Deep Thila

On the south side of the thila there is a large free-standing boulder, completely covered in corals and with a big black coral tree. Black coral, trevallies, fusiliers, boxfish, branching corals, sponges, eagle rays and tiger cowries can be seen there. In the Maldives, "thila" is the Dhivehi term used in dive site names for an underwater pillar. In Laamu Atoll, the best time to dive is usually the northeast monsoon, from November to April, when the sea is calmer. From May to October, during the southwest monsoon, the water in the atoll is usually rich in nutrients, which increases the chance of seeing manta rays and sharks.