Guraidhoo Kandu

A complex channel system south of Guraidhoo with two passes and a central reef. Where the southern channel meets the drop-off at about 35 m, grey reef sharks, jacks and napoleon wrasse gather; inside, the vertical walls carry soft coral, sea fans and black coral, with a soft-coral-covered arch at about 30 m. Whale sharks and mantas are occasional visitors.

Facts

• Region: Maldives – North & Central Atolls
• Area: South Malé Atoll
• Depth: 5–35 m
• Level: advanced
• Current: strong
• Type: channel, drift, wall
• Coordinates: 3.8895, 73.4691
• Highlights: grey reef sharks, jacks, napoleon wrasse, eagle rays, turtles, barracuda, soft coral, sea fans, black coral, whale shark
• Tips: The whole channel is protected (Guraidhoo Kandu Olhi, 1995). Marine Protected Area: fishing, anchoring and taking coral, shells or rock are prohibited. Strong incoming currents create 'washing machines' – for divers experienced in current.

Sources

• https://www.scubago.com/en/explore/divesite/guraidhoo-corner-89143
• https://www.dive-the-world.com/diving-sites-maldives-south-male-atoll.php
• https://maafushidive.com/pages/dive-sites
• https://statisticsmaldives.gov.mv/yearbook2009/Environment/2.1.htm
• https://www.wannadive.net/spot/Asia/Maldives/Male_Atoll/South_Male_Atoll/Guraidhoo_South_Corner/index.html