Kondey Kandu

Kondey Kandu is a channel through the eastern rim of Gaafu Alifu, the northern half of Huvadhoo Atoll, and it is dived as a drift. The dive begins at the northern or southern end of the channel, whichever is up-current, then follows the channel edge and the reef shoulder with the flow over coral, sand and rock. Depth follows the line the guide takes along the wall and shoulder, and the channel opens onto deeper blue water at its far end. When the water is running, a reef hook lets you hold position at the edge and watch what passes.

Clear water is the quiet asset: visibility on this side of the atoll often runs 25-35 m in the dry season, dropping to 10-25 m when wet-season plankton blooms. That reach suits the walls, where gorgonian fans and branching soft corals are the colour of the channel. The animals are another matter. Like the other kandus of Huvadhoo, the channel gives little marine life without current, and a slack tide leaves you with the reef alone. When the flow is up, grey reef sharks and giant trevally are what to look for.

Current is the hazard and the planning variable. It is strong and changes from one dive to the next, so ask the guide about the direction and let the guide call the entry. Bring a reef hook and a surface marker, and expect blue-water orientation to matter once you leave the wall. A 3 mm full suit covers the water, and a hood is welcome during long hook-ins.