Mercure Maldives Kooddoo, Huvadhoo Atoll

As one of the largest atolls in the Maldives, Huvadhoo is a haven for ocean adventures of all kinds, including scuba diving. Its vast inner lagoon stretches some 65-kilometres across and plunges to depths of 85-metres, yet offers calm conditions and plenty of thriving coral islets - many of which are yet to be fully explored beneath the waves. Meanwhile, the substantial outer reef offers dramatic dive sites including drop-offs, rugged outcrops, and caves and caverns. 

Huvadhoo is home to over 30 charted dive sites split more or less evenly between the inner lagoon and the outer reef. Thanks to its remote location, the atoll offers vast swathes of healthy reefs, populated by impressive table corals and staghorns, although soft corals such as sea fans can also be seen. Swirling schools of bigeye trevally are a common sight, as well as tuna, snapper, and oriental sweetlips, while several spots provide shelter for nesting sea turtles.

Diving with sharks in Huvadhoo Atoll

For more experienced divers, Huvadhoo’s channels will likely be the biggest draw. Whitetip reefs sharks, oceanic blacktips, silkies, silvertips, and schools of grey reef sharks patrol the deeper channels and drop-offs hunting for food in the current. Nurse sharks and leopard sharks can also often be found sheltering amongst the ledges and overhangs of the outer reef. Even thresher sharks, hammerheads, tiger sharks and bull sharks have been known to make fleeting appearances here. It is also one of the only places in the Maldives where spinner sharks have been sighted - a species named after the acrobatic breaches they perform when striking at prey on the surface. 

Villingili Kandu and Nilandhoo Kandu, in the atoll’s northeast, are two favourite sites for shark diving. A lone channel in the atoll’s southeast, known as Fiyoaree Kandu, is also becoming known for interesting shark encounters, with neighbouring islet of Dhigulabaadho receiving protection as a breeding ground for rays and sharks. And, as if that wasn’t enough, between January and April, liveaboards often stop in the atoll’s northeast to snorkel with whale sharks. The vessels shine large spotlights into the water at night, attracting large plumes of plankton towards the surface. In turn, the plankton lure whale sharks, mantas, and mobulas right up to the boat to feed, allowing guests to slide in and swim alongside.