Diving at Fushi Kandu in Laamu Atoll is a thrilling adventure, featuring an impressive array of marine life from majestic manta rays and schools of eagle rays to various shark species and vibrant coral reefs. The channel’s dynamic currents and rich biodiversity create a must-visit experience for seasoned divers seeking both excitement and natural beauty in the Maldives.
Manta rays gracefully hover over the cleaning station at Fushi Kandu, Laamu Atoll, where cleaner wrasse meticulously remove parasites and dead skin from these majestic creatures.
Nestled in the southern part of the Maldives, Laamu Atoll is a hidden gem renowned for its exceptional diving sites. Among its many treasures, Fushi Kandu stands out as a premier and protected top dive site, drawing divers from around the globe. This comprehensive review delves into the unique features of Fushi Kandu, its marine life, and why it remains a must-visit location for diving enthusiasts.
Unveiling Laamu Atoll: A Diver’s Paradise
Laamu Atoll, stretching 48 kilometres from north to south and 35 kilometres across at its widest point, is the southernmost central atoll in the Maldives. It is framed by a deep central lagoon with an average depth of 60 metres, surrounded by over eighty large islands, including Laamu Gan, the largest naturally formed coral island in the Maldives. The atoll’s unique geography, characterised by its extensive barrier reef and limited number of channels, creates ideal conditions for spectacular marine encounters.
Separated from Huvadhoo Atoll on the south by a 97-kilometre passage, Laamu Atoll features only a few ‘Kandu Olhi’ (atoll channels) along its outer reef ring. The strong tidal flows through the ‘Kandu Olhi’ channels result in powerful currents that attract a rich diversity of marine life. Among these channels, Fushi Kandu emerges as a standout location for its breathtaking underwater experiences.
Fushi Kandu: A Marine Protected Area
Fushi Kandu is located in the northeast of Laamu Atoll, between the uninhabited island of Fushi and the inhabited island of Maabaidhoo. This channel is not only a renowned diving spot but also a Marine Protected Area, highlighting its ecological significance and the commitment to preserving its rich marine biodiversity. Fushi Kandu is one of the key channels within Laamu Atoll’s barrier reef, serving as a crucial conduit for currents, cold water, nutrients, and a diverse array of fish and pelagic species into the atoll. This dynamic inflow of water transforms Fushi Kandu into a thriving marine ecosystem, making it a premier dive site in the Maldives.
Vibrant and thriving corals at Fushi Kandu, showcasing the rich biodiversity and pristine marine environment of Laamu Atoll.
A Sanctuary for Manta Rays
One of the key attractions at Fushi Kandu is its manta ray cleaning station, situated just below the world-famous surf break known as “Machine”. The elevated temperatures in the shallow waters at this site play a crucial role in aiding the digestion and thermoregulation of manta rays. These gentle giants visit the cleaning station to have dead skin and parasites removed by tiny cleaner wrasse. This symbiotic relationship underscores the importance of Fushi Kandu in maintaining the health of Laamu’s manta ray population.
A majestic reef manta ray glides gracefully through the crystal-clear waters of Fushi Kandu, epitomising the grandeur of Laamu Atoll’s marine life. The manta ray (Mobula alfredi) is one of the largest and most iconic marine species.
In 2021, the Manta Trust recorded an impressive 165 manta ray encounters at this site, with a notable highlight being the sighting of 11 mantas at the cleaning station simultaneously. Such frequent and diverse sightings make Fushi Kandu a premier destination for manta ray enthusiasts.
Challenging Currents and Spectacular Marine Encounters
Diving at Fushi Kandu offers a mesmerising experience, providing a window into the rich and vibrant underwater world of Laamu Atoll. The channel is teeming with life, offering divers thrilling encounters with a variety of species, including manta rays, sharks, and eagle rays. The abundance and diversity of marine life here make it a must-visit for experienced divers seeking adventure and an unparalleled underwater experience.
An explosion of colour: Over 1,100 species of fish vividly populate the pristine, warm waters of the Maldives, creating an underwater spectacle of vibrant marine life.
The channel itself stretches for about 250 metres, with a shallow seabed at around 10-15 metres that descends to a deeper plateau at 35 metres. The strong tidal flows through the channel create opportunities for encounters with large pelagic species and schooling fish. Divers are often greeted by schooling fishes, including several pelagic species such as tuna, gliding effortlessly through the water. On particularly fortunate dives, the channel comes alive with the playful antics of dolphin schools, with over five different species often spotted frolicking in the currents.
Dive Site Dynamics
The entrance to Fushi Kandu can be approached in two ways: a blue water “negative” descent, where divers drop from a distance and let the current carry them in, or a simpler method of jumping to one side of the entrance and swimming. The entrance is relatively narrow and can be crossed if conditions are favourable. The channel’s depth and strong currents require divers to be highly skilled and aware of their surroundings, including gas levels, depth, and no-decompression time.
Dive into the vibrant underwater world of Fushi Kandu, where rich biodiversity and an abundance of marine life create a breathtaking and dynamic diving experience.
The site’s biodiversity is exceptional, with sightings of reef manta rays, grey reef sharks, and eagle rays commonly reported. Additionally, the channel’s interior houses species such as giant trevally, barracuda, and various types of snappers. The dynamic marine environment, combined with the challenge of strong currents, makes Fushi Kandu a thrilling dive site.
Ecological and Economic Significance
The designation of Fushi Kandu as a protected area plays a crucial role in stabilising and increasing snorkelling and diving activities while decreasing recreational fishing. This protection helps preserve the site’s rich biodiversity and ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy its marine wonders.
Fushi Kandu, along with other protected areas like Maabaidhoo Koaru, spans both the windward and leeward sides of the atoll, contributing to the overall health of Laamu’s marine ecosystem. The area’s protection supports both ecological conservation and local economies by attracting divers and snorkelers to experience its unparalleled underwater beauty.
Collaboration at its finest: The Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI), formed in July 2018, brings together specialists from Six Senses Laamu, The Manta Trust, Blue Marine Foundation, and The Olive Ridley Project. This unified team of marine biologists, sustainability experts, and community outreach specialists has expanded research efforts to protect Laamu Atoll’s marine ecosystems and species.
Thrilling Encounters Beyond the Reef
The excitement at Fushi Kandu doesn’t stop with the dolphins. Swordfish and sailfish, two of the ocean’s most formidable hunters, can be seen working in tandem, a rare and exhilarating sight that showcases the channel’s role as a hunting ground for these apex predators. For those seeking even more excitement, the waters outside the ‘Futtaru’ reef of the atoll offer a unique opportunity. Here, experienced and fortunate divers might encounter varieties of pelagic fish, sharks, sailfish, wahoo, tuna, mahi mahi, giant trevally, schools of tunas, etc. There are four types of hibaru or billfish found in the Laamu Atoll of Maldives; sailfish (fan-gandu hibaru), swordfish (thungandu hibaru), blue marlin (noomas hibaru) and black marlin (kalhumas hibaru). Oceanic sharks and schools of hammerhead sharks can be encountered near the atoll’s outer reef. These elusive creatures are a rare sight, but when they do appear, it’s an unforgettable experience that adds an extra layer of thrill to an already remarkable dive.
Five of the seven species of marine turtles live in the Maldives, the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the endangered Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) are the most commonly sighted, often seen gracefully navigating the vibrant reef ecosystems and seagrass meadows of Laamu Atoll.
Final Thoughts: Fushi Kandu — An Unforgettable Dive Site Blending Adventure, Biodiversity, and Conservation in Laamu Atoll
Fushi Kandu in Laamu Atoll is a premier dive site in the Maldives, renowned for its exceptional marine biodiversity, challenging dive conditions, and vital ecological role. This protected channel is a must-visit for seasoned divers seeking an exhilarating experience. Its manta ray cleaning station, diverse marine life, and robust currents deliver a dive full of excitement and discovery. Beyond its appeal to divers, Fushi Kandu plays a crucial role in marine conservation and boosts the local economy by drawing diving enthusiasts from across the globe. For those eager to explore one of the Maldives’ most spectacular underwater destinations, Fushi Kandu promises an adventure that is both thrilling and unforgettable.
Marine enthusiasts flock to Fushi Kandu for its impressive array of species. The channel’s strong currents attract large congregations of marine life, including grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, and eagle rays. Divers might also encounter a variety of other species such as snappers, trevallies, and the occasionally elusive Napoleon wrasse.
A mesmerising school of fish moves in perfect harmony, creating a dynamic display of life beneath the ocean’s surface at Laamu Atoll.
A highlight of the site is a distinctive coral bommie at about 15 metres deep, serving as a secondary cleaning station. The pinnacles within Fushi Kandu are surrounded by a vibrant display of marine life, from schooling bannerfish and surgeonfish to cryptic creatures like mantis shrimp and ornate ghost pipefish. The deeper areas of the site showcase sea whips and black coral bushes, providing habitat for smaller fish and invertebrates.
At the top of ‘Fushi Kandu Haa,’ which is an area inside the atoll in front of the channel, the initial appearance might seem modest, but a closer look reveals a rich array of cryptic species. The overhangs and rocky surfaces are adorned with sea whips and black coral bushes, offering refuge to Long-nosed Hawkfish, juvenile trumpetfish, and lionfish. Divers may also be fortunate enough to spot the rare ornate ghost pipefish.
Despite its seemingly plain surface features, ‘Fushi Kandu Haa’ reveals its charm through its hidden marvels. The pinnacle’s overhangs and crevices are teeming with cryptic creatures like mantis shrimp, octopus, juvenile lionfish, leaf-fish, and false stonefish, alongside vibrant nudibranchs and other intriguing invertebrates.
The surrounding blue water of ‘Fushi Kandu Haa’ is a hive of activity. On the dominant side of the pinnacle, where the current splits and flows around the reef, divers will encounter schools of bannerfish, surgeonfish, and fusiliers. Larger predators such as dog-tooth tuna, jacks, and barracuda patrol the area, with whitetip reef sharks frequently seen resting or conserving energy for their nocturnal hunts.
Due to the strong currents and varying depths, diving at this ‘Haa’ demands careful attention to safety. While visibility is generally excellent, divers should monitor their depth, gas supply, and no-decompression limits to ensure a safe and enjoyable dive.
Bird’s-eye view of Laamu Atoll Link Road and Kadhdhoo Airport Island, where swaying coconut palms blend with the vibrant blue waters and the island’s welcoming nature. Photo Courtesy: @seefromthesky
Laamu Atoll: Dive into Diverse Underwater Worlds and Enjoy Unforgettable Maldives Adventures
Laamu Atoll offers a diverse range of dive sites, each with its unique charm. From the vibrant soft corals of Mundoo Kandu to the thrilling shark encounters in Fushi Kandu and Vadinolhu Kandu, divers of all skill levels will find something extraordinary beneath the surface. The atoll’s channels, including Fushi Kandu, are renowned for their spectacular marine life and challenging diving conditions.
For those seeking a comprehensive diving experience, Laamu Atoll promises unforgettable underwater adventures. Whether you are captivated by the graceful manta rays, underwater grazing turtles, or large pelagics, or simply enchanted by the vibrant marine life, Laamu Atoll’s dive sites offer a wealth of opportunities to explore and appreciate the wonders of the underwater world.
Accommodation in Laamu Atoll ranges from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious five-star resorts. Most affordable options are located on Laamu Gan, the largest naturally formed coral island in the Maldives. For those wanting more than just diving, Laamu Atoll offers a variety of activities such as wave surfing, traditional fishing experiences on Dhoni, sunset fishing, big game fishing, and modern sports fishing from speedboats. You can also enjoy local culture with beach BBQs or traditional food lunches with a local family, and engage in popular local experiences and excursions.
Snorkelling on a vibrant reef in Laamu Atoll, where crystal-clear waters reveal a kaleidoscope of corals beneath the surface.
Laamu Gan: Affordable Access to Natural Wonders and Unique Experiences in Maldives
For an affordable getaway that blends popular activities with unique adventures, consider Laamu Gan. The largest island in the Maldives boasts expansive greenery, stunning 7.8 km of white sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life. Explore historical ruins, including remnants of a major monastery complex, or go for snorkelling, hiking tours, and visits to iconic Star Wars film locations. The 18km causeway connecting Gan to Maandhoo, Kadhdhoo, and Fonadhoo opens up even more activities within Laamu Atoll. Laamu Gan is perfect for honeymooners, families, friends, and solo travellers seeking a memorable and budget-friendly escape.
An aerial view of Laamu Link Road, flanked by vibrant greenery that transitions into pristine white sands and the boundless expanse of bright blue ocean. A stunning showcase of nature’s contrasting beauty in Laamu Atoll. Photo Courtesy: Reveries Diving Village, Laamu Gan
Rahaa Resort: Tranquil 4-Star Island Retreat
Rahaa Resort, a 4-star island retreat in the untouched Laamu Atoll, offers a peaceful atmosphere with beachfront accommodation, pristine beaches, lush greenery, and crystal-clear waters. It’s an ideal choice for romantic getaways, adventurous excursions, or family vacations.
Create unforgettable memories at Rahaa Resort in the Maldives, where luxury seamlessly blends with nature. Nestled in the untouched Laamu Atoll, this 4-star island resort offers a serene and tranquil escape, rejuvenating mind, body, and soul. Immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery, savour gourmet dining, and experience exceptional service that ensures an unforgettable stay. Photo Courtesy: Rahaa Resort
Six Senses Laamu: A Five-Star Luxury Utopia
Six Senses Laamu is the only five-star resort on the remote Laamu Atoll in the southern Maldives, accessible via a short seaplane flight. This luxurious retreat features on-land and over-water villas, dolphins playing in warm sapphire seas, and restaurants offering exquisite East-West cuisine, creating a truly exceptional natural paradise.
An aerial view of Six Senses Laamu reveals the pristine beach of this exclusive private island resort, with rooms nestled on the beach and over the lagoon. An atoll utopia where luxury meets sustainability, this five-star haven on the remote Laamu Atoll is just a short seaplane ride away from Velana International Airport. Discover on-land and over-water villas, playful dolphins in warm sapphire seas, and exceptional East-West cuisine in this extraordinary natural paradise.
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Images courtesy of Six Senses Laamu unless otherwise noted.
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