Raziščite atol Gaafu (južni Huvadhoo)
Južni atol Huvadhu, znan tudi kot Gaafu Dhaalu, ponuja potapljaško izkušnjo, ki je na Maldivih ni. Njegova lega na južnih atolih zagotavlja edinstveno potapljaško pustolovščino, saj koralni greben ščiti pred močnimi oceanskimi tokovi, zaradi česar je dostopen potapljačem vseh stopenj znanja. Ta atol je znan po raznolikosti potapljaških lokacij, od dih jemajočih grebenov do dramatičnih sten in zanimivih jam. Vaadhoo Thila z mrežo jam in Maarehaa Kandu, znan po potapljanju ob steni in v driftu, sta le dve od številnih lokacij, ki čakajo na raziskovanje.
Južni atol Huvadhu se od drugih razlikuje po živahnem morskem življenju. Jugozahodni kanali so prava zakladnica za ljubitelje morskih psov, saj gostijo 26 različnih vrst morskih psov, vključno z veličastnimi kladvenjaki in izmuzljivimi tigrastimi morskimi psi. Potapljači lahko pričakujejo srečanja z velikimi pelagičnimi vrstami, v pravi sezoni pa lahko opazijo celo kitovce. Izleti s prenočevanjem na ladji ponujajo najboljši način za doživetje oddaljenih in raznolikih lokacij atola, medtem ko potapljaški izleti z ladjo z lokalnih otokov omogočajo večje udobje. Z nekaterimi najglobljimi potopi na Maldivih Južni Huvadhu vabi potapljače, da odkrijejo njegove podvodne čudesa in orjaška bitja, ki ga imenujejo dom.
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.