Dive sites in Vaavu Atoll

Top Dive Sites

Fotteyo Kandu

Description: Fotteyo Kandu is often lauded as a world-class dive site, celebrated for its dramatic underwater landscape. You’ll encounter deep channels, overhangs, and swim-throughs flourishing with vibrant coral formations. This site is infamous for its exhilarating drift dives facilitated by the channel currents.

Marine Species: A kaleidoscope of marine life can be found here, including gray reef sharks, napoleon wrasses, barracudas, and eagle rays. In the coral gardens, you’ll spot anthias, butterflyfish, and damsels.

Unique Encounters: Fotteyo Kandu boasts occasional sightings of hammerhead sharks and manta rays. The overhangs and ledges often hide large groupers, moray eels, and even the elusive leaf fish.

Photography: This dive site offers endless photographic opportunities. The coral formations and schools of fish make for stunning wide-angle shots. Macro photographers will enjoy the smaller reef inhabitants like nudibranchs and cleaner shrimp.

Suitability: Fotteyo Kandu is best suited for advanced divers due to the strong currents and depth. The experience level required ensures safety and allows divers to make the most of the exhilarating conditions.

Miyaru Kandu

Description: Miyaru Kandu is renowned for showcasing the fiercer side of the underwater world. Translated as “Shark Channel,” this dive site lives up to its name, offering thrilling encounters with various shark species.

Marine Species: Here, you’ll find a high concentration of gray reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, and eagle rays. The site is also frequented by large schools of jacks and barracudas.

Unique Encounters: The highlight of Miyaru Kandu is undoubtedly the presence of sharks. Divers often witness sharks in action during feeding times. Additionally, giant trevallies and occasional green sea turtles add to the dive’s excitement.

Photography: With the abundance of sharks and large pelagics, Miyaru Kandu is a haven for underwater photographers. Tips for capturing these fast-moving subjects include staying still and being patient to get the perfect close-up or action shot.

Suitability: This dive site is ideal for advanced divers who are comfortable with currents and eager for close encounters with large marine life. Given the depth and currents, beginner divers are advised to build more experience before attempting this dive.

Devana Kandu

Description: Devana Kandu offers a dynamic underwater experience, featuring stunning coral walls and vibrant marine ecosystems. Known for its plentiful marine life and beautiful coral gardens, it’s a well-rounded dive site.

Marine Species: Dive here to see an array of marine life such as gray reef sharks, eagle rays, and various types of snappers and groupers. The reef is home to colorful parrotfish, triggerfish, and surgeonfish.

Unique Encounters: Unique to Devana Kandu are its periodic sightings of hammerhead sharks and the occasional manta ray passage. The dive site also features large turtles and schools of fusiliers.

Photography: This site offers a blend of wide-angle and macro photography opportunities. The coral gardens and walls are perfect for capturing the vibrant reef scenes, while macro photographers will find plenty of critters such as nudibranchs and anemonefish.

Suitability: Devana Kandu is suitable for intermediate to advanced divers. The site’s moderate currents and variability in depth make it an exciting yet manageable dive for those with some experience.

Considerations for Each Dive Site

Water Temperature: The waters of Vaavu Atoll are warm and inviting year-round, with temperatures typically ranging between 26°C to 29°C (79°F to 84°F). This creates an immensely comfortable environment for extended dives, allowing you to focus on the underwater wonderland rather than temperature discomfort.

Visibility: Visibility in Vaavu Atoll is generally excellent, often exceeding 30 meters (100 feet). The clear waters contribute to stunning underwater scenery and make for exceptional photography conditions. It’s akin to having a perpetual window into the underwater world, ensuring you won’t miss any marine action.

Currents and Tides: While many of the dive sites in Vaavu Atoll feature moderate to strong currents, these currents bring in nutrient-rich waters, which attract a diverse array of marine life. These conditions make for exhilarating drift dives. However, due to the strength of the currents, it’s important for divers to be comfortable with their drifting skills and use of a reef hook when necessary.

Safety Tips:

• Always dive with a buddy and use a surface marker buoy (SMB) to ensure boats can easily locate you.
• Familiarize yourself with the entry and exit points, as some sites might have strong surf and current upon entry.
• Be mindful of your depth and air supply, and regularly check your dive computer to avoid decompression sickness.
• Carry a reef hook to secure yourself in strong currents, which helps prevent damage to coral and reduces energy expenditure.
• Listen to and follow the dive guide’s briefings, as they have extensive knowledge of the local conditions and potential hazards.

Regulations: The Maldives places a strong emphasis on the conservation of its marine environment. Divers are required to adhere to strict guidelines to ensure the protection of this delicate ecosystem:

• Avoid touching or disturbing marine life, and refrain from collecting souvenirs.
• Maintain buoyancy control to prevent accidental contact with reefs, which can cause significant damage.
• Follow local rules regarding dive site access and marine park fees, if applicable.
• Be conscious of your carbon footprint; consider participating in conservation efforts or supporting eco-friendly dive operators.