This protrusion of rock juts ominously towards the 4.5 km wide Vaadhoo Kandu. The site is flushed with clear water from the 500 metre deep channel making it ideal for viewing the territorial greay reef sharks that patrol the area. A gently sloping ledge on the east side of the rock at 10 metres is a suitable place to sit and wait for the show to begin. When shark feeding was practiced in the Maldives, this was the theatre, nowadays, shark feeding is nto encouraged and sharks can usually be found in their natural state without being harassed into a feeding frenzy.

To the east of Lions Head is a long straight section of reef with caves and overhangs at 5 metres. Many invertebrates, such as lobsters, octopus, sea anemones, sponges and pin-cushions are found on this section of reef and blotched porcupine fish are familiar inhabitants. More caves and overhangs are found at 20 and 25 metres but the best diving is in the shallow water between 5 and 10 metres.

Diving Hints: There is no need to fear grey reef sharks in the Maldives. They are curious and often come within a few metres of divers. If, however, a shark puts on an aggressive display by lowering its head, pointing its pectoral fin downwards and swimming rapidly back and forth, then calmly back-up against the reef and retreat from the water.

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