

Best for intermediate divers, 8-40m, boat entry, mild current.
Ihi Gaa is a reef and pinnacle site in the North Male Atoll, offering a varied topography between 8 and 40 metres. This boat-access site features mild currents and visibility ranging from 15 to 30 metres, making it suitable for intermediate divers. The structure consists of sharp coral and rock formations, requiring careful buoyancy control to avoid contact. Divers can explore the reef over a typical 50-minute dive. Species recorded around this area include wrasses, unicornfish, spotted eagle rays, emperor angelfish, clown triggerfish, lunartail grouper, giant moray, titan triggerfish, giant trevally, regal angelfish, painted moray, whitetip reef sharks, day octopus, and bluefaced angelfish.
4.51850, 73.36155
Ihi Gaa dives well year-round, so timing your trip around your own schedule is straightforward, but always confirm current conditions with your operator before heading out. Keep a close eye on where you position yourself near the reef structure, as the coral and rocks have sharp edges that can catch an inattentive diver.
Access is via liveaboard boat departing from Male.
Recorded at this site
Depth
8-40m
Visibility
15-30m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
28-30°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
50 min
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Species recorded around this area include wrasses, unicornfish, spotted eagle rays, emperor angelfish, clown triggerfish, lunartail grouper, giant moray, titan triggerfish, giant trevally, regal angelfish, painted moray, whitetip reef sharks, day octopus, and bluefaced angelfish.
Ihi Gaa is rated for intermediate divers. Open Water certification is the minimum requirement to dive here.
The site ranges from 8 to 40 metres, with an average depth of 18 metres.
This is a boat-access site; a boat is required to reach the reef.
The site is primarily a dive location with depths starting at 8 metres, and boat access is required.
Diving at Ihi Gaa in Central Atolls requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near Ihi Gaa in Central Atolls. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A rashguard or 2mm shorty is recommended for diving at Ihi Gaa in Central Atolls. Water temperatures range from 28°C to 30°C.
The best months to visit Ihi Gaa in Central Atolls are January, February, March, April, May, July, August, September, October, November, and December. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Divers at Ihi Gaa in Central Atolls should be aware of sharks. These encounters are generally rare and avoidable with proper awareness. Follow local safety guidance and maintain a respectful distance from all marine life.
Ihi Gaa in Central Atolls typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Ihi Gaa in Central Atolls typically ranges from 15 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.