Kudarah Thila - South Ari Atoll

Kudarah Thila is one of those spots that really shows off what a protected area can do. This pinnacle, just a small reef, sits right in the path of currents pushing in from the open ocean, which means a steady parade of reef sharks, eagle rays, and schooling snappers often hang around. We’ve found it’s best to hit this site on an incoming current to really appreciate the fish action, especially when navigating around the overhangs and ledges starting around 12 meters. It’s a great dive for anyone comfortable with a bit of current and keen to see healthy reef life up close.

Location
South Ari Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
3.583300, 72.800000

Marine Protected Area: South Ari Marine Protected Area

Best Time to Dive in South Ari Atoll

The warmest water temperatures in South Ari Atoll occur in January, averaging 28.7°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.7°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • February: 28.7°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • March: 28.7°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • April: 28.7°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • May: 28.7°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • June: 28.7°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • July: 28.7°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • August: 28.7°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • September: 28.7°C (air: 27.7°C)
  • October: 28.7°C (air: 27.7°C)
  • November: 28.7°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • December: 28.7°C (air: 27.5°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in South Ari Atoll

Nearest Dive Centres to Kudarah Thila

Marine Life in South Ari Atoll

Home to 152 recorded species including 85 hard corals, 50 reef fish, 7 sea snails & nudibranchs, 3 seagrass & algae, 2 sharks & rays, 2 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Kudarah Thila

Based on average water temperature of 28.7°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Kudarah Thila?
The typical depth range for diving at Kudarah Thila starts at approximately 12 meters and extends down to 40 meters. This offers a significant vertical profile for divers to explore on this vibrant reef.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Kudarah Thila?
Divers at Kudarah Thila can expect to encounter a rich variety of fish, a testament to its status as a marine protected area in the Maldives. While specific species aren't detailed, the abundance of marine life is a highlight, complemented by diverse reef topography.
How challenging is diving at Kudarah Thila, especially considering the currents?
Diving at Kudarah Thila is considered to be of intermediate difficulty. This is primarily due to its location directly in line with an ocean channel, meaning it is regularly swept by incoming currents. Divers should be prepared for these dynamic conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive Kudarah Thila for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
Based on the provided information, there is no specific data regarding the best time of year to dive Kudarah Thila for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general information on diving seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What dive certifications are recommended or required to dive at Kudarah Thila?
The provided data does not specify any recommended or required dive certifications for Kudarah Thila. Given its intermediate difficulty and depths up to 40 meters, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent would generally be advisable for such sites to ensure diver safety and enjoyment.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Kudarah Thila?
Kudarah Thila is known to be swept by incoming currents due to its position in line with an ocean channel, so divers should anticipate these conditions. There is no specific information provided regarding typical visibility at this site, but strong currents often correlate with good visibility.