Veli Kandu - South Ari Atoll

Veli Kandu in South Ari Atoll is a drift dive, best suited for those comfortable with moving currents. You'll glide along, scanning the channel for reef sharks and schooling pelagics. It’s a good spot to simply relax and let the water carry you past the coral formations. We’d suggest it for divers who appreciate a less strenuous dive with potential for bigger fish encounters.

Location
South Ari Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
3.800400, 72.704540
Type
drift

Marine Protected Area: Adh.Hurasdhoo Sarahahdhu

Best Time to Dive in South Ari Atoll

The warmest water temperatures in South Ari Atoll occur in January, averaging 28.7°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.7°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • February: 28.7°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • March: 28.7°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • April: 28.7°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • May: 28.7°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • June: 28.7°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • July: 28.7°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • August: 28.7°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • September: 28.7°C (air: 27.7°C)
  • October: 28.7°C (air: 27.7°C)
  • November: 28.7°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • December: 28.7°C (air: 27.5°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in South Ari Atoll

Nearest Dive Centres to Veli Kandu

Marine Life in South Ari Atoll

Home to 152 recorded species including 85 hard corals, 50 reef fish, 7 sea snails & nudibranchs, 3 seagrass & algae, 2 sharks & rays, 2 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Veli Kandu

Based on average water temperature of 28.7°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories