Coral Garden

Coral Garden is a signature reef in Alifu Dhaalu, shaped around a rhythm of surge and stillness between coral heads. Depths typically range from about 8–28 m with 20–40m visibility when the monsoon is kind.

Best window: Southwest monsoon (May–Oct). Look for reef fish, surgeonfish, wrasses, nudibranchs, shrimp.

Water entry: Reach the site by liveaboard or dive dhoni. Check wind, swell, and surface drift before committing — GPS marks the feature, not a guaranteed entry lane.

Bottom time: Work the most interesting terrain first (cleaning stations, channels edges, wreck structure, or the thila crown), then drift or fin along the contour. Stay aware of your depth relative to the intermediate-level profile.

Ascent: End with a standard safety stop around 5 m and fly an SMB so the boat can track you. Never surface in a busy channel without a marker.

Difficulty sits at intermediate with mild current potential. Mild flow is common; start upstream of the feature you came to see. Respect protected-area rules where marked, and give large animals space — never chase mantas or whale sharks.

Keep fins off the coral, secure gauges, and avoid stirring sand near cleaning stations. Pack out everything you bring; the atoll’s beauty is the product.