Renowned as one of the most extensive and impressive diving hubs in the island archipelago of Maldives it is little surprise that divers from across the world flock to HP Reef each year. Locally known as the Girifushi Thila and famed among divers as the Rainbow Reef this spectacular dive site is also one of the most frequented diving venues in the island collective. Located in the North Male Atoll the HP Reef occupies the Himmafushi Channel. Accessible by liveboard the HP Reef is ideal for diving activities all year round although the months between May and July are not especially conducive to live boards. Offering visibility up to 20- 30m the submerged “thila” or pinnacle is suited for both novices and experts as it is located at a depth of 30m at most.
Although the surface conditions can be full of strong currents and rather challenging the water temperature remains at a warm 27 – 30°C level for most of the year. Home to a plethora of fish varieties the sheer volume of marine species at HP Reef makes it a dream come true for marine life enthusiasts. The constant currents along the water factors in to the abundance of fish in the area as large masses of nutrients as well as schools of fish are swept along the current here. Littered with overhangs and big boulders the reef which is also entirely covered in coral outcrops features crevices as well. Offering divers an up-close look at a variety of coral species the pink, orange, blue and yellow hued corals in the aptly named Rainbow Reef is also bordered by black corals. Crisscrossing tunicates and gorgonian fans are also omnipresent in the reef which also features several swim-throughs and underwater caves including one with a chimney that reaches across the submerged plain from 10m to 25m.
Fish species that are commonly spotted on a diving excursion to HP Reef include 3-spot angelfish, Snappers, yellow-mouth moray eels, barracudas and jacks while boxfish, tuna, lionfish, grey reef sharks and eagle rays are also frequently spotted.
Travellers in search of a luxurious Maldives spa resorts should look to Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas for the best accommodation in town. Offering guests a variety of resplendent villas on the shores of a sandy beach this elegant rest is one of the most scenically situated Maldives resorts in the archipelago.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+
