Because of the untouched splendour of its natural beauty, the Southern Atolls region of the Maldives makes for an excellent vacation destination. The islands that make up the Southern Atolls were formerly thought to be among the most remote in the nation until only a few short years ago. One of the few notable exceptions was the Gan, which is located in the extreme south of the country and is where the British erected military installations during World War II. However, things have taken a turn for the better in the last several years, and it currently seems that the tourist business in this area is well positioned for success.
The southern area is home to around ten different atolls. The length of Faafu Atoll is around 30 kilometres, while its width is approximately 16.7 miles (27 kilometres). It is situated to the south of Ari Atoll. The atoll is comprised of around 23 islands, however only five of them have permanent human habitation. On the eastern edge of the atoll is where the vast majority of the islands may be found. Dhaalu Atoll is well known for its sea turtles, which divers may see when diving in any part of the atoll. The atoll is comprised of 46 islands.
Tourist Attractions in Southern Atolls
Devana Channel (Devana Kandu)
A moderately challenging drift dive, Devana Kandu takes place in a canal that is separated from the rest of the reef by a thin, oval-shaped reef. At the southernmost end of the canal is where you’ll discover the nicest dive site, complete with soft corals and a large number of reef fish. Other forms of marine life include rainbow runners, eagle rays, grey reef sharks, and white tip reef sharks. Large moray eels are also found in these waters. In this location, you may also enjoy some fantastic snorkelling opportunities.
Fotteyo
The area around and around the channel entrance at Fotteyo is an ideal place to go diving. It is about 200 metres broad, and it is divided into two narrow passageways by a big thila that may be swallowed up to a distance of 3 metres. There are a huge number of tiny and big caves, as well as a variety of arches and holes, all of which are ornamented with vibrant soft corals, can be found here. Manta rays, reef sharks, gropers, tuna, jackfish, barracuda, turtles, and hammerhead sharks are just few of the species of marine life that may be seen here. The visibility in the waters is often about 30 metres, and the water temperature is typically around 26 degrees Celsius.
Vattaru Kandu
The diving site known as Vattaru Kandu is a secluded canal that may be found on the southeastern side of Vattaru Falhu. The width of the waterway is about 100 metres. The reef descends steeply to large depths below the surface. Around the entrance are a variety of caves and cracks that are home to soft corals, sea fans, and an abundance of marine life, some of which includes barracuda, fusilier, and white-tip reef sharks. In addition to being a protected marine area, this region provides excellent chances for snorkelling.
Sharkâs Tongue
The challenging dive location known as Shark’s Tongue may be found to the east of Boli Mulah near the mouth of the Mulah Kandu. On the sandy plateau in this area, you may see whitetip sharks getting some much-needed rest. When strong currents are present, grey reef and black tip sharks may be seen moving through the coral blocks. Experienced divers are the only ones who should attempt to enjoy the diving here since it is not a good site for novices.
Nilandhoo Island
On the far southwestern tip of the Faafu Atoll is where you’ll find Nilandhoo Island. The Aasaari Miskiiy Mosque, which was constructed on the island during the time of Sultan Mohammad Ibn Abdullah, is the nation’s second-oldest mosque (1153 – 1166). The inside is adorned with carved woodwork, while the outside is constructed out of dressed stone.
Filitheyo Reef
The protected marine region known as Filitheyo reef may be found to the south of the Filitheyo Resort. This reef offers a wide variety of diving opportunities. The house reef falls in many steps, each of which is home to massive schools of fish. Batfish and Napoleons are only two of the inhabitants who call this place home. White-grey reef sharks, manta rays, and travallies are just few of the guests who come here often.
Kudahuvadhoo Island
The Dhaalu Atoll is home to a number of islands, the most notable of which being Kudahuvadhoo Island. The island is well-known for its mystery mound that dates back thousands of years. Although it is currently composed of sand, it was once the base of a building that had skilled masonry but has since changed into sand. People relocated the stones so that they could construct a section of a mosque. There have been many shipwrecks in the sea that have occurred in the seas surrounding the island. Around the year 1879, the 1,340-ton ship Liffey went down after striking the same reef as the Utheem did in 1960.
Fushi Kandu
On the northernmost part of the Dhallu Atoll is where you’ll find the protected marine area known as Fushi Kandu. On the eastern side of it, you will have the opportunity to see white-tip reef sharks and eagle rays. Within the confines of the canal are a number of reefs that are covered with both hard and soft corals. Turtles, Napoleons, and schooling snappers are some of the fish species that frequent these reefs. In addition, yellow-mouthed moray eels and scorpion fish may be discovered in the crevices.
Isdhoo Island
Isdhoo Island may be found in the Laamu Atoll, which is home to a variety of important archaeological sites. On Laamu Atoll, these sites provide evidence of pre-Islamic civilizations that existed there. A massive black dome comes up around the palm trees in the centre of the scene. Nobody is aware of who constructed this dome or the motivations behind it. Isdhoo was also the location of the discovery of a number of Buddha images. You may also go to the Friday Mosque on Isdhoo, which has been there for three hundred years and was most likely constructed on top of an older temple.
British Loyalty Wreck
The British Loyalty Wreck is found in the Addu Atoll and has a depth of 34 metres. It is covered in soft corals and is home to turtles, trevally, and other fish species. During the second World War, a torpedo was fired at this 5583-ton freighter. The ship, which had been crippled, remained there until 1946, when it was moved to its current position in order to be used for target practise. At a depth of 95 feet, the blades of its propellers are still visible. The ship has become inhabited by a wide range of different species of aquatic life.
Kuda Kandu
A wonderful place to visit, Kuda kandu may be found on Addu Atoll, not far from Maa kandu. Between a depth range of 16 and 49 feet, you will be able to see enormous colonies of healthy corals here. Due to the fact that the currents at this location are, for the most part, quite strong, inexperienced divers should not attempt to dive at this location.
Shark Point
The area known as Shark Point may be found in the waters to the northeast of the Addu atoll. It is a plateau that is around 98 feet in height, and it is also known as Shark Hotel. In this area, you could see white-tip reef sharks lounging on the beach as grey reef sharks go about their business. In the deeper water farther out, you will also be able to spot additional sharks.
