Vaavu Atoll
Felidhe Atholhu (Vaavu Atoll)
Felidhoo
Vaavu Atoll is a hidden gem known internationally for thrilling channel dives like Fotteyo Kandu and its tranquil island resorts. Locally, it’s a peaceful atoll with low population density and strong roots in fishing, attracting both budget adventurers and seasoned divers.
Aarah Thila Vaavu Atoll
Intermediate
Soft corals & anthias clouds Grey reef sharks (current side) Napoleon wrasse Hawksbill turtles Schooling trevally Barracuda Batfish Moray eels Leaf scorpionfish Nudibranchs
Anbaraa Caves Vaavu Atoll
Beginner–Intermediate
Glassfish & sweepers Soldierfish & squirrelfish Soft corals & sponges Hawksbill turtles (resting) Nurse shark (occasional) Moray eels Lionfish & scorpionfish Shrimps & lobsters Sweetlips Nudibranchs
Felidhoo Kandu Vaavu Atoll
Advanced
Grey reef sharks Whitetip reef sharks Eagle rays Dogtooth tuna Giant trevally Barracuda Napoleon wrasse Green & hawksbill turtles Snappers & fusiliers Batfish
Fulidhoo Caves Vaavu Atoll
Beginner–Intermediate
Glassfish & sweepers Soldierfish & squirrelfish Soft corals & sponges Hawksbill turtles (resting) Nurse shark (occasional) Moray eels Lionfish & scorpionfish Shrimps & lobsters Sweetlips Nudibranchs
Keyodhoo Caves Vaavu Atoll
Beginner–Intermediate
Glassfish & sweepers Soldierfish & squirrelfish Soft corals & sponges Hawksbill turtles (resting) Nurse shark (occasional) Moray eels Lionfish & scorpionfish Shrimps & lobsters Sweetlips Nudibranchs
Rakeedhoo Corner Vaavu Atoll
Advanced
Grey reef sharks Whitetip reef sharks Eagle rays Dogtooth tuna Giant trevally Barracuda Napoleon wrasse Green & hawksbill turtles Snappers & fusiliers Batfish
Vattaru Kandu Vaavu Atoll
Advanced
Grey reef sharks Whitetip reef sharks Eagle rays Dogtooth tuna Giant trevally Barracuda Napoleon wrasse Green & hawksbill turtles Snappers & fusiliers Batfish
Alimatha House Reef Vaavu Atoll
Beginner–Intermediate
Tawny nurse sharks (night aggregation) Stingrays (fever) Grey/whitetip reef sharks (perimeter) Jacks/trevally hunting Tunas Emperor & snapper schools Remoras Batfish Cuttlefish/squid Turtles (occasional)
Devana Kandu Vaavu Atoll
Advanced
Grey reef sharks Whitetip reef sharks Eagle rays Dogtooth tuna Giant trevally Barracuda Napoleon wrasse Green & hawksbill turtles Snappers & fusiliers Batfish
Felidhoo Outside Vaavu Atoll
Intermediate–Advanced
Grey reef sharks Eagle rays Dogtooth tuna Giant trevally Barracuda Napoleon wrasse Green & hawksbill turtles Snappers & fusiliers Batfish Moray eels
Golden Wall Vattaru Kandu Vaavu Atoll
Intermediate
Yellow soft‑coral wall (alcyonarians) Anthias clouds Glassfish & sweepers Hawksbill turtles Napoleon wrasse Grey reef sharks (blue) Eagle rays Jacks/trevally Barracuda Nudibranchs
Keyodhoo Outside Vaavu Atoll
Intermediate–Advanced
Grey reef sharks Eagle rays Dogtooth tuna Giant trevally Barracuda Napoleon wrasse Green & hawksbill turtles Snappers & fusiliers Batfish Moray eels
Thinadhoo Thila Vaavu Atoll
Beginner–Intermediate
Soft corals & anthias clouds Grey reef sharks (current side) Napoleon wrasse Hawksbill turtles Schooling trevally Barracuda Batfish Moray eels Leaf scorpionfish Nudibranchs
Ambaraa Thila Vaavu Atoll
Beginner–Intermediate
Soft corals & anthias clouds Grey reef sharks (current side) Napoleon wrasse Hawksbill turtles Schooling trevally Barracuda Batfish Moray eels Leaf scorpionfish Nudibranchs
Dhiggiri House Reef Vaavu Atoll
Beginner–Intermediate
Hard‑coral gardens Butterflyfish & angelfish Parrotfish & surgeonfish Anemonefish & damsels Blue‑spotted stingrays Hawksbill turtles Moorish idols Octopus & cuttlefish Moray eels Nudibranchs
Fotteyo Kandu Vaavu Atoll
Intermediate–Advanced
Grey reef sharks Whitetip reef sharks Eagle rays Dogtooth tuna Giant trevally Barracuda Napoleon wrasse Green & hawksbill turtles Snappers & fusiliers Batfish
Hulhidhoo Kandu Vaavu Atoll
Advanced
Grey reef sharks Whitetip reef sharks Eagle rays Dogtooth tuna Giant trevally Barracuda Napoleon wrasse Green & hawksbill turtles Snappers & fusiliers Batfish
Miyaru Kandu Vaavu Atoll
Advanced
Grey reef sharks Whitetip reef sharks Eagle rays Dogtooth tuna Giant trevally Barracuda Napoleon wrasse Green & hawksbill turtles Snappers & fusiliers Batfish
Vashugiri Thila Vaavu Atoll
Beginner–Intermediate
Soft corals & anthias clouds Grey reef sharks (current side) Napoleon wrasse Hawksbill turtles Schooling trevally Barracuda Batfish Moray eels Leaf scorpionfish Nudibranchs