Lhohi Kandu Tila

Lhohi Kandu Tila

Lhohi Kandu Tila is a submerged pinnacle positioned at the mouth of the Lhohi channel in South Malé Atoll — a site that combines the concentrated marine life of a classic thila with the powerful currents and shark action of a kandu, making it one of the more demanding and rewarding dives in the area.

Overview

Sitting directly in the channel current, Lhohi Kandu Tila is swept by water flowing between ocean and lagoon, which keeps visibility crisp and draws an impressive abundance of pelagic species. The pinnacle top lies at around 10 metres and is festooned with sea fans and soft corals battered into spectacular shapes by the current. The walls drop steeply to 30 metres, where overhangs shelter resting nurse sharks and sleeping white-tip reef sharks. Grey reef sharks gather in mid-water on the upcurrent side during strong flow, while eagle rays and occasional hammerheads patrol the deeper water. Strong, unpredictable current surges require advanced buoyancy skills and experience reading the dive before entry.

Site Information

• Location: Maldives, Asia
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Pinnacle/seamount
• Difficulty Level: Advanced
• Maximum Depth: 30 meters
• Typical Visibility: 15-30 meters (50-100 feet)
• Current: Strong, tidal surges — advanced divers only

Marine Life

Grey reef sharks, nurse sharks, white-tip reef sharks, eagle rays, occasional hammerhead sharks, napoleon wrasse, sea fans, schools of jacks and fusiliers, and large grouper on the deeper walls.

Diving Tips

• Entry must be timed precisely with the current — your guide will signal when conditions are right.
• Use the pinnacle as a wind-break: position yourself on the down-current side to shelter and observe sharks approaching from upcurrent.
• Ascend against the current wall to avoid being swept off the site before completing your safety stop.
• This is not recommended for divers without prior kandu experience in the Maldives.

Getting There

Lhohi Kandu Tila is reached by boat from South Malé Atoll resorts or from Malé, approximately 30–60 minutes by dhoni or speedboat.

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