Bungalow 78 exit - South Malé Atoll

Bungalow 78 is one of those dives that feels a bit like cheating, in the best possible way. The sheer density of reef fish here is astounding. We love drifting along, watching schools of blackfin soldierfish hover in the shade of the overhangs, sometimes so thick they completely obscure the reef wall. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too, we’ve spotted redlined pygmygobies darting between the closed brain coral and even a few elusive bloodspot pipefish tucked away. It’s a wonderfully relaxed drift, ideal for photographers or anyone who just wants to soak in the Maldives’ classic reef vibe without battling a strong current. This is a dive we always recommend for a chill afternoon.

Location
South Malé Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
4.082831, 73.513950

Marine Protected Area: K.Embudhoo Kan'duolhi

Best Time to Dive in South Malé Atoll

The warmest water temperatures in South Malé Atoll occur in April, averaging 30.4°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 28.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.5°C
  • February: 28.8°C
  • March: 29.4°C
  • April: 30.4°C
  • May: 30.1°C
  • June: 29.6°C
  • July: 29.7°C
  • August: 29.6°C
  • September: 29.4°C
  • October: 29.3°C
  • November: 29.3°C
  • December: 29.0°C

Nearby Dive Sites in South Malé Atoll

Nearest Dive Centres to Bungalow 78 exit

Marine Life in South Malé Atoll

Home to 106 recorded species including 44 reef fish, 41 hard corals, 6 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 seagrass & algae, 3 sharks & rays, 2 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Bungalow 78 exit

Based on average water temperature of 29.4°C, currents 19 cm/s.

  • 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