Lhosfushi Kuda Kandu

This dive site, known as Lhosfushi Kuda Kandu, which translates to "small channel," is situated north of the Guraidhoo channel in the Maldives. It features a relatively shallow sandy bottom at 12 meters deep and is about 10 meters wide, making it a confined channel dive. The site is characterized by flourishing colonies of stony and soft corals, providing excellent hiding spots. While no specific history is provided, channel dives in the Maldives are typically current-driven, offering rich nutrient flows. Divers generally navigate through the channel, often as a drift dive, following the current. Divers can expect to encounter a diverse range of marine life at Lhosfushi Kuda Kandu. The vibrant coral formations shelter blue stripe yellow snappers, while larger pelagic species frequently visit the channel. These include white tip reef sharks, green turtles, majestic napoleon wrasses, and schools of Jack fishes. Ribbon eels can be found on the sandy bottom, and grey reef sharks are often observed. On fortunate occasions, manta rays make an appearance, drawn by the channel's productive waters. The best time to visit Lhosfushi Kuda Kandu for highlights like manta rays would generally align with the Maldives' dry season (December to May) when conditions for large pelagic sightings are often optimal, though specific local knowledge for this channel might refine it further. Channel dives like this often feature currents, which can be strong, so divers should be experienced in drift diving and have good buoyancy control. Both snorkelers and freedivers can enjoy the shallower sections and vibrant coral life, provided current conditions are mild.