Dive free in the Maldives: Kandooma unlocks access to top South Malé Atoll dive sites

Diving enthusiasts staying at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives can experience some of the Maldives’ most respected dive  sites with added value, thanks to the resort’s Dive Free programme. 

Named Maldives’ Leading Dive Resort last year by World Travel Awards, Kandooma is located in the South Malé Atoll and is just 45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. The resort offers direct access to a diverse collection of dive sites known for strong currents, healthy reef systems and consistent marine life encounters. Many of the area’s most sought-after sites are located just 10 to 30 minutes from Kandooma by boat, allowing guests to maximise time in the water and  multiple dives each day.

From coral-rich pinnacles to channel dives that attract larger pelagic species, the surrounding waters deliver a varied experience suited to both progressing and experienced divers.“What makes diving here so rewarding is the combination of proximity and variety,” said Ibrahim Shaan, Dive Centre Manager. “We can reach sites like  Kandooma Thila in just minutes, and within half an hour, guests have access to everything from relaxed reef dives to more advanced channel dives with sharks  and rays. It allows divers to spend more time underwater and really experience  the diversity of the atoll.” 

Sharon Garrett, Director of Marketing & Sustainability added,“Kandooma has always been known for its accessibility, and the Dive Free  programme builds on that by making world-class diving part of the stay. It  removes both the time and cost barriers, giving guests a straightforward way to  experience the Maldives through diving, whether they are returning divers or  newly certified.” With warm waters year-round and visibility often exceeding 20 metres, the area  offers consistent conditions for diving across the seasons. Among the standout sites: 

Kandooma Thila 

Widely regarded as one of the top dives in the atoll, Kandooma Thila is a coral covered pinnacle where currents attract grey reef sharks, white-tip reef sharks and  eagle rays. 

Guraidhoo Corner 

A classic channel drift dive, Guraidhoo Corner is known for nutrient-rich currents that  draw in schools of fish, reef sharks and passing pelagic species. 

Cocoa Corner 

Combining reef and open-water diving, Cocoa Corner offers steep walls and drop offs where divers may encounter sharks, tuna and rays, depending on conditions. 

Kuda Giri Wreck 

A more relaxed dive site with generally mild current, Kuda Giri features a small wreck  and adjacent reef that support a thriving mix of reef fish and macro life. 

Kandooma Caves 

Characterised by large overhangs and caverns, this visually striking site is home to  sponges, soft corals and reef species, with occasional sightings of larger marine life  along the reef edge. 

Additional sites within easy reach of Kandooma include Manta Point, Lhosfushi,  Medhu Faru, and Waggiri, offering a mix of reef, channel and seasonal manta encounters.

With a PADI 5-star Dive Centre, experienced guides and a broad range of dive sites  accessible by boat, Kandooma is well placed for travellers planning a dedicated  Maldives diving holiday. 

The Dive Free programme offers guests staying three nights or more up to two complimentary scuba dives per day for up to two certified divers per villa, providing a straightforward way to experience diving in the Maldives. 

For divers looking to maximise time in the water without the need for domestic transfers, Kandooma offers a practical and rewarding island base close to the action. 

For more information, visit: www.maldives.holidayinnresorts.com

Diving brochure:https://holidayinn.aflip.in/HIRKM_DiveBrochure.html#page/1