Canareef south

Shallow, current-free coral garden with abundant macro and turtles.

Boat Access
4m Avg Depth
9m Max Depth

About this dive site

This dive site, Canareef South, is nestled on the southeastern inside of the Canareef Resort area in the Maldives. It is widely regarded as a mostly current-free location, making it an exceptionally relaxed and accessible spot for divers of all experience levels. The topography begins with a welcoming shallow sandy lagoon, gradually transitioning into a gentle slope that extends to around 25 meters, although the primary diving focus is within the shallower coral garden. The main attraction of Canareef South is its extensive and vibrant coral garden, which thrives on a sandy bottom. This thriving ecosystem hosts a wide variety of corals and numerous coral blocks, providing diverse habitats. It's a common sighting to encounter green sea turtles gracefully navigating the reef. For those with an eye for detail, the site is a macro photography delight, frequently revealing orange banded pipefish and a rich diversity of other fascinating small marine creatures. Canareef South is particularly well-suited for beginners, snorkelers, and freedivers due to its calm conditions and shallow depths. The excellent macro life and healthy coral garden make it a 'joy for photographers,' promising rewarding photo opportunities for both wide-angle and close-up shots. While specific seasonal highlights aren't mentioned, the Maldives' dry season (typically November to April) generally offers the best visibility and calmest waters, enhancing the diving experience here.
Diving Freediving Snorkeling

Site Ratings

Big Marine Life Very Good
Macro Marine Life Excellent
Landscape Quality Very Good
Water Visibility Excellent Viz

Plan Your Visit

coral reefturtlemacro photographybeginner friendlycurrent freesandy bottomshallowwide angle

Marine Life

turtlesturtlemacro lifeorange banded pipefishvarious corals

Things to Note

Difficulty:

Beginner

Shallow maximum depth, mostly current-free, gentle slope, and rich in easy-to-spot marine life.

Current Strength:

Mild

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