The atoll’s central lagoon is 40 miles (65km) across at its widest point and up to 279 feet (85 meters) deep. The substantial outer reef forms a natural barrier to the ocean’s currents and offers diverse topography like caves, steep drop-offs and pristine reefs.
There are numerous dive sites located on the inner and outer reefs. Expect vibrant yellow box fish and schools of bigeye trevally spiraling like liquid in a blender. In the depths of the channels, both blacktip and whitetip reef sharks stalk their prey. It’s as though their fins have been dipped in paint. Advanced divers can enjoy the stronger currents as you drift dive through the channels.
On the south-west of the atoll, hammerheads, tiger and leopard sharks can be found, but they’re not as common as they are further south.
Diving in Huvadhoo Atoll is excellent year-round thanks to warm tropical waters averaging 27–30°C. The best conditions for shark encounters and pelagic activity typically occur from December to April during the northeast monsoon, when seas are calmer and visibility can exceed 25–30 metres. The southwest monsoon from May to November brings stronger currents that can increase plankton and attract larger marine life, making it a great season for advanced divers interested in drift diving and big fish action.
Male Ibrahim Nasir International Airport is well served by direct charter flights from Western Europe, but direct scheduled flights are rarer – it may require a lay-over in the Middle East first.
If you’re staying on the Huvadhoo Atoll, then you will transfer by domestic flight (one hour) to either Kooddoo in the north or Kaadhedhoo in the south. It depends on where you’re staying.
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