HP Reef Girifushi Thila
A world-class thila in North Ari Atoll, HP Reef is a magnet for sharks, rays, and schooling fish, offering thrilling drift dives.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Optimal visibility for marine life
HP Reef Girifushi Thila
Best Time
Optimal visibility for marine life

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A world-class thila in North Ari Atoll, HP Reef is a magnet for sharks, rays, and schooling fish, offering thrilling drift dives.
"Incredible marine life and exhilarating drift dives make HP Reef a must for experienced divers."
Certified Divers Only
This site is best suited for experienced divers due to potential currents. Ensure your certification is up-to-date. :diving_mask:
Go with a Reputable Dive Center
Local dive operators know the best times and conditions for HP Reef. Book in advance! :boat:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sharks and Rays Galore
Witness grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and other pelagics in their natural habitat. A truly exhilarating underwater spectacle.

Vibrant Coral Gardens
Explore a kaleidoscope of healthy corals teeming with colorful reef fish. A photographer's dream underwater.

Strong Currents
Experience exhilarating drift dives as you glide effortlessly through nutrient-rich waters. Requires advanced diving skills.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dive into the Blue
Marine Life Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Diving North Ari Atoll in Maldives
Certified Divers Only
This site is best suited for experienced divers due to potential currents. Ensure your certification is up-to-date. :diving_mask:
Go with a Reputable Dive Center
Local dive operators know the best times and conditions for HP Reef. Book in advance! :boat:
Respect the Marine Life
Avoid touching coral or feeding fish. Observe from a distance to preserve this delicate ecosystem. :ocean:
Tips
from all over the internet
Certified Divers Only
This site is best suited for experienced divers due to potential currents. Ensure your certification is up-to-date. :diving_mask:
Go with a Reputable Dive Center
Local dive operators know the best times and conditions for HP Reef. Book in advance! :boat:
Respect the Marine Life
Avoid touching coral or feeding fish. Observe from a distance to preserve this delicate ecosystem. :ocean:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise HP Reef for its incredible marine life, particularly the abundance of sharks and rays, and the vibrant coral formations. The exhilarating drift dives are a major highlight for experienced divers. However, the strong currents mean it's not suitable for beginners, and some find the dive trips can be pricey.
"أفضل مكان"
زينب مهدي عبود
"deluxe"
عبد الله البديري
"good"
سلطان كلبي
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
HP Reef is located in the North Ari Atoll. Access is typically via liveaboard boats or day trips organized by dive centers from nearby islands like Himmafushi or Malé. The journey involves a boat ride, so check with your chosen dive operator for specific timings and meeting points.
Many divers opt for liveaboard trips that cover multiple dive sites in North Ari Atoll, including HP Reef. Alternatively, you can stay on a local island and arrange day trips with dive centers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there isn't a specific 'ticket' for HP Reef itself, you will need to pay for a dive trip organized by a licensed dive center. These fees usually cover boat transport, guide, and sometimes equipment rental.
Dive centers typically operate from early morning to late afternoon, with multiple dive slots available throughout the day. It's best to confirm the schedule directly with your chosen operator.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
HP Reef is famous for its abundance of grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and large schools of fish like fusiliers and snappers. You might also spot turtles, moray eels, and various reef fish.
Due to potential strong currents, HP Reef is generally recommended for advanced or experienced divers. Beginners might find sites like Fishhead or Maya Thila more manageable.
Conditions can vary, but expect potential currents that make for exciting drift dives. Visibility is usually excellent, especially during the dry season. Water temperatures are consistently warm.
Bring your dive certification card, logbook, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle. Most dive centers provide tanks and weights; inquire about other gear rental. :divingmask: :sunwith_face:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
HP Reef is an underwater dive site, so there are no food facilities directly there. Dive boats usually provide water and sometimes snacks. If you're on a day trip, you might have lunch on the boat or on a nearby island.
Maldivian cuisine often features fresh seafood, rice, and curries. Liveaboards and dive centers usually offer buffet-style meals with a mix of local and international dishes.
📸 📸 Photography
The sheer density of marine life, especially schools of fish and sharks, makes for dramatic underwater photography. The vibrant coral formations also offer stunning backdrops. :camerawithflash:
Use a wide-angle lens for the large schools of fish and sharks. For coral shots, a macro lens can capture intricate details. Ensure your camera is properly housed for underwater use and consider strobes for better color rendition. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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💑 Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Diving HP Reef: An Advanced Diver's Paradise
Divers often describe the experience as exhilarating, with the currents carrying them past grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and massive schools of fusiliers and snappers. The top of the thila is adorned with healthy soft and hard corals, providing a colorful backdrop for the abundant fish life. It's a place where you can witness the raw power and beauty of the ocean. Many dive operators in the North Ari Atoll include HP Reef in their itineraries, often as part of a multi-day liveaboard trip or as a dedicated day excursion.
When planning your dive, remember that conditions can change. Always listen to your dive guide, who will assess the currents and plan the safest and most rewarding entry and exit points. The best time for diving HP Reef is generally during the dry season (December to April) when seas are calmer and visibility is at its peak. However, even outside these months, the site offers incredible diving opportunities for those prepared for its dynamic nature.
Marine Biodiversity Hotspot
Beyond the reef fish, HP Reef is a prime location for spotting larger marine animals. Grey reef sharks are a common sight, often seen patrolling the edges of the thila or cruising in the blue. Eagle rays gracefully glide through the water, their wing-like fins propelling them effortlessly. Divers have also reported sightings of manta rays and even whale sharks in the wider vicinity, though these encounters are less predictable. The sheer density and variety of life make HP Reef a must-visit for any serious diver or underwater photographer.
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