The reefs on the eastern side of the atoll are thriving and positively packed with life, providing an opportunity for some truly exciting diving - even by Maldives’ standards, Vaavu’s channels are very special indeed. From May to June mantas rule the waves while for the rest of the year, strong tidal currents can mean thrilling shark dives with grey reef and white tip reef sharks amidst swirling schools of barracuda, snapper and trevally.
The underwater topography of the outer reef and channels is dominated by large overhangs and a honeycomb of caves, as well as swim-throughs carpeted in soft corals, while the inside of the atoll has plenty of small, shallow reefs that are perfect for the inexperienced diver to enjoy schools of reef fish. From beginners to the most experienced diver, Vaavu has sites that will appeal to all abilities and preferences.
In recent years, a night dive at Alimatha jetty has attracted a lot of attention with its large numbers of blacktip sharks, nurse sharks and whiptail rays. Originally the sharks and rays were attracted by fish carcasses discarded by local fishermen, but has now evolved into a daily feeding frenzy of marine life with underwater crowds of divers and their torches. Although an iconic dive site on a liveaboard itinerary, we urge everyone to be extremely conscious of their behaviour and surroundings underwater, as it is very easy to kick, bash, or accidentally corner the sharks and rays.
Fotteyo Kandu is considered one of the best dive sites in the Maldives. The narrow channel has swim-through’s, small caves and large overhangs to explore, as well as a drop-off covered in colourful soft corals. Schooling hammerhead sharks are always possible, along with grey reef and white tip sharks, and large schools of trevally and sweetlips. With both a deep dive profile and strong currents, this dive is for advanced divers only.
Miyaru Kandu, which translates to ‘Shark Channel’ certainly lives up to its name. A huge variety of marine life can be seen here, including tuna, large schools of grey reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, tuna and Napoleon wrasse, as well as many colourful reef fish. Manta rays are also common when the current is outflowing. An underwater photographer's paradise! Last but not least, Kunaavashi Kandu or Second Channel is another incredible site that offers beautiful soft corals and encounters with several different rays including squadrons of spotted eagle rays and big marbled stingrays.
