Channel drifts, soft-coral walls, and an iconic night dive in a quieter Maldives atoll
Updated Feb 13, 2026 • 27 sources
Top species linked to approved dive spots in Vaavu Atoll.
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Quick shortlist before you jump into the full planning page.
Kashaavaru Kandu is a Vaavu boat dive for soft coral and shark action.
Munko's Garden: shallow coral garden with easy access.
Muraka Giri: shallow Maldives coral pinnacle.
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Last updated: February 13, 2026 • 27 sources
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Overview
Vaavu Atoll (Felidhoo Atoll) is the Maldives for divers who want classic channel (kandu) drifts without the crowds of the bigger-name atolls. From a base on a resort or a local island guesthouse, day boats reach famous passes like Fotteyo Kandu and Miyaru Kandu, plus soft-coral walls such as Golden Wall. The signature experience is the night dive at Alimatha Jetty, where nurse sharks, rays, and big schools of trevally often work the shallows around 10 m to 15 m.
Topside, Vaavu keeps it simple: sandbanks, lagoon swims, dolphin cruises, and village visits on islands like Fulidhoo and Keyodhoo. It is close enough to reach from Male by speedboat, but remote enough to feel like you have found a quieter corner of the Indian Ocean.
Vaavu is built around passes where tidal flow concentrates sharks, rays, and schooling fish on channel mouths and walls.
Alimatha Jetty is a shallow, high-action night dive where nurse sharks and rays often cruise in 10 m to 15 m.
Resorts and guesthouses can be reached by speedboat, and some resort islands also offer seaplane transfers.
Thinadhoo, Fulidhoo, and Keyodhoo are popular local-island bases, while liveaboards frequently stop in Vaavu on Central Atolls routes.
Trip Planning
External Booking PartnerThis destination works either as a land-based plan or as a longer liveaboard itinerary. Use the guide for local planning, or compare boats if the remote circuit is the priority.
Land-based guide
Base areas, day boats, local operators, and shore logistics
Liveaboard planning
Boats, departures, and longer expedition-style routes
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7 linked spots
Best time to go
January to April
Drier weather, lighter winds often around 18 km/h, and more reliable sea conditions for transfers.
Main caution: Southwest monsoon brings higher wind and chop, often around 25 km/h, and short rain squalls.
