Lara Giri - South Malé Atoll

Lara Giri is a good introduction to the Maldivian pinnacle, or 'giri', dives. Dropping to a manageable 21 metres, it’s a calm spot, ideal for newer divers getting comfortable with currents that are usually quite gentle here. We often see reef sharks cruising the edges and schools of fusiliers hovering above the coral blocks. Look closely for nudibranchs tucked into the overhangs and keep an eye out for octopus changing colours as they hunt. It's not the most dramatic site in South Malé, but it’s a solid, enjoyable dive for getting your bearings in the atoll.

Location
South Malé Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
3.904800, 73.451500
Type
pinnacle
Maximum Depth
21m
Difficulty
Beginner

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 Lara Giri

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 Lara Giri

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