Dhigali Haa was first declared a protected area on 21 October 1999 and on 5 June 2011 and initial protected boundary was extended to include the Dhigali Giri area, further enhancing its conservation coverage.

This long, narrow reef is renowned for its high biodiversity and thriving populations of hard and soft corals, along with numerous marine invertebrates and reef fish. The reef features a colorful top with overhangs, ranging from 12 to 16 meters in depth, with slopes descending to approximately 32 meters. Red-encrusting coralline algae blanket parts of the reef, while digitate and branching Acropora corals create stunning underwater structures.

Dhigali Haa has historically been a hotspot for sightings of barracudas, turtles, and grey and whitetip reef sharks, offering divers unforgettable encounters with some of the Maldives’ most iconic marine species.

For divers and marine enthusiasts, Dhigali Haa offers a spectacular underwater landscape, rich in color, life, and ecological significance.