Understanding Dhivehi for Reefs

Diving in the Maldives, most dive site names have Dhivehi in them (think Kandu, Beyru, Thila) but what does this mean?

Starting with ‘Faru’ which is a fringing reef around an island - most house reefs are Faru’s and these sites are great for a range of marine life - you never know what you might see.

‘Beyru’ is a sloping outer reef on the outer atoll side of an island. In Lhaviyani Beyru’s are a great place to spot turtles as well as passing sharks and rays, morays, and pelagic fish.

‘Kandu’ is a channel between two islands, the strong currents in these dive spots usually attract sharks and rays.

‘Giri’ is a shallow pinnacle or seamount, usually visible from the surface, whereas ‘Thila’ is a deeper pinnacle or seamount. The unique topography of these sites make them ideal for spotting smaller critters on the reefs and schools of reef fish.

We are based in Naifaru or Nai Faru which translates as Mantis Shrimp Reef! These little critters make their homes along the reef and are always a delight to see on our dives!