Veligandu east

Veligandu East is the eastern outer reef of Veligandu island in Rasdhoo Atoll, sitting adjacent to the famous Rasdhoo Madivaru Corner site that has made this atoll synonymous with hammerhead shark encounters. The east-facing exposure gives this reef different current dynamics and marine life composition, providing an excellent complementary dive to the flagship corner site.

Site Conditions

• Depth range: 8–25 m
• Typical visibility: 20–30 m
• Currents: Moderate; oceanic swell possible on the exposed east side
• Best season: December–March for hammerhead season; year-round for general reef diving

What to Expect

The reef wall on the east side of Veligandu slopes steeply from a shallow crest to a sandy terrace at 25 metres, well decorated with sea fans and black coral at depth. The site receives good oceanic current that delivers nutrients and supports an active pelagic zone — eagle rays, grey reef sharks, and the occasional silvertip shark are regular passes. The reef crest and slope host abundant hard coral formations sheltering the typical cast of Rasdhoo Atoll reef species: Napoleon wrasse, hawksbill turtles, and large schools of surgeonfish. Hammerhead sharks, while most reliably sighted at Madivaru Corner at dawn, occasionally appear along this eastern wall during their morning circuits of the atoll.

Tips for Divers

Divers visiting Rasdhoo Atoll primarily for hammerheads typically combine a dawn dive at Madivaru Corner with a mid-morning dive at Veligandu East before conditions deteriorate. The site’s calmer, less crowded character compared to Madivaru Corner makes it a more relaxed experience. Strong oceanic swell can make the entry and exit from the boat more dynamic on the exposed east face during the southwest monsoon.