...Highlights: shark action, schooling fish & big pelagics...
...Diving environment: wall dives, drift diving, advanced divers, off the beaten track...
Lhaviyani, or Faadhippolhu as it is known among locals, is a relatively large atoll in the northern region of the Maldives. Its size and large number of sites give the Lhaviyani dive operators a great variety of options, making the atoll suitable for all levels of diver. The atoll has a horseshoe shaped lagoon and there are 50 mostly uninhabited islands here, with plenty of channels to dive between them.
Arguably the most famous dive site in Lhaviyani, Kuredu Express is a drift dive through a sandy channel on the atoll's southern edge. The current does the work for you, carrying divers past a series of terraces at different depths, which are ideal spots to pause and observe the action. This site is renowned for its high concentrations of marine life, including grey reef sharks that often gather in schools of 20 or more, particularly on an incoming tide. Green sea turtles are a major highlight, with documented counts among the highest in the Maldives. Divers can also expect to see spotted eagle rays, tuna, Napoleon wrasse, barracuda, and large schools of jacks . A beautiful canyon adorned with corals at around 20 metres adds to the diverse topography of this exhilarating Lhaviyani Atoll dive. Sightings of silvertip and whitetip reef sharks are also occasionally reported.
Madivaru is a dive site on the western side of Lhaviyani Atoll that features a reef flat at about 6 to 8 metres depth which is normally the point of entry and safety stop on your dive here. The dive is essentially along a more-or-less vertical wall which bottoms out at around 30 metres to a sandy floor. Along the wall there are nooks, crannies and ledges and the scene is teeming with life.
Red-toothed triggers flutter just off the wall in multitudes, soldierfish lurk wide-eyed in groups below overhands, and hundreds of butterflyfish of numerous varieties cruise around the substrate in search of a nibble. These little beauties are joined by larger fish such as small-toothed emperors, Napoleon wrasse and plenty of unicornfish. While in the blue you may spot a passing eagle ray or devil ray, while barracuda and tuna are always likely. As you make your way back up the wall to the reef flat, you will notice that the benthic life is not enormous. There are no huge barrel sponges or awesome table corals here. The sessile life consists of some sea whips, black coral bushes, small fans and sponges which provide a backdrop to life such as fire dartfish, long-nose hawkfish and innumerable anthias and dottybacks.
One of the biggest dive attractions in Lhaviyani Atoll is the The Shipyard (Gaavathugandu), a unique site featuring 2 shipwrecks, approximately 40 years old. One vessel sits upright, while the other rests on its side at around 30 metres. Both wrecks are heavily colonised by a profusion of soft and hard corals, a result of the nutrient-rich currents flowing through the channel. The site is home to a multitude of fish, including schools of yellow sweepers, butterflyfish, damsels, and majestic Napoleon wrasse . Several moray eels have also made their home in the wrecks' nooks and crannies. The channel itself attracts large pelagics, including nurse sharks and grey reef sharks, making this a thrilling Lhaviyani dive suitable for wreck enthusiasts and marine life observers alike.
Fushivaru Thila is a submerged pinnacle, reliable site for manta ray encounters, particularly between May and November when plankton blooms are at their peak. The thila's cleaning stations attract these gentle giants, offering divers the chance for close-up observations. The site is known for its rich marine biodiversity, with healthy coral coverage and abundant reef fish.
Felivaru Kandu is one of the atoll's main current-swept channels, this is a prime spot for pelagic action. The channel funnels nutrients and attracts a variety of large fish. Divers can expect encounters with reef sharks, tuna, and barracuda. The nutrient-rich water also supports a vibrant ecosystem of corals and sponges on the channel walls.
Kuredu Caves is a site known for its distinctive underwater topography, featuring caves and overhangs that provide shelter for marine life. This area is particularly notable for its high population of green sea turtles, often seen resting on the ledges and inside the caverns. The cave system adds a sense of exploration to this Lhaviyani Atoll dive.
The Aquarium is considered suitable for divers of all levels and is known for its abundance of life. Divers can see guitar sharks, hawksbill turtles, and a dazzling variety of reef fish, all within a relatively accessible and protected environment.
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Normally calm but can be choppy in southwest monsoon
Water temperature
27 - 30°C
Experience level
Beginner to intermediate
Number of dive sites
4
Distance
25 km southwest of Kuredu
Recommended length of stay
2-3 days
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TESTIMONIAL
Nadia Bargetzi
Switzerland
Very professional, descriptive and useful replies. Super service before booking. Good price/quality offer and after booking care. I recommended your services to all my dive friends here in Switzerland
