Gangehi and the NW Reefs are built around thilas, kandus and walls, all reached by boat. Drift diving is a constant theme, with currents funnelling through channels like Gangehi Kandu and sweeping past submerged pinnacles such as Maagiri Thila and Maalhoss Thila. Grey Reef Shark and Whitetip Reef Shark are regularly observed, alongside Napoleon Wrasse, Giant Moray and Emperor Angelfish. Most sites suit intermediate to advanced divers.
Monthly water temperature across Gangehi & NW Reefs's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Water temperature stays warm throughout the year, with the upper end of the range reached around May and July. The best-months data points to December through April as the prime window, when visibility tends to be strongest and conditions most settled. The June to October period sees lower diver scores, likely reflecting less favourable current and weather patterns.
3 operators
11 more sites to explore
Water temperature around Gangehi & NW Reefs ranges from about 28°C in January to 30°C in May, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
With water around 28–30°C, a rash guard or 3mm shorty works in Gangehi & NW Reefs year-round.
Fin maps 14 sites in Gangehi & NW Reefs (14 scuba diving sites).
Across Gangehi & NW Reefs's dive sites, January, February, March, April, May and December are most often reported as the best months to visit.
Sightings here are well-documented and varied. Grey Reef Shark and Whitetip Reef Shark are observed across the majority of sites, and Napoleon Wrasse appears regularly. Emperor Angelfish, Giant Moray and Titan Triggerfish are among the most frequently recorded species, with Day Octopus and Spotfin Lionfish adding interest in the reef's quieter corners.
The site mix skews toward intermediate and advanced divers. Gangehi Kandu and Maalhoss Thila both carry an advanced rating due to current strength and depth, while Maagiri Thila suits intermediate divers. Beginners would find limited options here, and the region is best approached with solid drift-diving experience.
All sites are boat-access only. Operators including Velidhu Island Resort, Scubaspa Maldives Fleet and Macana Maldives Fleet run trips to the reefs. There are no shore-entry sites in this area.
The region is dominated by thilas (submerged pinnacles), kandus (channels) and walls, often combined at a single site. Drift diving is central to the experience, with currents shaping both the topography and the marine life that congregates here. Caves feature at several sites, adding further variety to the underwater landscape.
