...Highlights: whale sharks, shark action, manta rays, turtles, schooling fish & big pelagics...
...Diving environment: drift diving, advanced divers, off the beaten track...
Divers that visit the crystal clear waters at Meemu Atoll, also called 'Mulaku' by the locals, and you are almost guaranteed to see manta rays on every dive. The eastern and western rims are characterised by deep channels, known as 'Kandus', with currents that sweep in plankton-rich water, sustaining healthy soft corals and thriving marine life. Large numbers of a variety of pelagics populate the channels, offering spectacular diving at Meemu. In addition to manta rays and the occasional appearance of a magnificent whale shark; grey reef sharks, mobulas and eagle rays can be spotted by scuba divers on almost every dive at Meemu.
Liveaboard cruising at Meemu Atoll means you will often be diving at unspoilt sites that have seldom or never been visited before, providing an exclusive sense of discovery. The nutrient-rich waters support an incredible biomass, from colourful reef fish to the largest pelagics. Whether you are an advanced diver seeking adrenaline-filled drift dives or a beginner looking for calmer lagoons, diving Meemu Atoll offers unforgettable experiences amidst some of the most pristine reefs in the Maldives.
The Mulaku Kandu channel in the north east of Meemu is peppered with submerged pinnacles covered in predominantly soft corals. Dive in at the west corner to be surrounded by snappers and jacks. Keep an eye out for rays and sharks as you descend to 30m. Then, if there is an outgoing current, allow it to carry you north along the reef until you reach an overhang rich in soft coral. The wall below is home to moray eels, while sting rays sleep in the depths and groupers look for snacks in the coral formations.
To dive at Medhufushi Thila, you descend through the warm, clear waters of a north eastern channel situated between 2 wide lagoons, which is the only access and exit point to this site. Dolphins might accompany you to the start of your dive on the northern side of the thila. Peaking at 4m below the Indian Ocean's surface, the thila is covered in a colourful selection of hard corals. You could descend to as low as 35m to take a look at the steep wall with overhangs, but remember to save bottom time to scout out the caves and marvel at the countless reef fish. The current is virtually non-existent here, making it one of the few dives at Meemu Atoll that are suitable for scuba divers of all skill levels. You will not be disappointed with likely sightings of reef sharks, tuna, manta rays, whale sharks and schools of trevallies.
Mantas and More definitely lives up to its name with an amazing diversity of sea creatures, including the eponymous manta rays. Wave back at the lobsters living in cracks along the coral walls as you drift with the changeable current. Napoleon wrasse and turtles feed on the corals while large shoals of jacks play in the current avoiding the abundance of barracuda. It is not uncommon to see 8-9 manta rays swoop in the blue, together with numerous mobula and eagle rays. Tuna search for their next meal along with loads of grey and white tip reef sharks. You might even see a feeding frenzy develop overhead.
Raimi Kandu is a dramatic channel on the western rim, Raimi Kandu is known for its strong currents and exceptional shark action, delivering an adrenaline rush for experienced divers in Meemu Atoll. Divers can expect to see large schools of grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, and barracuda patrolling the channel. The walls are covered in colourful soft corals and gorgonians, with eagle rays and tuna frequently hunting in the blue water.
A submerged reef in the northern lagoon, Fushi Thila is a cleaning station for mantas and a gathering spot for Napoleon wrasse, offering close-up encounters that define the best diving in Meemu Atoll. 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.
Dhigali Kandu is a southern channel that offers a classic drift dive with a high probability of encountering turtles, both 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 drift dive compared to the more exposed channels, with the added attraction of frequent manta ray sightings that cap off a perfect day of Meemu diving.
Find Your Liveaboard
Click to view product. Special discounted trips highlighted in yellow
Most helpful at every stage and answered all questions promptly and accurately which set my and my wife's mind at rest. Jamie's service pretty much helped us decide that we would go with Dive The World rather than any other
