Velassaru Thila - South Malé Atoll

Velassaru Thila is a solid pinnacle dive in South Malé Atoll. It’s a good spot for seeing reef sharks cruising the deeper edges, along with the usual cast of fusiliers and snappers that congregate around these formations. We’ve found it generally suitable for divers with some experience, as currents can pick up around the thila. Visibility tends to be decent, making for comfortable viewing of the coral growth on the pinnacle’s slopes.

Location
South Malé Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
4.117247, 73.440414
Type
pinnacle
Maximum Depth
5-25m

Marine Protected Area: Gulhifalhu Medhugaionna Kohlavaanee

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 Velassaru Thila

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 Velassaru Thila

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