Vaavu Atoll

Vaavu Atoll is a diver's paradise celebrated for its exhilarating channel dives and dramatic underwater topography. As the least populated atoll in the Maldives, its reefs are pristine and teeming with life. The atoll's main draw is its high concentration of pelagic species, particularly sharks. Famed sites like Fotteyo Kandu, often cited as one of the best dive sites in the Maldives, offer stunning overhangs, swim-throughs, and a vibrant display of soft corals. It's a destination defined by thrilling drift dives through deep channels where the action is fast-paced and unforgettable.

Diving conditions in Vaavu feature warm waters year-round, typically ranging from 27-30°C. Visibility is excellent, especially during the northeast monsoon (December to May), often exceeding 30 meters. The atoll is renowned for strong currents within its channels, which act as a magnet for sharks, eagle rays, and huge schools of jacks and trevallies. Divers should visit Vaavu Atoll for the sheer adrenaline of its channel dives and the chance for iconic encounters, like the famous night dive with hundreds of nurse sharks at Alimatha Jetty, making it a must-see for experienced divers.