Fish Head, Mushi Mas Mingili Thila or Shark Point is a pinnacle dive site in the North Ari Atoll that is among the best places in the world to see sharks. The “thila” or pinnacle is flat topped and rises sharply from about 35 meters down from the ocean floor stopping about 10 meters short of the surface. It features a stunning underwater landscape of caves and overhangs, among which is excellent coral growth supporting a huge variety of marine life. As it is only 80 metres wide, divers can swim around it in one dive if the current is not too strong. The reef’s popularity increased after it was declared a protected marine sanctuary in 1995. With the subsequent increase in marine life, it is now among the top ten dive sites in the world.
The main attraction here is sharks, particularly grey and white tip reef sharks that gather in large numbers. Sixteen are known to be resident in the area. Other pelagic species frequenting the thila include hump head wrasse, eagle rays, giant trevally, barracudas and a Napoleon wrasse measuring 1.5 meters in length. Schools of bat fish and hordes of fusiliers are found at shallower depths. The thila rises steeply and around 25 to 30 metres, its walls feature caves, overhangs and ledges covered in a profusion of sea fans, anemone and black coral. Divers usually float around at 15 metres to obtain the best possible views of the underwater landscape and marine life. As sharks can be spotted here in the up-current part of the reef unlike at other shark dive sites, divers can observe them from many secure locations without getting in their way. This is one of the best spots to observe shark behavior such as exposing their teeth to cleaner wrasse, resulting in some of the best photos of marine life in the Maldives being shot here.
As an all-year diving destination, Fish Head is most suitable for intermediate divers. A surface balloon attached to an ascent/descent line is recommended to mark the dive spot due to the presence of a large number of water craft and also because of unpredictable currents. The best way to dive here is from a liveaboard boat as otherwise it involves a rather long journey by boat to get here. Experience the best of the Maldives with a little help from Naladhu Maldives. Stay in a selection of spacious, beautifully appointed villas and houses that have to be some of the best accommodation among Maldives Island Resorts to enjoy the natural beauty around. Enjoy relaxing days with your every wish taken care of, whether it is rejuvenating spa treatments, dinners under the stars, water sports or excursions to the nearby islands. Take advantage of the special offers to enjoy this very special Maldives Hotel that considers pleasing their guests of paramount importance.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday. Google+