Kandooma Thila
A world-class Maldivian dive site known for strong currents, abundant sharks, and a spectacular array of pelagic marine life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak marine activity
Kandooma Thila
Best Time
Peak marine activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A world-class Maldivian dive site known for strong currents, abundant sharks, and a spectacular array of pelagic marine life.
"This site never disappoints, offering an indescribable underwater spectacle of sharks, mantas, and more!"
Embrace the Drift Dive
Strong currents are common; relax and enjoy the drift dive experience with your guide. :athletic_shoe:
Book Dive Packages
Many resorts offer dive packages. Check with your accommodation for convenience. :admission_tickets:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shark Encounters
Kandooma Thila Pinnacle
Witness numerous reef sharks (blacktip, whitetip, grey) in their natural habitat. A true thrill for any diver!
Pelagic Spectacle
Kandooma Channels
Experience a 'train' of marine life, including manta rays, eagle rays, and barracudas, as they move through the atoll channels.
Vibrant Coral Reefs
Top of the Thila
Explore the rich hard corals covering the pinnacle, teeming with a dazzling array of smaller fish species.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dive into Kandooma Thila's Currents
Maldives Resort Stays
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Embrace the Drift Dive
Strong currents are common; relax and enjoy the drift dive experience with your guide. :athletic_shoe:
Book Dive Packages
Many resorts offer dive packages. Check with your accommodation for convenience. :admission_tickets:
Sharks Galore!
This site was once ranked top 10 for shark diving globally. Expect frequent sightings! :shark:
Look for Resort Deals
Consider off-peak seasons for significant savings on stays at resorts like Holiday Inn Kandooma. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
Embrace the Drift Dive
Strong currents are common; relax and enjoy the drift dive experience with your guide. :athletic_shoe:
Book Dive Packages
Many resorts offer dive packages. Check with your accommodation for convenience. :admission_tickets:
Sharks Galore!
This site was once ranked top 10 for shark diving globally. Expect frequent sightings! :shark:
Look for Resort Deals
Consider off-peak seasons for significant savings on stays at resorts like Holiday Inn Kandooma. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kandooma Thila is overwhelmingly praised as a top-tier dive site in the Maldives, celebrated for its incredible marine biodiversity, especially its shark population and pelagic species. Divers consistently describe the experience as 'unreal' and 'unforgettable.' However, the strong currents, while a draw for experienced divers, can be a challenge for beginners.
"Kandooma Thila is one of my favorite divesites in Maldives. The site never disappoint you. its unique topography features a pinnacle surrounded by channels, creating ideal conditions for drift diving and observing pelagic species. It is celebrated among divers for its abundant shark population and frequent sightings of schools of eagle rays and oriental sweetlips. A must to dive here if you ever visit the Maldives! Follow me on IG @venturerabroad"
Umi Kalthom Zainol Abdin
"Kandooma Thila is one of the best dive sites in Maldives. The site never disappoint you. its unique top! Follow me on Instagram @mohnad_m88"
Mohnad Soliman
"The Kandooma Thila is a pinnacle in the Kandooma channel. Very rich in aqatic life. Everything that wants in or out of the atoll goes through here. This means it’s a good place to spot some cool creatures. A morning dive here and we saw reef sharks (black white and grey), mantas, rays, turtles, barracudas, tunas, and a million other species like in a train wanting in to the atoll. Its absolutely indescribable…… this was unreal! Thanks to the guys at Maafushi Dive for fixing this dive for us!"
Trond Skattenborg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kandooma Thila is located in the South Malé Atoll. Access is typically via boat from resorts or local islands like Maafushi. Many visitors stay at the Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, which offers direct access or organized trips to the dive site.
Speedboats are the most common and efficient way to travel between islands and dive sites in the Maldives. Some resorts also offer seaplane transfers for longer distances.
Yes, Kandooma Thila is a popular destination for day trips from nearby resorts and inhabited islands. Dive centers often organize excursions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Kandooma Thila itself is usually included in dive excursion fees organized by dive centers or resorts. You'll pay for the boat trip and guide.
Kandooma Thila is a natural dive site, so it's accessible whenever dive operators run trips, typically during daylight hours.
Dive costs vary depending on the operator and package. Expect to pay for the boat trip, guide, and potentially equipment rental. Prices can range from $50-$150 USD per dive.
It's highly recommended to book your dive excursions in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
🎫 🤿 Onsite Experience
Kandooma Thila is famous for its sharks (blacktip, whitetip, grey), manta rays, eagle rays, turtles, barracudas, and tunas. You'll also see a vast array of smaller reef fish.
Due to strong currents, Kandooma Thila is generally recommended for intermediate to advanced divers who are comfortable with drift diving.
Morning dives are often best as marine life is most active. The currents can also be more predictable in the morning.
A wetsuit is recommended for warmth and protection. Ensure you have appropriate dive gear, including a dive computer if you're experienced.
Always dive with a certified guide, stay aware of the currents, and signal if you need assistance. Inform your guide of any medical conditions.
🎫 🏨 Accommodation
The Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is located very close to the dive site and offers overwater villas. Other options include guesthouses on nearby islands like Maafushi.
Yes, guesthouses on local islands like Maafushi offer more affordable stays compared to luxury resorts.
The resort features overwater villas, a spa, multiple dining options, and a dive center, making it a convenient base for exploring Kandooma Thila.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking accommodation that offers kids' clubs or activities. Many resorts also have beautiful beaches and pools where children can play. For families interested in marine life, glass-bottom boat tours or snorkeling excursions can be a great alternative to deep-sea diving.
💰 Budget Travelers
From Maafushi, you can easily book affordable day trips and dive excursions to Kandooma Thila with local dive centers. These operators often provide competitive pricing for boat trips and equipment rental, allowing you to experience the incredible dive site without the hefty resort price tag.
🐠 Experienced Divers
Consider booking a multi-day dive package that includes Kandooma Thila and other renowned dive sites in the South Malé Atoll. This will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the underwater wonders of the region and maximize your chances of encountering a wide array of marine life.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Kandooma Thila's Currents
The unique topography of Kandooma Thila, featuring a pinnacle surrounded by channels, creates these powerful currents. This geological formation acts as a natural highway for marine creatures moving in and out of the atoll. The consistent flow means that the site is rarely empty of action, offering a high chance of encountering a diverse range of pelagic species.
For those new to drift diving, it's advisable to build up experience at less challenging sites before tackling Kandooma Thila. However, for seasoned divers, the thrill of navigating these currents while surrounded by abundant marine life is an unforgettable adventure.
Marine Life Hotspot: What to Expect
Beyond sharks, the channels teem with larger pelagic species. Mantas and eagle rays are common sights, often seen gliding gracefully through the water. Schools of barracudas and tunas add to the spectacle, creating a mesmerizing underwater ballet. The top of the thila itself is adorned with vibrant hard corals, providing a habitat for countless smaller reef fish, making every inch of the site visually stunning.
Travelers often describe the experience as 'unreal' and 'indescribable,' with one diver noting they saw 'reef sharks (black white and grey), mantas, rays, turtles, barracudas, tunas, and a million other species like in a train wanting in to the atoll.'
Resort Stays and Travel Deals
Travelers can often find attractive package deals for the Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, especially during the shoulder seasons. These deals frequently include return flights from major cities, accommodation, and sometimes even half-board meal plans, making a Maldivian getaway more accessible.
For those seeking more budget-friendly options, local islands like Maafushi offer guesthouses and smaller hotels. These provide a more authentic Maldivian experience and are still within easy reach of Kandooma Thila via boat excursions organized by local dive centers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit