...Highlights: shark action, turtles, schooling fish & big pelagics...
...Diving environment: drift diving, advanced divers, off the beaten track...
Cruising Laamu Atoll, also known as Haddhunmati Atoll, is a diving adventure of discovery. The beauty of the Maldive Islands is magnified in the outer atoll rim reefs due to their secluded location and undisturbed nature. Only 9 dive sites have been officially located yet so there remains many opportunities for more pristine spots to be found along the 48 km coastline. With no resorts on the atoll, you are likely to be the only scuba divers for miles around. Many local liveaboard dive guides consider Laamu to be the best in the Maldives for large schools of fish. The central lagoon is 73m deep in some places with incredible marine biomass.
The real drawcard at Laamu is drift diving in the numerous deep passages of the atoll. Adding to the adrenaline rush, many sharks and rays can be seen hunting smaller reef fish in the strong currents. Smaller reefs in the lagoons are great spots to see abundant parrotfish. Only 11 dive sites have been officially located yet, so a Laamu Atoll dive holds many opportunities for more pristine spots to be found along the 48 km coastline. With so much of the reef unexplored, new dive sites of interest are bound to reveal themselves, and possibly even during your Maldive Islands liveaboard trip, you will have a chance to undertake some exploratory Laamu diving adventures.
One of the most popular channel sites, Fushi Kandu is a relatively shallow but extensive channel stretching for 250m. This site is a frequent hangout for whitetip reef sharks, which patrol the currents alongside schools of jacks that surge in among tuna and eagle rays. The channel's moderate depth and strong currents make it an exciting drift dive, with the reef walls hosting a variety of colourful invertebrates and small reef fish seeking shelter from the pelagic hunters.
Maamendhoo Giri is a small reef in the lagoon and a haven for macro life and reef dwellers. Parrotfish dart in among the large table corals, while turtles munch on the coral and butterflyfish swim nonchalantly past. The site is a stunning night dive location, where the reef comes alive with nocturnal creatures, making it a perfect end to a day's diving before a night transfer to the next southern atoll on your cruise.
An exciting and challenging drift dive awaits at Munnafushi Kandu. Beginning on the open ocean side of this channel, you make your way across the channel, encountering rays flying effortlessly on the current and sharks competing for likely prey with the large tuna. The action here is relentless, with a constant parade of pelagics hunting in the nutrient-rich waters, making it a highlight for any advanced diver seeking adrenaline.
Gan Kandu is deep channel on the eastern rim is known for its strong currents and exceptional shark action. Laamu divers can expect to see grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, and large schools of barracuda. The channel walls are covered in vibrant soft corals and gorgonians, with eagle rays and tuna frequently patrolling the blue water.
A submerged pinnacle in the central lagoon, Kalhu Kohu Thila is a cleaning station for manta rays and a gathering spot for Napoleon wrasse. The thila is topped with flourishing hard corals and surrounded by schools of fusiliers and snapper. Currents can be moderate, bringing in larger pelagics, and the site is suitable for divers of intermediate level.
Olhuveli Kandu is a southern channel that offers a classic drift dive with a high probability of encountering turtles, hawksbill and green, grazing on the reef walls. The site also features several overhangs and small caves where moray eels and lobsters can be spotted. The current is generally moderate, making it a more relaxed Laamu Atoll drift dive compared to the more exposed channels.
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Oor (Dive The World) always responded in less than a day so I always felt like our booking was under control. And all my questions were answered (about the dives, the operator, food, visas, everything) so I was completely prepared. They also advertised some aspects on the Dive The World website that other tour providers obviously didn't because we knew about the special meal the boat could do while even some people on their honeymoon weren't aware of
