Scuba Diving South Male Atoll

Vadhoo Caves

As the name suggests this site gives you the opportunity to explore several caves and caverns. Dipping into each cave is like stepping of a conveyor belt into the relative calm of each cavern before re-emerging to be carried to the next.

The line of caves and ledges runs along the northern wall of the island and is dominated by soft corals in a variety of blue, green and yellow, providing a beautiful backdrop for photography. The caves vary in depth with entrances to them ranging from 7 to 40 metres.

When you work your way into the caves you will be able to take your time and check out the other life forms sheltering here, such as soldierfish, turtles, and unicornfish. The caves also vary in size but obvious cautions, such as maintaining neutral buoyancy at all times and divers moving in order, should prevent any unintentional contact with the walls or ceilings.

From inside the caves, if you look out, you will be able to see the larger visitors to the area, including whitetip sharks and tuna swimming in the blue, often framed in view by the colourful caves entrance. Eagle rays are often seen swimming effortlessly over the reef at this site which is among the most pristine you will find in the Maldives.

Your guide will lead you past the caves area and, gradually rising in the water column, you will find yourself in the shallows from 8 metres or so, which is a beautiful location in which to end the dive, such is the colour and activity in the nooks and crannies of the reef. Currents may sweep through here and separate you from your group towards the last few minutes of the dive so the use of a safety sausage is advisable.

Vadhoo Caves Reef Basics: Caverns and drift dive
Depth: 5 - >40m
Visibility: 15 - 30m
Currents: Can be strong
Surface Conditions: Can be choppy
Water Temperature: 27 - 30°C
Experience Level: Advanced
Number of dive sites: 1
Diving Season: All year round
Distance: Just off the north coast of Vadhoo, 6km southwest of Male Town
Access: Liveaboard

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