About Addu Kandu
Addu Kandu, also known as Addu Channel, is a significant natural waterway situated within the Addu Atoll, which is the southernmost atoll in the Maldives. This channel serves as more than just a geographical feature; it is a thriving ecosystem and a major draw for tourists seeking underwater adventures. Its exceptional marine biodiversity and stunning underwater topography make it a renowned destination for divers. Diving in Addu Kandu allows for exploration of various sites, notably the famous British Loyalty wreck, which is the largest World War II shipwreck in the Maldives. This historic wreck hosts a rich variety of marine species, providing a distinctive and unforgettable diving experience. The channel is also recognized for its healthy coral reefs, which largely escaped the widespread bleaching event in 1998, contributing to a vibrant underwater landscape. Addu Atoll features the only year-round manta ray cleaning station in the Maldives, where reef mantas are consistently observed. The area also boasts a significant shark population, including thresher, hammerhead, silvertip, and even whale sharks. Divers can also spot various rays and a multitude of tropical fish within the clear waters. Considering the potential for currents within the channel, particularly when diving, liveaboard itineraries often visit the deep south during February and March when conditions are ideal for experienced divers, featuring increased visibility and calmer surface conditions. While accessible for snorkeling, divers should be prepared for channel diving, often requiring live boat operations or careful current management.
Highlights
British Loyalty WWII wreckYear-round manta ray cleaning stationThresher shark encountersHammerhead shark sightingsSilvertip sharksWhale shark encountersHealthy coral reefs
Best Season
The months of February and March are particularly favorable for diving the Deep South, including Addu Kandu. During this period, the conditions are optimal for experienced divers, offering increased visibility within the channels and generally calmer surface conditions.
Dive site facts: Addu Kandu
- Current
- Strong
- Entry
- Liveaboard only
- Level
- Advanced
- Dive type
- Channel, Drift
- Region / port
- Maldives
- Coordinates
- 0.6358° S, 73.1970° E
Conditions & Currents
Addu Kandu is a channel, meaning currents are a significant factor and awareness is crucial, especially when diving or snorkeling. Divers should anticipate and be prepared for potential currents within the channel. Liveaboard itineraries that explore the deep south, including this site, often target periods like February and March when conditions are considered perfect for experienced divers, implying that currents can be strong but manageable under the right circumstances. While specific current directions are not detailed, the nature of a 'kandu' (channel) dive typically involves drift diving, often utilizing negative entry techniques and live boat pickups. Visibility is generally excellent in this region, particularly during optimal seasons, but currents can influence clarity. Certification levels for channel dives often lean towards intermediate or advanced due to current management.
Why dive Addu Kandu from a liveaboard?
Addu Kandu is one of Maldives's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.
Below are the liveaboards that include Addu Kandu on their Maldives itineraries.
Liveaboards diving Addu Kandu
These liveaboards may visit Addu Kandu on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.
Horizon III
Maldives
25 guests
$204/day
Ocean Divine
Maldives
16 guests33.528 m
$287/day
EcoPro Mariana
Maldives
16 guests30 m
$236/day
Maldives Blue Force 3
Maldives
26 guests42 m
$236/day
Amba
Maldives
20 guests
$178/day
White Pearl
Maldives
26 guests
$387/day
Maldives Master
Maldives
26 guests
$207/day
Adora
Maldives
22 guests
$287/day
Emperor Leo
Maldives
24 guests35.1 m
$339/day
Maldives Legend Zen
Maldives
24 guests41 m
$316/day
Emperor Voyager
Maldives
20 guests29.9 m
$332/day
Felicity
Maldives
26 guests41 m
$229/day
Dive sites similar to Addu Kandu
Same character, same waters — six more sites divers love for the exact same reasons.Compare seasons, access and liveaboard routes — then pick the site that fits your trip best.
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
Fushi Kandu (Lhaviyani)
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Fushi Kandu, located in the Lhaviyani Atoll, is an exciting channel dive site in the Maldives, offering some of the most dynamic drift diving experiences in the Indian Ocean.
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Gan Corner (Addu Atoll)
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Gan Corner, locally known as Gan Kandu, is a prominent channel dive site nestled in the southwestern part of Addu (Seenu) Atoll, situated conveniently near the islands of Gan and Feydhoo.
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- Advanced
- Current
- Strong
- Access
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- 5–40 m
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© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
Hithadhoo Corner (Addu)
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Hithadhoo Corner, situated in Addu Atoll, offers a unique opportunity for exceptional diving and snorkeling.
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© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
Guraidhoo Corner
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Guraidhoo Corner, situated at the southern tip of Guraidhoo Island, stands as a marine protected area often celebrated for its exceptional fish diversity and photographic opportunities within the Maldives.
- Suitable for
- Advanced
- Current
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- Access
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Depth
- 5–35 m
- Theme
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© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
Kooddoo Corner (Gaafu Alifu)
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Kooddoo Corner is a significant reef formation situated at the southern tip of the Gaafu Alifu atoll, close to Kooddoo airport island.
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- Advanced
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- Strong
- Access
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Depth
- 15–40 m
- Theme
- Channel / Drift
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
Maaya Thila
Maldives
Maaya Thila, a protected Marine Reserve located in the North Ari Atoll of the Maldives, is a prominent pinnacle dive site.
- Suitable for
- Advanced
- Current
- Strong
- Access
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Depth
- 6–30 m
- Theme
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