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Scuba diver exploring an underwater shipwreck, capturing the mysteries beneath.
📷 Alain Margreve · Pexels

Kandoma Corner

3.5 — based on 16 community signals
4.2 12 species 25 contributors

Kandoma Corner is a year-round Maldivian dive site in Kaafu Atoll known for consistent diving and marine biodiversity.

⭐ Best for intermediate divers.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Intermediate
Shore entryCurrentVariesPhotoFriendly

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
intermediate
Best months
Year-round
Marine life
Hawksbill turtle

Top operators here

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Map

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Kandoma Corner location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
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Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
10.2 kn
Wave
0.7 m
Water
29.7°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: WSW (49%)
Now: W (271°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.67m

Next: High at 05:00 (+0.55m)

+0.8 m+0.1 m
▲ 05:00 · +0.55m ▼ 10:00 · +0.35m ▲ 15:00 · +0.49m ▼ 22:00 · +0.13m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV9.25 · very high Air PM2.54 · good 05:56 18:03
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 11.9 0.76 9 0mm
09-20 14.2 0.88 8 6mm
09-21 15 0.92 9 5mm
09-22 14.2 0.86 9 5mm
09-23 13.5 0.94 8 2mm
09-24 17.6 0.98 7 11mm
09-25 15.5 0.98 8 11mm
⚠ Coral bleaching: Watch — favorable conditions
DHW: 2.1°C-weeks · NOAA Coral Reef Watch

About this spot

Kandoma Corner sits near Kandoomaafushi island in Kaafu Atoll, one of the Maldives' most accessible atolls from Male. The site draws divers year-round, making it a reliable choice for both liveaboards and resort-based trips. The corner formation creates natural current channels and reef structure that concentrate marine life and offer varied diving angles. The site supports strong coral communities and diverse fish populations typical of Maldivian atolls. Community observations document 12 distinct species at Kandoma Corner, and local video records provide real-world footage of conditions and marine activity. While the site lies outside the Maldives' network of marine protected areas, ongoing coral bleaching monitoring indicates divers should expect variable coral health depending on seasonal conditions. Access is straightforward from Male-based resorts and liveaboard fleets. The site's location in a well-traveled atoll means reliable dive boat logistics and experienced local operators familiar with the site. Conditions remain diveable throughout the year, though seasonal swells and current variations do occur. Divers should confirm specific depth, difficulty, and current expectations with their local operator before descent, as site conditions shift with season and tidal state.

📖 Guide: Diving in the Maldives: 156 Sites, Mantas & What to Know

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Marine life

Hawksbill turtle

Dive types

ReefBoatDrift

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type D/G/J/K/L · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 8560km · ~1969kg · €35

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 54/100
  • Visa: Visa on arrival · 30 days max
  • Flight: 11h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 10h east · 7 days recovery

FAQ

When is the best time to dive Kandoma Corner?

Kandoma Corner is dived year-round. The Maldives' northeast monsoon (November to March) typically brings calmer conditions and better visibility; the southwest monsoon (May to September) produces stronger currents and heavier swells. Check with local operators for weekly conditions.

What depth and difficulty should I expect?

Specific depth and difficulty data for Kandoma Corner are not standardized in available records. Contact your dive operator or resort in Kaafu Atoll before your trip to confirm site profile and any required certification minimums.

What marine life can I see at Kandoma Corner?

Twelve species observations have been documented at the site. Community video records show real-world wildlife activity. Common Maldivian reef fish, sharks, rays, and coral-dependent species are typical. Ask your guide for the most recent sightings.

How do I access Kandoma Corner and are permits required?

The site is accessible via Male-based resorts and liveaboards in Kaafu Atoll. No special permits are required for recreational diving. Book through an established dive operator familiar with local logistics and current site conditions.

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Maafushi Scuba

4.4 km
4.9 (168 reviews) open now
Dive centre
Verified Booked 43+ times this month
Hours: Friday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Kandoma Corner

0 km
Dive centre

Dive Center

0.5 km
Dive centre

Kandoma Beru

0.7 km
Dive centre

Cocoa Corner

0.8 km
Dive centre

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Maldives Diving | Top 5 Dive Sites | Kooddoo to Male | April 2021

Brian Davies Scuba
💬 3 top comments
  • looks like you had fun

    @diversdown2116 · 👍 0
  • Wow!!!! Very nice shot😍😍

    @alexsalboro9 · 👍 0
  • oh thats a lot og pagi

    @RhebheczQBLIFE · 👍 0

Diving @ Kandooma Thila & Cocoa Corner - Maldives

simone bertoglio

Scuba Diving with Grey Reef Sharks in Maldives - Kandooma Thila -Deep channel dive. Maafushi Island

matheeq
💬 1 top comments
  • ❤❤❤

    @amarabyayshastudio2352 · 👍 2
wind peaks May-Oct-Jul, calmest Nov-Apr-Mar, dry Jan-Jun.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)

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