EcoPro Mariana Itinerary

South to Koodhoo (MLE - GKK)

Embudu Kandu

This is a famous channel between the ocean and Embudu Island, located east-west of Embudu Island. The channel is around 35-45 metres deep, and a thila is located on its North-East side where a variety of sea life such as sharks, hump head wrasses, eagle rays, and barracudas can be explored. The current is strong, making it ideal for only experienced divers. The best season to explore the site is during the Northeast Monsoon.

Kandooma Thila

Definitely number one in the ranking of the best dive sites in South Male atoll. Long Thila, located in the middle of the channel, offers spectacular conditions to observe grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, eagle rays, big schools of jacks and snappers both with incoming and outgoing current. North side of the pinnacle is nicely covered with soft corals with the top of the reef being home to many reef fish and green turtles. Currents can be pretty strong so negative entry and fast descent is often required. Current hooks should be ready to use. Rasdhoo atoll

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Guraidhoo Corner

Located south of Guraidhoo Island, this is a protected site hosting many pelagic species during incoming currents and presents several “washing machines”, downstream currents. This site is thus only recommended for advanced divers with greater experience and should be avoided by those who are beginners. This site is a great spot to watch eagle rays, whitetip sharks, and grey reef sharks, and is especially interesting during Northeast Monsoon.

Miyaru Kandu

One of the channel dives that you don’t want to miss. With strong incoming current the list of possible encounters is impressive. Mainly grey reef sharks but also whitetip reef sharks, eagle rays, napoleons and tunas are quite common and with the visibility reaching 40 metres during the northeast monsoon it can be the highlight of the trip. Outgoing current offers worse visibility but the sharks are still there. The site is not  recommended for beginners, negative entry is often required and current hook is a must to avoid causing unnecessary damage to the reef. Most of the time you will spend at the depth of 26 to 30 metres so checking air and no-deco time more often is strongly recommended.

 

Alimatha House Reef

Located on the south side of Alimatha island resort and considered one of the best night dives in the Maldives, being often a victim of its success and resulting in overcrowding of divers. Every night there is a show performed by a big number of nurse sharks, stingrays and massive jacks. Maximum depth will not exceed 15 metres and most of the time you will be kneeling on a sandy bottom waiting for the sharks to come closer. Definitely not to be missed.

Muli Corner

The reef is known as home to a lot of sharks during incoming currents but it also welcomes manta rays on a large cleaning station during outgoing current. Entering the water with empty BCD and not wasting time on the surface is often recommended, especially with strong currents.

Whaleshark Point

There is no specific place where diving would guarantee an encounter with a whale shark but the common practice is to use a strong light in the evening at the back platform of the boat to attract the zooplanktons which will further attract the whale sharks. Scuba diving while having the shark at the back of the boat is rather discouraged as the bubbles may disperse the mass of the plankton. The best experience is to grab a mask, fins and gently enter the water on the side of the boat, not to scare the whale shark away and then enjoy the view while snorkelling. Sometimes the whale shark will stay for hours, more than one visitor is also possible. Instructions given by the dive guides have to be followed and a code of conduct must be respected by all snorkelers to enjoy the moment to the fullest.

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​Villingili Kandu

Villingili Kandu is a channel south of the island of Villingili in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, which is known to see many grey reef sharks. The spectacle at the edge of the channel is mostly enjoyed with a reef hook.

When the no-decompression limit or 70 bar is reached, it is possible to complete the dive by drifting inside the channel in order to reach the north or south reef.

This dive site is especially interesting during the northeast monsoon and is suitable for advanced divers with good experience in currents and deep dives. The use of a reef hook is recommended to avoid damaging the reef.

Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics, and local regulations.