Kandus, or channels, are a major feature of South Male diving. On the eastern reef wall there are 6 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 liveaboard 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

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.

Competition for spaces on boats is strong and many 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.

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.

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
Distance: 6 km south of North Male
Access: Liveaboard cruises
Recommended length of stay: 7 - 10 days

HOTELS / RESORTS / CHARTERS

KANDI RESORT Blessed with white sands , azure skies, lush tropical greenery and clear turquoise waters this resort is paradise! - VIEW - From $US 63 pps