Whilst crossing the Vaadhoo Kandu, the division between North and South Male Atolls, you will observe how different they feel. The quieter version of its northern brother, scuba diving in South Male Atoll gives a feeling of remoteness, due to the habitation of only 3 islands. 

Both dive centres and dive resorts can still be found in this region, with more under development. All of these establishments offer dive courses of all levels. Many liveaboards experience South Male Atoll diving on their way out of the nearby capital Male. 

Highlights of scuba diving in South Male Atoll include the thrilling drift dives through the atoll’s many kandus (or channels) as well as large pelagic sightings. 

Diving in South Male Atoll is possible year-round due to the consistently warm weather. From November to April is the best time for diving - the omnipresent sunshine and low winds create excellent visibility. 

From May to October is the monsoon season, though you would be unlucky to experience more than a few hours of heavy rain in one sitting. The winds get stronger which can make the sea choppy and cause dive boat disruption. On the plus side, the winds blow in plankton blooms which attract big pelagics. 
 

South Male Atoll diving is famous for the thrilling drift dives through the kandus, though there is diving available for all levels including channels, wrecks, reefs and caves. Vaadhoo Caves on the northern side of the atoll are fascinating to explore as you shelter from the current. Though the wicked currents in the kandus are famous, more sedate drift dives are also available for the non-thrillseekers! Liveaboards are very popular in this region and they are a great way of experiencing all the best sites.

The strong currents that flow around South Male Atoll bring a wealth of diversity to the area. The reefs are teeming with brightly coloured life which includes reef fish, nudibranch, eels, octopus, soft corals and turtles. In the blue, you might see schools of batfish, fusiliers, trevally, unicornfish or barracuda, as well as huge hunting tuna. 

Upon the reef, turtles munch on the corals whilst eagle rays fly in formation out in the blue. Grey sharks and reef sharks are common at many sites. During the monsoon, it is possible to see whale sharks and huge numbers of manta rays who come to eat the plethora of food. 
 

Cocoa Thila - Also known as Kandooma, this is one of the best dive sites in the Maldives. The pinnacle within a channel has overhangs and ravines to shelter from the current. The currents bring marine life like eagle rays, sharks, turtles and manta rays.

Vaadhoo Caves - You can shelter from the powerful drift in these caves, this site is best for advanced divers. In the blue, look for sharks, eagle rays, turtles and tuna. 

Guraidhoo Channel - This site is dense with life including schools of trevally, eagle rays, sharks and turtles. There is a maze of channels, drop-offs and overhangs to explore. In the monsoon season, it’s a great place to look for mantas.