Maabaidhoo Kandu - Vaavu Atoll

Maabaidhoo Kandu is a gentle introduction to Maldivian drift diving, perfect if you’re new to the current. At a maximum depth of 27 meters, you'll glide along the channel, often spotting white tip reef sharks patrolling the drop-off and schools of fusiliers darting in and out of the reef pockets. It’s a comfortable dive, giving you plenty of time to take in the vibrant soft corals that line the channel walls. We find it’s a great warm-up dive for the stronger currents Vaavu is known for.

Location
Vaavu Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
2.040700, 73.537000
Type
drift
Maximum Depth
27m
Difficulty
Beginner

Marine Protected Area: L. Maabaidhoo Koaru adhi Fushi Kan'du Sarahahdhu

Best Time to Dive in Vaavu Atoll

The warmest water temperatures in Vaavu Atoll occur in April, averaging 30.5°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 28.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.7°C
  • February: 28.9°C
  • March: 29.4°C
  • April: 30.5°C
  • May: 30.1°C
  • June: 29.9°C
  • July: 29.8°C
  • August: 29.9°C
  • September: 29.8°C
  • October: 29.3°C
  • November: 29.3°C
  • December: 29.2°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Vaavu Atoll

Nearest Dive Centres to Maabaidhoo Kandu

Marine Life in Vaavu Atoll

Home to 53 recorded species including 20 reef fish, 9 hard corals, 8 seagrass & algae, 4 sharks & rays, 4 crabs & lobsters, 3 octopus & squid.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Maabaidhoo Kandu

Based on average water temperature of 29.6°C, currents 19 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 30°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