Medadihura Outreef

The outer reef is long and wide, on a slope, and huge coral blocks dot the bottom at various depths. Lutjanus gibbus and Plectorhinchus vittatus gather on the reef. Nurse sharks sleep under the coral blocks on the top of the reef, and tuna and eagle rays often swim past. In February 1998, the coral was especially good, with shoals of fusiliers, red toothed trigger fish and oriental sweetlips, as well as a moray, a turtle and a puffer fish. In Lhaviyani, the dry season, from December to April, tends to bring the calmest seas and the best visibility.