Explore Gaafu Alifu Atoll (North Huvadhoo)
Northern Huvadhu Atoll, also known as Gaafu Alifu, offers a captivating dive experience in the tranquil Southern Atolls of the Maldives. What makes diving here truly special is the blend of serene environments and thrilling underwater adventures. The region is quieter than the bustling Northern Atolls, yet it boasts established dive sites that cater to both beginners and seasoned divers. The outer reef provides a shield, creating calm spots perfect for novices, while the more daring can explore steep drop-offs, caves, and exhilarating drift dives.
Diving in Gaafu Alifu is like entering a vibrant marine metropolis. The diverse reef life is teeming with colorful corals, schools of tropical fish, and an array of large pelagic animals that make every dive a spectacle. Notably, the Nilandhoo Kandu is a favorite, renowned for its strong currents and the presence of impressive predatory creatures such as tiger and leopard sharks. This site is a magnet for professional underwater photographers and adventurous divers, offering breathtaking scenery and encounters with astounding marine life. With its growing popularity, thanks to the nearby airport on Vilingili, Northern Huvadhu Atoll is becoming an unmissable destination for those seeking both adventure and tranquility beneath the waves.
Top Dive Sites Map
Diving in Gaafu Alifu Atoll (North Huvadhoo)
Diving in Gaafu Alifu Atoll can be catered to many levels. It has several dive resorts available if dive courses are on your wish list, but not many dive centres if you wish to stay elsewhere. A liveaboard is economical if you want to dive a lot and means that the long boat journeys can be done while you sleep or chill out onboard. Some require a minimum number of dives to join and many do not operate all year round due to unpredictable weather conditions in certain months, so enquire before you book.
Much of diving in the Southern Maldives is characterised by drifts and Gaafu Alifu is no different. Some offer gentle drifts suitable for beginners but the kandu drift dives have strong currents which draw in stunning pelagic life.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Gaafu Alifu Atoll (North Huvadhoo)
Like most of the Maldives, diving in Gaafu Alifu Atoll is available all year round. The best conditions for diving are from December to April, when the low winds and minimal rain lead to excellent ocean conditions. The seas are calm and offer visibility of 40m+.
During the monsoon season from May - November, the seas can be rougher due to increased winds and there are more frequent rainstorms. The ocean conditions can affect some dive boats so if you plan to dive in June, contact your dive operator ahead of time. However, this time does bring in plankton blooms which draw in more manta rays and whale sharks.
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