Maamigili Beyru (Whale Shark Point)

Maamigili Beyru (Whale Shark Point) (South Ari)

Welcome to Maamigili Beyru, arguably the Maldives' most celebrated dive site for consistent whale shark encounters. Located within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), this dive site is renowned globally as the only documented location with a resident aggregation of juvenile whale sharks, making sightings possible year-round.

Diving the Site

Divers will find Maamigili Beyru to be an intermediate-level dive, suitable for those with an Open Water certification. The topography here features a long, shallow outer reef that gradually slopes down, transitioning into a steeper wall adorned with vibrant coral formations, smaller overhangs, and crevices. Depths typically range from 5 to 30 meters, though the wall can extend beyond 40 meters. We often experience this as a drift dive along the reef edge, allowing us to cover significant ground and maximize our chances of encountering the majestic filter feeders.

Marine Life Encounters

The star attraction at Maamigili Beyru is, of course, the Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus). These gentle giants cruise the reef edge, filter-feeding in the plankton-rich blue. Beyond the whale sharks, divers can anticipate a rich tapestry of marine life. We frequently encounter Reef Manta Rays (Mobula alfredi), especially during seasonal periods when they visit cleaning stations along the wall. Keep an eye out for graceful Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) and intricately patterned Hawksbill Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) gliding through the water. Various shark species, including Blacktip Reef Sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) and Grey Reef Sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), are common sights, as are elegant Spotted Eagle Rays (Aetobatus narinari). The reef itself teems with schooling fish like Bluestripe Snappers (Lutjanus kasmira), and we might even spot the impressive Humphead Wrasse (Napoleon) (Cheilinus undulatus) or playful Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in the blue.

Conditions and Hazards

The water temperature at Maamigili Beyru is consistently warm, generally ranging from 27°C to 30°C, making for comfortable diving year-round. Currents here are variable, often mild but can become strong, particularly in areas where whale sharks are frequently encountered. We recommend being prepared for drift diving and always following your instructor's guidance. Hazards include boat traffic, especially when surfacing, so deploying a Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) is highly recommended. Moderate surge can also be present.

SAMPA Regulations

As part of the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), strict guidelines are in place to ensure the well-being of the marine life, especially the whale sharks. When encountering a whale shark, divers must maintain a minimum distance of 3 meters from the animal, avoid touching or chasing it, and refrain from using flash photography. Vessels operating within SAMPA are also subject to regulations including registration, speed limits, and mandatory propeller guards, all designed to protect the fragile ecosystem.

Maamigili Beyru offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the ocean's largest fish in its natural habitat, combined with vibrant reef diving. It’s a truly unforgettable Maldivian experience.