Ihi Reef - South Malé Atoll

Ihi Reef, in South Malé, offers a reliable reef dive, especially if you're looking to slow down and appreciate the smaller details. We’ve found it’s usually pretty calm here, making it a good spot for newer divers or those who prefer a relaxed pace without battling strong currents. You’ll see plenty of star and wrinkle corals, forming solid reef structures that provide shelter for smaller reef fish. It’s not about big pelagics here, but it's a pleasant dive for observing healthy coral growth and the quieter side of Maldivian reef life.

Location
South Malé Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
3.887852, 73.355500
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-20m

Marine Protected Area: K.Guraidhoo 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 Ihi Reef

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 Ihi Reef

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