Banana Reef follows a curved line beneath the Maldives

Banana Reef in Nord-Male-Atoll bends through coral, overhangs and reef life, with a diving history reaching back to the 1970s.

Banana Reef is an offshore coral reef in Nord-Male-Atoll, Maldives. Its long curved formation gives the site its name, while coral walls, overhangs and shallow gardens create distinct underwater scenes.

The reef is also linked with the early history of Maldivian diving. Gaathugiri is another name associated with the site, which became an officially recognised dive location in the 1970s.

Banana Reef: a curved reef beneath North Malé Atoll

Banana Reef lies inside North Malé Atoll, also known as Kaafu Atoll, near Malé and the international airport on Hulhulé. There is no land access to the reef. Boats from Malé, Hulhumalé and nearby resort islands bring divers and snorkellers to the offshore site.

Seen from above, the reef follows a bent line resembling a banana. A description of the site places its length at approximately 300 metres, extending from the north-east towards the south. Underwater, the formation includes coral gardens, walls, ledges, caves and overhangs. the reef’s curved form is central to its identity.

From early Maldivian diving to Gaathugiri

Banana Reef is connected with the first phase of recreational diving in the Maldives. Italian visitors exploring reefs near Kurumba Island noticed the site in 1972, and it became an officially named dive site in 1974.

The reef was associated with spearfishing before the Maldives introduced restrictions protecting marine life. Its use then shifted towards scuba diving, adding a second layer to the place’s history. The name Gaathugiri appears alongside Banana Reef in descriptions of the site, while the English name refers to its visible curve. the site’s diving history remains part of its identity.

Coral walls, overhangs and reef animals

The underwater terrain changes across the reef. Shallow coral gardens rise close to the surface, while deeper sections include walls and drop-offs reaching approximately 30 metres. Ledges, rock formations and overhangs create spaces occupied by reef fish and moray eels.

Schools of snappers and fusiliers move above the coral, with butterflyfish, bannerfish, groupers and parrotfish among the other recorded reef species. Grey reef sharks and whitetip reef sharks are associated with the deeper water, while turtles and eagle rays may pass along the reef edge. the reef’s marine life includes both larger animals and small creatures hidden among coral crevices.

Currents can vary across Banana Reef and may become strong or unpredictable. The site is therefore experienced from a boat with a dive guide, with routes and entry points shaped by conditions on the day.

Visiting Banana Reef: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• Banana Reef lies in Nord-Male-Atoll, north of Malé and near Velana International Airport. Access is by boat from Malé, Hulhumalé or nearby resort islands.
• The reef is offshore, so there is no walk from land to the site. Divers and snorkellers enter the water from a vessel.
• Underwater terrain ranges from shallow coral gardens to sections reaching approximately 30 m. Walls, ledges and overhangs form part of the dive landscape.
• Currents can be strong and variable. 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 an offshore coral reef in Nord-Male-Atoll, Maldives. It lies near Malé, Hulhumalé and Velana International Airport.

What can visitors expect underwater?

The reef includes shallow coral gardens, deeper walls, ledges, caves and overhangs. Marine life includes reef fish, moray eels, sharks, turtles and eagle rays.

What makes Banana Reef distinctive?

Its curved form gives the reef its name, while Gaathugiri and its recognised status as an early Maldivian dive site connect it with the country’s diving history.