Tour Description:
This stage touches four of the most remote and uninhabited atolls of the Maldives: Vaavu, Meemu, Thaa and Laamu. The eastern side of Vaavu is one of the most popular choices for cruising boats in all seasons. There are many reasons: short stretches of open ocean – easy to cross during any monsoon – separate the atoll from Malé; navigation is effortless throughout the year; the diving and snorkeling sites are among the most worthwhile in the archipelago; there are only two resorts and therefore little tourist traffic; and lastly the eastern tip of the atoll is one of the points with an abundance of fish on a par with anywhere in the archipelago during the dry monsoon. There are little less than 10 miles of the Vattaru Kandu which separate the atolls of Vaavu and Meemu. From Meemu, on the route which heads from Malé as far as Huvadhoo Atoll, 19 miles of ocean will separate the yacht from Olughiri Kandu, situated on the North of Thaa Atoll.
The stage ends to the airport of Kadhdhoo in Laamu Atoll, where guests can get a domestic flight to Malè. Laamu has recently begun to open up to tourism, with the setting up of two resorts on the islands of Vadinolhu and Olhugiri (Six Senses Laamu). The area around the island of Bodufinolhu is interesting, while the passes on the Eastern perimether of the atoll are amazing for underwater enthusiasts of all levels. Another enchanting deserted islet is Hanhushi, accessible from the South, where the coral reef ends in a plateau of sand. In Thaa and Laamu atolls there are several good breaks for wave surfing.
Mantas during the wet monsoon and pelagic fish all the year long: this is the promise of the waters and passes around Alimatha and the eastern side of Vaavu atoll. Myaru Kandu, the Dewana Kandu marine reserve and the Fotteyo pass are the three current dives not to be missed by more expert divers. The outer reef at Fotteyo Falhu is considered one of the spots with an abundance of fish on a par with anywhere in the archipelago from December to April, but there are also plenty of fish at Dhiggiri Point, in the dry monsoon, and in the stretch between Rakeedhoo and Fussaru Falhu during the rest of the year. Also the narrow passes and the long, uninterrupted coral reefs of Meemu Atoll provide an ideal habitat for large pelagic fishes. Diving and fishing thus provide plenty of satisfaction, above all during the dry monsoon. Mulak Kandu and Gaahuraa Kandu certainly feature among the most spectacular current dives in the Maldives. The first offers an extraordinary variety of pelagic fishes around its entrance, with a series of caves and blocks of coral covered with soft corals and sea fans to colour its western corner. The pass’s sandy seabed provides a kind of light which is particularly appreciated by underwater photographers. The step of the Gaahuraa Kandu is crossed from side to side by a series of caves covered with marvellous, saffron-coloured soft corals and sea fans. This is one of the passes with the highest concentration of grey sharks in the archipelago when the current flows inside the channel.
Atoll: South Male, Vaavu, Meemu, Thaa, Laamu
This tour is scheduled between February and March and is great for experienced divers, snorkelers, fishermen, surfers, getaway lovers
What to Expect:
- 7 nights of private charter on full board.
- Dozens of wonderful sand-strips and uninhabited islands
- Genuine local villages
- Underwater marine reserves of Guraidhoo and Dewana kandu
- The sharks points of Kandhooma Thila, Myaru and Gaahuraa kandu
- The adrenaline drift dive of Muli kandu.
- From Meemu, 19 miles of ocean will separate the yacht from Olughiri Kandu, situated on the North of Thaa Atoll.
- The stage ends to the airport of Kadhdhoo in Laamu Atoll, where guests will get a domestic flight to Malè.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Guraidhoo Kandu
Snorkeling, check dive for scuba divers at Kuda Giri Wreck
Day 2: The Golden Wall
Snorkeling & scuba diving, visit to Kudadhiggaru Finolhu, dolphin watching. Night fishing
Day 3: Rakeedhoo Kandu, Mulaku Kandu
Snorkeling & scuba diving. Beach BBQ on the sandstrip**.
Day 4: Gaahuraa Kandu, Muli Kandu
Snorkeling & scuba diving.
Day 5: Olhugiri Kandu
Snorkeling & scuba diving. Visit to wonderful desert islands. Visit and night at the local village of Vilufushi.
Day 6: Bodufinolhu
Snorkeling & scuba diving. Night dive**
Day 7: Kadhdhoo Airport
Snorkeling & scuba diving at Maabaidhoo & Fushi Kandu.
**The locations, the visits and activities of this itinerary are subjected to the wind and sea conditions.
*** BBQ dinner and night dives are subjected to the weather condition.
For firm details and pricing, kindly reach out and include the number of people your party will have so we can recommend the appropriate charter for the above tour.