Laamu has fewer channels than many atolls which reduces currents and improves visibility. The scuba is suited to beginners as well as advanced divers.The inside walls of Laamu are shallow (82 feet / 25 meters), and with reduced currents are easier for less experienced divers to manage. You can enjoy the soft corals and drifting ornate ghost pipefish – an oceanic centipede with wings. You can also explore the mini thilas (submerged islands) which offer overhangs and the possibility of reef sharks or schooling mobula rays.The Fushi Kandi offers a shallower drift dive at 50 feet (15 meters). It stretches for 820 feet (250 meters) through the channel and you’ll drift with schooling barracuda on currents of varying strength. As the channel approaches the atoll’s edge, the reef slopes to a sandy terrace at 115 feet (35 meters) where whitetip reef sharks may be resting. You won’t need to ‘look’ for a Napoleon wrasse – this large fish will find you. Their inquisitive eyes move like a chameleon’s as they watch your movements.Towards the atoll’s southern tip is the Hithadhoo Corner. It’s suitable for all levels, but strong currents may be present. The pointed edge of the reef gently slopes into the channel, descending from 26 to 72 feet (8-22 meters). At a depth of 49-72 feet (15-22 meters) you will find coral bommies and large, inquisitive potato groupers, Jenkins’ whiprays, and the Maldives’ main attraction – mantas – which arrive to use the cleaning stations.Whale sharks have been seen to the west, but it may involve a long boat trip.
Laamu Atoll Sea Life
Amongst the reefs hawksbill turtles rest, and honeycomb moray eels (patterned like a leopard) appear from holes. Banded cleaner shrimp, colored like a traffic cone, tiptoe over rocks. Whitetip and grey reef sharks also patrol.The soft corals are mostly brown in Laamu, but the brightly colored nudibranchs will provide plenty of contrast. You may get writer’s cramp when you write your dive logs, assuming that you’re not still shaking after witnessing schooling mantas. They can be seen all year in Laamu.
How To Get There
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. Laamu’s domestic airport is located on Kadhdhoo Island, a 35 minute flight from Male.
