Explore Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll (South Huvadhoo)
Southern Huvadhu Atoll, also known as Gaafu Dhaalu, offers a diving experience like no other in the Maldives. Its location in the Southern Atolls provides a distinctive dive adventure, with the coral reef barrier offering protection from strong ocean currents, making it accessible for divers of all skill levels. This atoll is renowned for its diversity of dive sites, ranging from breathtaking reefs to dramatic walls and intriguing caves. Vaadhoo Thila, with its network of caves, and Maarehaa Kandu, known for wall and drift diving, are just a couple of the many sites awaiting exploration.
What sets Southern Huvadhu Atoll apart is its vibrant marine life. The southwestern channels are a treasure trove for shark enthusiasts, hosting 26 different shark species, including magnificent hammerheads and elusive tiger sharks. Divers can expect encounters with large pelagic species and, during the right season, may even spot whale sharks. Liveaboard trips offer the best way to experience the atoll's remote and diverse sites, while boat diving trips from local islands allow for more convenience. With some of the deepest dives in the Maldives, Southern Huvadhu invites divers to discover its underwater wonders and the giant creatures that call it home.
Top Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll (South Huvadhoo) Dive Sites
Vaadhoo Thila
Vaadhoo Thila is renowned for its vibrant soft coral gardens adorning caves and overhangs, perfect for scuba diving enthusiasts. This site is suitable for both easy and advanced levels, offering macro photography opportunities with sights of delicate sea fans and whip corals. Divers should be cautious not to disturb the corals.
Maarehaa Kandu
Best accessed via liveaboard, Maarehaa Kandu provides thrilling drift dives alongside grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and giant trevally. It's an advanced scuba dive site where hawksbill turtles and whale sharks are occasionally seen. The walls enable excellent macro photography. This site is a haven for big fish encounters.
Thinadhoo Thila
Located 6km east of Thinadhoo Island, this thila ranges from 5 to 30 meters in depth and suits all skill levels. It features vibrant coral-coated walls and is often a drift dive. Strong currents may require a negative entry. Look for leopard sharks on the sandy 30m bottom, a highlight for many divers.
Blue Corner (Freediving Possible)
Blue Corner is an exhilarating site suitable for both scuba and freediving, offering advanced diving experiences. Known for its strong currents, it hosts a variety of pelagic species like barracudas and eagle rays. The site is also famous for its dramatic underwater topography, including steep drop-offs and overhangs.
Kondey Kandu (Freediving Possible)
Kondey Kandu is ideal for both scuba and freediving, providing easy to advanced level adventures. It's known for its diverse marine life, including schools of jacks and snappers. This dive site features interesting underwater landscapes with channels and coral formations, making it a captivating exploration spot.