Scuba diving in South Male Atoll

  • must see
  • South Male Atoll
Access
From Boat
Diver level
Novice
Depth
Average: 5 m
Maximum: 40 m
Visibility
Average: 10 m
Maximum: 30 m

South Male Atoll or South Kaafu Atoll is one of the atolls in Maldives that is separated from North Malé Atoll by a deep channel (Vaadhu Kandu). Oblong in shape, it contains 22 islands, all except for 5 are situated in its eastern fringes. South Male is popular among divers due to good conditions and a variety of dive sites. Diving and Liveaboards here is good for all levels of experience. Kandus, or channels, are a major feature of South Male diving. On the eastern reef wall there are 6 channels. Divers at South Male Atoll can discover big pelagic fish, plenty of soft corals and caves as well as one very good wreck. Among popular dive sites of the area are Vaadhoo Caves, located to the north side of Vaadhoo reef houses soft corals, squirrelfish, tuna and soldier fish; Kandooma Thila is an ideal place for diving when the flow of the water current is inward, possible to see here triggerfish, groupers, tuna and hammerhead sharks. Cocoa Corner dive site is a large, deep water pinnacle on the outer edges of the atoll with grey reef sharks, eagle rays and large schools of fusiliers. Guraidhoo Kandu South is a large underwater region with a variety of channels, reef plateaus, walls and drop-offs. Kuda Giri Wreck, Medhu Faru, Embudhoo Kandu are also among the most popular dive sites of the South Male Atoll.

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When to go

South Male Atoll is a year round destination. Scuba diving in South Male is possible throughout the year, though surface conditions are generally best during the Northeast Monsoon season from late December to May. The Southwest Monsoon runs from June to November and brings with it a greater chance of rain and less calmer seas. Water temperatures at South Male Atoll around 26 to 29C/78 to 84F. Visibility is 15-30m/49-98ft all year round, depending on which side of the atoll you dive in which season.

What to see

South Male Atoll is full of marine life, it includes species like sweetlips, trumpetfish, snapper, sharks, eagle rays, tuna, barracudas, giant trevallies, as well as beautiful gorgonians, colorful sponges, corals, and sea fans.

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