Guraidhoo Kandu Dive Site


Dive Site: Guraidhoo Kandu (Protected Marine Area)
Type of Dive Site: Channel
Location: South Male’ Atoll, South corner of Guraidhoo Kandu
Best Time to Dive: North East Monsoon season when currents are inflowing
GPS Position:  03.35270, 072.43150
Depth Range: 5m – 30m
Coral Growth: Poor
Features: Caves, Overhangs
Fish Life: Abundant
Experience Level: Suitable for beginners when the current is not strong, but when currents are strong, the dive is strictly only suitable for experienced divers that can handle underwater turbulence and washing machine-like conditions.

Diving Hints and Currents:

Guriadhoo Kandu, also known as Guraidhoo Corner, is famous for its notorious incoming current.  Guriadhoo Kandu is well known for spotting Gray Reef Sharks, Eagle Rays and Pelagic species. The dive at Guriadhoo Kandu begins at the outer reef close to the channel corner and divers swim towards the corner during an incoming current. Once at the corner, divers can use the current to hook on a coral and observe the entrance of the channel. When the current is flowing into the channel, Grey Reef Sharks patrol the edge of the entrance and other pelagic action can be observed on the ocean drop-off.  Divers should remember to stay close to the reef once they leave the corner. During strong currents, underwater turbulence can be experienced within the channel near the caves and coral blocks. If divers are pushed away from the reef at Guriadhoo Kandu toward the deep blue water, do not try and fight against the current. Instead, they should drift with the current, try ascending to shallower waters and deploy the surface balloon. The balloon should remain visible on the surface until the dive boat has located the diver.