Kudarah
3.8103°N 73.4204°E
Kudarah
Kudarah is a reef dive site near the uninhabited island of Kudarah in South Male Atoll, where a varied reef slope with excellent hard coral coverage meets the open atoll waters and delivers reliable wildlife encounters.
Overview
The reef surrounding Kudarah island slopes from the shallows to around 30 metres, making it slightly deeper than many South Male Atoll reef dives and adding to the site’s appeal for intermediate divers looking to stretch their depth range. The upper reef between 5 and 15 metres is particularly rich in hard coral — table coral formations the size of dining tables dominate the crest, interspersed with massive Porites heads that have been growing for decades. Parrotfish and surgeonfish are abundant in the shallows, maintaining the reef through their grazing activity. The mid-reef zone (15–25 m) hosts Napoleon wrasse, large grouper, and hawksbill turtles with regularity, while the deeper sections toward 30 metres see grey reef sharks patrolling along the base. The outer reef edge occasionally brings eagle rays into view. Visibility reaches 15–25 metres. Water temperature averages 27–29°C.
Site Information
- Location: Maldives, Asia
- Entry Type: Boat dive
- Depth: Up to 30m
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Site Type: Reef
Marine Life
Grey reef sharks, hawksbill turtles, Napoleon wrasse, large grouper, eagle rays, parrotfish, surgeonfish, and impressive table coral and Porites formations.
Diving Conditions
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Visibility | 15–25m |
| Current | Light to moderate |
| Water Temp | 27–29°C |
| Best Season | Year-round; December–April for best conditions |
Tips for Divers
The large table coral formations on the upper reef are a standout feature — take time to observe the fish communities that shelter beneath each coral table. Plan the dive to visit the deeper sections first for shark encounters, then work up through the coral gardens.