Gangehi Kandu

Gangehi Kandu is a thrilling channel drift dive in the Ari Atoll, renowned for strong currents that funnel nutrient-rich water through the passage and attract an impressive concentration of pelagic life.

Overview

Gangehi Kandu (kandu meaning “channel” in Dhivehi) cuts through the reef between the Indian Ocean and the atoll lagoon, creating the tidal surge that defines this dive. On incoming tides, divers are swept along the channel walls past overhangs draped in soft corals and sea fans, with grey reef sharks patrolling the current lines and eagle rays gliding overhead. Schools of bigeye trevally and barracuda hold station in the flow, and occasional hammerheads are spotted at depth during the right season. The dive typically begins at the outer corner, where the current is strongest, then eases as the channel widens toward the lagoon side. Depth ranges from 15 to 35 metres along the sloping walls. Visibility is typically 20–30 metres in clear oceanic water. Water temperature averages 27–29°C year-round.

Site Information

• Location: Maldives, Asia
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Depth: Up to 35m
• Difficulty: Advanced
• Site Type: Drift dive

Marine Life

Grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, eagle rays, barracuda, bigeye trevally, jobfish, Napoleon wrasse, and seasonal hammerhead sharks. Channel walls host feather stars, sea fans, and soft coral gardens.

Diving Conditions

Condition	Details
Visibility	20–30m
Current	Moderate to strong (tide-dependent)
Water Temp	27–29°C
Best Season	November–April (northeast monsoon)

Tips for Divers

Dive on an incoming tide for the best shark and pelagic encounters at the channel mouth. Advanced buoyancy control is essential — sudden downcurrents can occur near the corner. Agree on a drift pick-up plan with the boat before entering. A surface marker buoy (SMB) is mandatory.

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