Day 8 on the Black Pearl

Dive 1 (morning)

Hirundhu Corner, Baa Atoll

This mornings dive was with a small drift and good visibility. Although the sea been rough the dive site was conditions were good. The top of the reef was about 5 meters and was steep and almost a wall at some bits. There were overhangs starting as shallow as 10 meters to 20-25meters. Main attractions were the soft coral decorating the reef with blue, yellow and pink. Lot of whip coral stood from the beds of the overhangs. The occasional tuna passed in pairs from time to time. Lion Fish and a lot of gobies and shrimps were common here.

Dive 2 (afternoon)

Finger Point, North Male’ Atoll

After a very rocking and rolling trip crossing the sea Black Pearl entered North Male’ Atoll. Even though everyone had dived to this place previously everybody was game for it. Conditions were great with medium to strong incoming currents and excellent visibility. On entry we felt the currents hitting us, most of the divers were had reef hooks on and it almost felt like if you moved to side your, mask could rip off from your face.  We came across a school of eagle rays (about 20 strong) in the blue. White Tip Sharks were patrolling the reef. Snappers and Giant Travelly were taking the advantage of the current and hunting the Fusslier. In distance a big Grey Reef shark was there but it did not come close enough to investigate the commotion of the divers on the reef. Although a juvenile Grey Reef shark came close enough for a show off every now and then.The dive ended quickly as all the  divers were getting close to the no deco limits, so we drifted towards the top reef for a drift safety stop. This has been an exciting dive site and challenging too. But it was awesome.

Dive 3 (late afternoon)

Nassimo Thila, North Male’ Atoll

This site top reef starts about 16meters on the top. It is perhaps one of the most beautiful dive site in North Male’ Atoll. The overhangs are covered with stunning blue, purple and in pink Soft Coral. Schools of Fairy Basslets enhance the colors even more. Big Sea fans were on the side. In a distance of about 10 meters away from the main reef are large coral outcrops which start from 18meters and drops to 30meters. All with excellent coral and fish life. One rock in particular had only yellow soft growing on it. We came across Napoleon fish, Dog Tooth Tuna, Giant Travellys and lots of Blue-lined snappers. Schools of Oriental Sweetlips were scattered on the top reef. We did the safety stop at the top of the reef where there was mushroom coral in numbers.
It has truly been an amazing day. Everybody aboard enjoyed all 3 dives immensely.