A little belated happy new year! We came back from another fantastic trip with the guests from Hong Kong! The check dive was at Maagiri Rock in the North Male Atoll. The first half of the dive was around the reef. We welcomed by the regular Blue Striped Snappers, Lyretail Anthias and Flame Anthias. They make this site a very colorful one. In the second half, we enjoyed the sand area as I introduced big Golden Mantis Shrimps. We cannot forget about the juvenile Palette Surgeonfish hidden behind the characteristic Antler Coral, which we have been checking up on its growth. The 2nd dive was at Rasdhoo Madivaru in the Rasdhoo Atoll. Although the current was a bit stronger, many of Grey Reef Sharks appeared. It was closer enough to observe them. Besides, Spotted Eagle Rays, Dogtooth Tunas and very friendly Tiera Batfish were seen.
The day 2, the 1st dive of the day was at Rasdhoo Madivaru as same as the last dive of the day before. After enjoyed to observe the Grey Reef Sharks, we moved to the place we could enjoy Bigeye Trevallies, Hawksbill turtle and abnormally big sized Dogtooth Tunas. Even a Reef Manta Ray appeared during our safety stop. We left Rasdhoo Atoll for the North Ari Atoll for the 2nd dive at Kan Thila. Sharks, such as Grey Reef Sharks and Whitetip Reef Sharks were seen. A big Napoleon showed up as well. The 3rd dive was at Fish Head. It was cool to watch Bluefin Trevallies and Rainbow Runners attacking the huge school of Luminous Cardinalfish and Fusiliers’ Juveniles. The air temperature was 26-33 deg.C. The water temperature was 26-28 deg.C. The 3mm wetsuit was recommended. To be continued…
