Vaageli Caves - South Malé Atoll

Vaageli Caves offers a different kind of Maldivian dive, moving away from the usual thila or channel drift. Here, we're exploring overhangs and small caverns, which tend to be a quieter experience. We've often spotted large patches of galaxea and wrinkle coral clinging to the ceilings, with the beams of our torches picking out the subtle red-line patterning on pygmygobies tucked into crevices. It's a nice site for divers who appreciate the finer details and enjoy a slower pace, perhaps after a few fast-paced channel dives.

Location
South Malé Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
3.914468, 73.351400
Type
cave

Marine Protected Area: K.Guraidhoo Kan'duolhi

Best Time to Dive in South Malé Atoll

The warmest water temperatures in South Malé Atoll occur in April, averaging 30.4°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 28.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.5°C
  • February: 28.8°C
  • March: 29.4°C
  • April: 30.4°C
  • May: 30.1°C
  • June: 29.6°C
  • July: 29.7°C
  • August: 29.6°C
  • September: 29.4°C
  • October: 29.3°C
  • November: 29.3°C
  • December: 29.0°C

Nearby Dive Sites in South Malé Atoll

Nearest Dive Centres to Vaageli Caves

Marine Life in South Malé Atoll

Home to 106 recorded species including 44 reef fish, 41 hard corals, 6 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 seagrass & algae, 3 sharks & rays, 2 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Vaageli Caves

Based on average water temperature of 29.4°C, currents 19 cm/s.

  • 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