Lhohifushi Kandu

This dive site, Lhohifushi Kandu, is a renowned channel dive in the Maldives, characterized by challenging and unpredictable down/up currents. Located in the picturesque Kaafu Atoll, it is an advanced dive due to these demanding conditions. There's no specific historical account provided, but channel dives in the Maldives are typically navigated by drifting with the current, often starting outside the channel and allowing the flow to carry divers into or along the channel, seeking shelter behind reef formations when observing marine life. The marine life here is exceptionally rich, making it a hotspot for pelagic encounters. Divers can expect to see various shark species, including whitetip reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, and grey reef sharks. Majestic eagle rays are also common, along with large schools of batfish and vibrant butterflyfish. Occasionally, lucky divers might even encounter impressive schools of dolphins and the resident napoleon wrasse, indicating a healthy reef ecosystem. The strong currents bring nutrient-rich waters, supporting diverse coral growth along the channel walls, though specific coral types are not detailed. The best time to visit Lhohifushi Kandu for optimal big animal sightings generally aligns with the Maldives' dry season (December to May), when visibility is often excellent and currents can bring in more pelagic activity. Divers should be highly experienced, comfortable with strong and variable currents, and carry appropriate safety gear, including a surface marker buoy (SMB). Due to the challenging conditions, this site is not recommended for freedivers or snorkelers, as the unpredictable currents pose significant risks.