RPCGA

Kudarah Thila is excellently ranked in scuba diving sites. Kudarah Thila is subject to strong currents and a quick descend is necessary here. The dive begins at the up current and usually the scuba dive location guide sets the jump point a few meters away from the reef. Divers can easily circle around the Thila and the coral head located just a few meters away from the main reef. Divers should be prepared to make a open water safety stop. A surface balloon is essential at Kudarah Thila and should be deployed as soon as divers reach shallower water and while making the safety stop. The balloon should be kept visible on the surface at all times until the dive boat has located the divers.

Kalhahandhi Kandu (Pannettone) is amongst the best dive sites in the world. Kalhahandi Kandu or Pannettone as it is also known can be subject to some strong currents at times and washing machines and underwater turbulence is created here, so it is only suitable for novice divers when there are no currents. This premier diving location in the Maldives has a long overhang between 12 and 25 metres has fallen to the bottom due to underwater disturbance to the bottom, which is easily noticed when you begin the dive. Because of the currents, the water is constantly flushing back and forth, giving the channel continuous and constant replenishment.

Gangehi Kandu is without a doubt one of the best dive sites. Gangehi Kandu is one of the longest channels in the Ari Atoll, with a drift of more than 2.5 km from the channel’s entrance to the end of the top dive site at the inside of the Atoll. When the current is incoming at Gangehi Kandu, the dive begins a bit further out and drifts inside the channel. Once inside the channel, this is where you start seeing the caves and overhangs and a few outcrops away from the reef. These outcrops have interesting features and are covered with excellent hard and soft coral. The bottom of the entire channel at Gangehi Kandu is sandy, making it a perfect resting ground for Stingrays, White Tip Reef Sharks and the Leopard or Zebra Shark which is commonly spotted here at Gangehi Kandu.

Lhazikuraadi (Hakuraa Thila) – Maldives Dive Sites. This stunning dive location is a favorite of divers visiting the Maldives, not only due to its stunning visual beauty but also the plethora of features it has to offer. Lhazikuraadi is a thila about 75 meters in length rising to 2 meters, with many attractions on every side of the reef. On the northeast side is a spot on the reef with caves, overhangs and ledges that decline in small steps from five to 35 meters. The eastern ridge also houses a large cave between 10 and 15 meters with loads of invertebrate life. It is best to bring a torch into this cave to enjoy it to its full potential. On the northern side the reef gradually slopes down to 30 meters. A touch further west you will find a ridge at 25 meters with a sheer vertical drop to about 40 meters.