Miyaru is the Dhivehi word for shark, and Miyaru Kandu lives up to its name. On Vaavu’s eastern rim, the channel’s mouth is where grey reef sharks gather in the incoming current, along with eagle rays, tuna and big trevally. It is a classic Maldivian drift dive: you descend at the mouth, hold on at the edge to watch the action, then let the current carry you into the channel.
Like Fotteyo, this is a site for divers with experience in current. Dive centres in Vaavu visit it when conditions are right, often as part of a two-dive trip.
What to see and do: Miyaru Kandu
Watch the sharks at the mouth
On an incoming tide, sharks hang in the current at the edge of the reef. Find a dead rock or sand patch, settle low, and watch.
Drift into the channel
The second half of the dive is a drift along the channel walls, with turtles, schools of fusiliers and the occasional ray.
Pair it with Alimatha
Because Miyaru Kandu and the Alimatha night dive are both on the eastern side of the atoll, some trips combine a day dive at the channel with the night dive.
How to get to Miyaru Kandu
- By dive boat from Fulidhoo; ask your guesthouse to book with a Vaavu dive centre.
- Expect a long-ish boat ride and a half or full day out.
- Trips run only when sea conditions allow.
Insider tips
- Negative entries (descending straight away) are common in channels; listen carefully to the briefing.
- Stay with your guide and watch your depth and air — it is easy to be distracted by sharks.
- Never chase the sharks; they come closer when you stay still.
- Bring your own mask and computer if you have them; rental quality varies.
Tours & trips for Miyaru Kandu
These bookable experiences pair well with Miyaru Kandu:
Diving from €90 Maldives: Victory Shipwreck Scuba Dive
Dive the MV Maldive Victory, a cargo ship now covered in coral and fish, close to the airport. The wreck lies in fairly deep water and currents can run, so it is for certified divers — dive within your training.
- The Maldive Victory wreck near the airport
- Coral-covered hull and plenty of fish
- For certified divers
Diving from €117 Maldives: Discover Scuba Diving
A beginner-friendly introduction to scuba: learn the basic skills, then dive with an instructor and explore the reef. No previous experience needed.
- No experience needed
- Basic skills with an instructor
- A first dive among reef life
Full-day trip from €189 Malé: Nurse Shark Maldives & Fulidhoo Stingray Tour
A full day from the capital to Vaavu Atoll by speedboat: snorkelling with gentle nurse sharks, the stingrays of Fulidhoo, a look for dolphins and a picnic lunch.
- Snorkel with nurse sharks, stingrays and dolphins in Vaavu Atoll
- Speedboat from Malé
- Picnic lunch included
Day trip from €130 Maafushi: Maldives Shipwreck & Nurse Shark Snorkeling Tour
Eight hours on the water from Maafushi: a shipwreck, nurse sharks, reef snorkelling and the chance of dolphins along the way. Listed by GetYourGuide under Vaavu Atoll.
- Snorkel a shipwreck
- Nurse sharks and colourful reefs
- Possible dolphin sightings
