Site symbols
Overview
Dhonakulhi North is in Haa Alifu, shaped around a wall that steps from turquoise into deep water. Working depths are usually about 8–28 m, with 15–30m visibility when the sea is kind.
Best window: Southwest monsoon (May–Oct). Look for reef fish, surgeonfish, wrasses, nudibranchs, shrimp, manta rays.
Diving it
- 1
1. Entry
The dhoni drops you just up-current of the site. Look at the wind and the surface chop before you commit, and make sure the skipper has seen every diver leave the boat. On a calm day the shallow part is also worth a snorkel, clear of the boat’s ladder.
- 2
2. At depth
Pick a contour and stay on it. Work into the interesting terrain — overhangs, cuts, and coral heads — then let the line of the wall bring you back toward the boat.
- 3
3. Coming up
Finish with a safety stop near 5 m and send up an SMB so the boat can follow you. Do not surface in a busy pass or under another boat without a marker.
Local tips
The profile suits beginner divers, and the current is mild. A light push is common. Start on the side the water is coming from so the feature you came for is in front of you. If mantas are on the site, watch from the side and never swim into their path.
Reef care
Keep fins off the coral, clip gauges, and avoid kicking up sand near the life you stopped to see. Pack out everything you bring.
Marine life
- reef fish
- surgeonfish
- wrasses
- nudibranchs
- shrimp
- manta rays
Around this dive site
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Rasdhoo Dive Lodge
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Ukulhas Inn
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More in Haa Alifu
Next sites in this atoll, in name order.
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