With feeding manta rays, graceful whale sharks and schooling hammerheads, the Ari Atoll is a pelagic dream. Most of the dive sites here are not protected walls or coral reefs. Rather, the region favors thilas (pinnacles) and kandus (channels) perfect for drift diving. Because of the exposed nature of the atoll, currents can be quite strong.
Divers will delight in the schools of colorful fish, flying formations of eagle rays and even the occasional guitar shark. Fish Head, which is under marine protected status, is one of the best places in Ari Atoll for spotting sharks.
The pinnacle which plunges from 32-115 feet (10-35 meters) is covered in black coral bushes and dotted with caves and overhangs. Residents include up to 16 grey reef sharks and thousands of blueline snappers.
The best time to go diving in North Ari Atoll is between November and April, during the northeast monsoon (dry season) when the seas are calm, visibility ranges from 20 to 40 meters, and encounters with manta rays, whale sharks, and reef sharks are frequent. This period offers ideal conditions for drift and deep diving, making it the most popular time for divers. From May to October, the southwest monsoon brings stronger currents and occasional rain, but also plankton-rich waters, attracting manta rays and whale sharks. While visibility may be slightly lower, thrill-seekers can still enjoy action-packed drift dives. Overall, diving is possible year-round, but for the best marine life encounters and conditions, November to April is the optimal period.
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