Dive-site story
Located on the eastern side of South Ari Atoll near Huvahendhoo, Lily Rock is a submerged coral knoll renowned primarily as a seasonal manta ray cleaning station. The pinnacle rises from a sandy seabed to shallow depths, surrounded by scattered coral blocks and small overhangs. Outside of manta season, the structure still acts as an oasis for aggregations of reef fish, resting nurse sharks, and cleaning wrasse stations.
Reliable cleaning station for reef manta rays during the northeast monsoon
Overhangs packed with glassfish, soldierfish, and small grouper
Frequent encounters with resting whitetip reef sharks on the surrounding sand
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Northeast monsoon conditions bring clear water and peak manta ray activity to cleaning stations in South Ari Atoll.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reef Manta RayMobula alfredi | Seasonal | ||||||||||||
| Whitetip Reef SharkTriaenodon obesus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Hawksbill TurtleEretmochelys imbricata | Common | ||||||||||||
| Bluestripe SnapperLutjanus kasmira | Common | ||||||||||||
| Giant MorayGymnothorax javanicus | Common |
Marine forecast
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