Maldives Scuba Diving

The Dive Sites of South Male Atoll

Kandus, or channels, are a major feature of South Male diving. On the eastern reef wall there are six channels through which a huge volume of water gushes, bringing with it all the nutrients to attract large quantities of marine life.

Coral coverage in South Male is not what it is in other areas so if pristine reefs are your thing, North Male and Ari Atoll may have more to offer. The diving in South Male on the other hand features fish in schools of sizeable numbers, big pelagic fish, plenty of soft corals and caves as well as one very good wreck, and is considered one of the best diving areas in the Maldives.

The atoll is separated from North Male Atoll by the Vaadhoo Kandu, on the other side of which is the capital Male. This means it has strong ties to Male in terms of economic and cultural influence, and that the travel time from the international airport to many parts of South Male is comparable to that from North Male

Highlights

Cocoa Thila - A large, deep water pinnacle on the outer edges of the atoll, Cocoa Thila's many ravines and overhangs provide divers with refuges in which to shelter from the strong currents that attract grey reef sharks, eagle rays and large schools of fusiliers.

Guraidhoo Kandu South - A large underwater region with a variety of channels, reef plateaus, walls and drop-offs. The diversity of topography is reflected in the many animal attractions here, from moray eels, lionfish, squirrelfish, soft corals and fans occupying the colourful chamber dwellings, to schooling trevallies and sharks patrolling the reef channels and walls.

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How to Dive South Male Atoll

In contrast to North Male, South Male is more developed in terms of the number of resorts as a consequence of being one of the first to open to tourism. However the diving is no less rewarding and is a popular area for liveaboards to include in their itinerary.

Competition for spaces on Maldives liveaboards is strong and many boats are fully booked months before the departure dates, so we urge our customers to book no less than 6 months prior to the proposed dates of travel.

Diving Season

Scuba diving in South Male is possible all year round, though conditions and visibility are generally best during the Northeast Monsoon season from December to April.

Confirmed liveaboard departures run from November to May. If you wish to come outside of these months then it may be more difficult to find a departure date that suits you.

The Southwest Monsoon runs from May to November and brings with it a greater chance of rain and less calmer seas. However, rainfall here is less than in the southern atolls of the Maldive Islands.

Water temperatures hover around the bathtub mark of 27 to 30°C, although thermoclines at depth can bring abrupt changes.

Reef Summary

Great for: Large animals, drift dives and snorkelling
Not so great for: Small animals, hard corals and beginner divers
Depth: 5 - >40m
Visibility: 10 - 30m
Currents: Can be strong
Surface Conditions: Calm but can be choppy
Water Temperature: 27 - 30°C
Experience Level: Intermediate
Number of dive sites: >20
Access: Liveaboard cruises
Recommended length of stay: 7 - 10 days

Dive Site Descriptions

More detailed information on the South Male Atoll dive sites:

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