by boat from Malé and the nearby resorts. Also known as Maagiri Rocks. The dive is a hop between five separate coral-block formations scattered over sandy slopes, with a shallow top around 2–5 m sloping to roughly 32 m — easy, relaxed going suitable for all levels. The blocks are blanketed in clouds of colourful small and juvenile reef fish, with big schools of bannerfish and blue-striped snappers, lionfish, and cleaning stations worked by cleaner shrimp and moray eels (including honeycomb morays); garden eels, flounders and titan triggerfish work the sand between them, and turtles cruise through. The standout of the five is a coral block carpeted in anemones and their resident clownfish — the most popular stop on the dive. Currents are usually gentle, with the fish gathering thickest when water pushes in. Boat entry.

Also known as: Maagiri Rocks