Banana Reef and the curve beneath North Malé Atoll

Banana Reef is a curved coral dive site in the North Malé Atoll of the Maldives. Its banana-like outline continues below the surface, where shallow coral gardens meet walls, overhangs and swim-throughs.

The banana-shaped reef beneath the atoll

Banana Reef is known locally as Gaathugiri. The reef extends in a long curve beneath open water, with its name referring to the shape visible from above. It lies within Kaafu Atoll, close to Malé and the airport islands.

The underwater terrain includes coral-covered ledges, rocky outcrops, vertical walls and sheltered spaces. Shallow sections descend from about 3 m to 15 m, while deeper areas reach roughly 30 m. shallow coral gardens form part of the site’s recognised diving profile.

Coral walls, overhangs and open water

The reef’s form changes across its length. Coral gardens occupy the shallower water, while deeper sections contain walls, overhangs and passages between rock formations. Hard and soft corals cover parts of the reef, alongside table corals and coloured sponges.

These structures provide shelter for reef fish. Schools of blue-striped snapper, bannerfish and oriental sweetlips gather around the ledges, while groupers, squirrelfish, butterflyfish and moray eels appear among the coral. Barracuda and reef sharks occupy the deeper water around the reef edge.

Banana Reef is also associated with turtles, eagle rays and Napoleon wrasse. Sightings vary with the conditions beneath the surface, but the range of habitats gives the site a varied marine setting. reef fish and turtles are among the animals linked with the site.

From early dive site to protected marine area

Banana Reef has a place in the history of Maldivian diving. It was discovered as a dive site in the early 1970s and became one of the first reef sites developed for tourism in the country.

The reef was declared a protected marine area in 1989. That status connects the site’s recreational role with the wider protection of coral habitats, reef fish and larger marine species in the atoll.

Its history is visible through the continued focus on underwater features rather than land-based buildings. There is no shore, promenade or inland viewpoint. The curved reef, coral formations and marine life are experienced from the water.

The protected area is listed with the name Gaathudhoo Falhu and covers a recorded marine area. protected marine area remains central to Banana Reef’s identity.

Visiting Banana Reef: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• Banana Reef lies in the North Malé Atoll, offshore from Malé. Access is by boat from Malé or from nearby resort islands, because the reef has no land route.
• The underwater terrain ranges from shallow coral gardens to deeper walls and overhangs. Currents can become strong and unpredictable, particularly around channels and exposed reef edges.
• Snorkelling takes place above the shallower coral sections. Scuba diving explores the walls, rocky outcrops, passages and deeper reef habitat.
• The official language is Dhivehi and the currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa.
• Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.

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Frequently asked questions about Banana Reef

Where is Banana Reef?

Banana Reef is in the North Malé Atoll, within Kaafu Atoll in the Maldives. It lies offshore near Malé and nearby resort islands.

What can visitors expect underwater?

The site includes shallow coral gardens, deeper walls, overhangs and rocky passages. Reef fish, moray eels, groupers, barracuda, turtles and reef sharks are associated with its marine habitats.

What makes Banana Reef distinctive?

Its long curved formation gives the reef its name. Its history as an early Maldivian dive site and its protected marine status add cultural and ecological significance.