If you’re dreaming of exploring the Maldives, especially the southern atolls, then Laamu should be at the top of your list. Known for its stunning, untouched coral reefs and rich marine life, this atoll remains a true paradise for divers. Located far from the bustling crowds of other Maldivian islands, Laamu offers a diving experience that is as intimate as it is adventurous.
Why Dive in Laamu?
One of the key reasons to dive in Laamu Atoll is that the coral here is still in excellent condition. Unlike other areas in the Maldives that were affected by El Niño, the reefs in Laamu continue to thrive, offering divers breathtaking underwater scenery. You’ll encounter everything from vibrant coral gardens to large pelagics like whitetip reef sharks, eagle rays, black tips sharks, grey sharks, leopard sharks, tunas, mobulas, marlins, barracudas, nudibranchs, seahorses, turtles, napoleons... Plus, the macro life here is exceptional—perfect for those who love the finer details of the underwater world.
Since Laamu is not as developed for tourism, the reefs remain intact, providing divers with a pristine experience. This region is also known for its virgin thilas, and untouched reefs that are waiting to be discovered. Dive sites here often reach depths of 35 meters, where you’ll find abundant life.
The Famous Dive Sites in Laamu
Laamu is home to over 30 dive sites, and at Divers Tribe, we’re always ready to explore new locations. Some of the most well-known dive sites include:
1. Moondo Kandu & Fushi Kandu: Channels Full of Life
These two incredible channels are teeming with marine life. As the most visited sites due to their proximity, they offer an aquarium-like experience. Fushi Kandu features a cleaning station for manta rays, where you can frequently spot these gentle giants. Expect to see mobulas, turtles, rays, schools of fusiliers, and maybe even a sneaky octopus!
2. Hitadu Corner: A Manta Paradise
With five manta cleaning stations, Hitadu Corner is the perfect spot to witness the magic of manta rays. It’s also home to giant Napoleon wrasses, giant turtles, and large pelagics. Our friends from Manta Trust conduct research here, and you’ll be diving alongside these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. This dive reaches a maximum depth of 40 meters and is filled with wonders.
3. Bella Thila: The Turtle Haven
Located near our base, Bella Thila is a special place where green sea turtles reside. We encourage divers to help us identify the turtles during their dive. The coral gardens here provide a serene backdrop, making it a favourite among those who appreciate peaceful, immersive dives.
4. Stingray City: The Ray Sanctuary
As the name suggests, Stingray City is where you’ll find a diverse collection of rays. From eagle rays, marvel stingrays, jetkingstingray, porkospine stingray, cowtile stingray to guitar sharks, this site never disappoints. You never know what you might encounter, making every dive here an exciting surprise.
5. Baresdhoo Faru: A Macro Wonderland
If you love macro life, Baresdhoo Faru is the place to be. This thila is packed with small critters like nudibranchs, shrimp, leaf fish, ghost pipefish, octopus, and more. It’s a haven for photographers and those with a keen eye for detail.
A Dolphin Sanctuary in Laamu
One of the unique experiences in Laamu is the chance to see dolphins every day! These playful creatures come to Laamu Atoll to reproduce and rest, and it’s common to spot them during boat trips or even from the shore. Witnessing dolphins in their natural habitat adds another layer of wonder to your time here.
Dive into the Unknown with Divers Tribe
One of the charms of Laamu is that Divers Tribe is the only dive center in the entire atoll. This means that many sites are still waiting to be discovered, including thilas that have never been explored before. With incredibly long reef barriers and a total of seven channels filled with wildlife, this is a diver’s dream come true.
Divers Tribe is based on Gan Island, the largest island in Laamu Atoll. Gan is also home to the local airport, making it the perfect base for our diving adventures. Whether you want to relax on its peaceful beaches or dive into its pristine waters, Gan is the heart of Laamu’s charm.
How to Get to Laamu
Corrected text: Reaching Laamu is easy. After flying into Malé, the capital of the Maldives, you’ll take a short domestic flight to Gan Island, located in the southern part of the country. This flight will offer you a beautiful aerial view of the Maldives’ iconic turquoise waters and coral atolls. For more detailed information on how to get to Laamu, click here [link to detailed post]
At Divers Tribe, we’re ready to welcome you to Laamu, a true paradise for divers. With so much marine life, untouched dive sites, and the chance to discover new places, we invite you to join us for an unforgettable diving experience in one of the most beautiful corners of the Maldives.
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