Kandooma Thila | Maafushi

Kandooma Thila is one of the most famous dive sites in the Maldives, located near the island of Maafushi in the South Malé Atoll. It is well-known for its incredible marine biodiversity, making it a must-visit destination for divers and snorkelers. Here’s a detailed overview of Kandooma Thila:

Location:

• Location: Kandooma Thila is situated just a short boat ride away from Maafushi Island in the South Malé Atoll, which is about 27 kilometers from Malé, the capital of the Maldives. The site is accessible from nearby local islands, including Maafushi, and is a prime location for diving and snorkeling.

Features of Kandooma Thila:

Thila Structure: The term "thila" refers to an underwater pinnacle or submerged reef that rises from the seafloor. Kandooma Thila is a large submerged reef with steep walls that drop down to significant depths, creating dramatic underwater landscapes. It is shaped like a small island, rising from depths of over 20 meters (66 feet) to within reach of snorkelers and divers.

Marine Life: Kandooma Thila is famous for its rich marine life and vibrant coral gardens. Divers can expect to encounter a wide variety of species, including:

• Pelagic Fish: The site is known for sightings of larger pelagic species, such as gray reef sharks, white-tip sharks, and occasionally hammerhead sharks.
• Turtles: Hawksbill turtles and green turtles are common, often spotted gliding gracefully through the waters.
• Colorful Reef Fish: The reef is teeming with colorful tropical fish like parrotfish, napoleon wrasse, groupers, and snappers.
• Eels: Moray eels are often seen hiding in crevices around the reef.
• Mantas and Rays: Kandooma Thila is sometimes visited by mantas and stingrays, adding to the excitement for divers.

Coral Reefs: The coral formations around Kandooma Thila are diverse and thriving, with vibrant hard corals and soft corals. These reefs provide a habitat for the diverse marine life found at the site and are a major draw for underwater photographers and nature lovers.

Strong Currents: The dive site is known for its strong currents, which can range from moderate to fast-moving. While this can present a challenge for less experienced divers, the currents also bring in nutrient-rich waters, attracting large fish and pelagics. It’s best suited for experienced divers who are comfortable with drift diving.

Visibility: The waters around Kandooma Thila offer excellent visibility, typically ranging from 20 to 30 meters (66 to 98 feet), providing clear views of the stunning underwater world.

Diving at Kandooma Thila:

• Difficulty Level: Kandooma Thila is considered an intermediate to advanced dive site due to the strong currents and depth of the dive. It is important to be a certified diver with experience in drift diving to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Dive Type: Most dives here are drift dives, where divers allow themselves to be carried by the current along the reef walls, taking in the vibrant marine life and coral formations.
• Best Time to Dive: The best time to dive at Kandooma Thila is during the dry season (from November to April), when the weather is calm, and visibility is optimal. However, diving is possible year-round, with the wet season (from May to October) also offering good diving conditions despite slightly reduced visibility.

Snorkeling at Kandooma Thila:

While Kandooma Thila is primarily a dive site, it can also be visited by snorkelers, especially in the areas closer to the surface, where coral gardens and fish are abundant. However, snorkelers should be prepared for possible stronger currents, particularly on the outer edges of the reef. It's recommended to join a guided snorkeling tour to ensure safety and the best experience.

Access to Kandooma Thila:

• From Maafushi: Kandooma Thila is easily accessible from Maafushi Island by a short boat ride, making it a popular site for diving excursions from local guesthouses and resorts on Maafushi.
• From Resort Islands: Many luxury resorts in the South Malé Atoll also organize diving trips to Kandooma Thila for their guests.

Conclusion:

Kandooma Thila is a premier diving site in the Maldives, renowned for its stunning coral formations, diverse marine life, and thrilling drift dives. Its accessible location near Maafushi Island and the South Malé Atoll makes it a favorite for experienced divers seeking encounters with sharks, turtles, and large pelagic fish. For those visiting the Maldives, Kandooma Thila offers a unique and exciting underwater adventure that should not be missed.