There are so many great sights to see underwater in the Maldives with whaleshark and manta rays often grabbing the headlines.
And rightly so as every moment spent in the company of these gentle giants is one to treasure.
But there is more to diving the Indian Ocean than being a spectator. For those who like to add a bit of adrenalin to their sightseeing, the Maldives offers the exhilaration diving kandus.
A kandu refers to a channel or passage between atolls or reefs, where the ocean’s open water flows into the atoll lagoon – although they can be dived in the opposite direction as well. These channels create dynamic underwater environments with fast-moving currents that attract a variety of large pelagic species, including sharks, manta rays, and schools of fish.
Maldives kandus are particularly famous for offering drift diving experiences. Divers typically start on the outer edge of the reef (where guides will typically start by getting you to hook on to the entrance’s ledge) and allow the current to carry them through the channel, gliding past dramatic coral walls and colourful overhangs. The currents can range from moderate to strong, making it ideal for experienced divers seeking an adrenaline rush.
However, there are also kandus suitable for intermediate divers, where the current is more manageable, and our experienced guides and cruise directors can hunt these out to ensure everyone gets the buzz.
And, despite what we said earlier, it’s not all about the rush as kandus offer a diverse and abundant amount of marine life to spot.
Grey reef sharks, whitetip sharks, eagle rays, and tuna are common sightings, often spotted patrolling the channels. The reef walls are home to vibrant coral gardens, sea fans, and smaller creatures like nudibranchs and octopuses, providing a feast for the eyes and camera lenses alike.
There can also be opportunities to witness large aggregations of fish, such as barracudas, jacks, and snappers, especially during incoming tides when the currents bring nutrients into the channels. This feeding frenzy attracts larger predators, making the kandus one of the best places for big fish encounters.
So, you’ve got every chance of experiencing time with whaleshark and mantas and will know you’ve seen the best of the Maldives. But there’s much more to diving this wonderfully diverse country beyond the standard brochure-cover images.
Especially for those with a kandu atttitude!
If you want to experience the beauty and excitement of diving in the Maldives, why not bag yourself a great deal.
We currently have these offers running on our sailings in the Indian Ocean – but be quick as they will not be around for long.
November 24, 2024 | Emperor Explorer | Best of Maldives | 7 nights | €2,700 €2,160
November 30, 2024 | Emperor Leo | Best of Maldives | 7 nights | €2,300 €1,840
December 7, 2024 | Emperor Leo | Best of Maldives | 7 nights | €2,300 €1,610
December 14, 2024 | Emperor Leo | Best of Maldives | 7 nights | €2,300 €1,610