Sara Thila - North Malé Atoll

Sara Thila is a good intermediate reef dive in North Malé Atoll, topping out at 23m. We've found it's a solid drift when the current picks up, taking you along the reef's edge where you’ll usually spot whitetip reef sharks resting on the sandy bottom, especially in the early mornings. Keep an eye out for schooling blue-striped snappers darting through the overhangs, and we often see hawksbill turtles munching on sponges. It’s a reliable spot for a relaxed dive if you’re looking for typical Maldivian reef action without anything too challenging.

Location
North Malé Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
4.323400, 73.369800
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
23m
Difficulty
Intermediate

Marine Protected Area: K.Rasfari Sarahahdhu

Best Time to Dive in North Malé Atoll

The warmest water temperatures in North Malé Atoll occur in April, averaging 30.9°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 28.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.6°C
  • February: 28.9°C
  • March: 29.8°C
  • April: 30.9°C
  • May: 30.1°C
  • June: 29.6°C
  • July: 29.6°C
  • August: 29.6°C
  • September: 29.4°C
  • October: 29.2°C
  • November: 29.3°C
  • December: 29.0°C

Nearby Dive Sites in North Malé Atoll

Nearest Dive Centres to Sara Thila

Marine Life in North Malé Atoll

Home to 101 recorded species including 42 reef fish, 41 hard corals, 5 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 seagrass & algae, 3 sharks & rays, 2 sea cucumbers.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Sara Thila

Based on average water temperature of 29.5°C, currents 10 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 30°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories