Miyaru Kandu,Maldives

• Drift diving along the channel
• Frequent sightings of large pelagics (sharks, whale sharks, mantas depending on season)
• Coral pinnacles, ledges and steep drop-offs
• Cleaning stations where mantas and reef fish congregate

• Strong, variable currents that create excellent nutrient upwelling
• High-energy reef formations with dramatic walls and pinnacles
• Good visibility most of the year but plankton blooms can reduce clarity (and attract pelagics)
• Suitable sites for underwater photography and big-animal encounters

• Scuba diving (drift dives recommended)
• Snorkeling in calmer nearby areas (direct snorkeling in the channel is often unsafe due to currents)
• Underwater photography and videography
• Liveaboard safaris that include multiple channel dives

Depends on what you want to see:

• For pelagics (mantas, whale sharks and many sharks): commonly May–November in many atolls when plankton increases.
• For calmer seas and more predictable weather: December–April (northeast/ dry season). Plan around the species and conditions you prioritize.

Tropical maritime climate: warm year-round (sea temperatures ~27–30°C). Two monsoon seasons: the generally calmer northeast monsoon (Dec–Apr) and the wetter southwest monsoon (May–Nov) which brings more plankton and stronger currents.

The channel itself has no formal entry fee, but diving fees apply through dive operators (per-dive rates or packages). Some protected areas in the Maldives may have marine park fees or require permits — check with your operator. Dive timetables depend on tide and current windows; operators schedule dives for the safest parts of incoming/outgoing tides.

Access is typically arranged through dive operators or liveaboards. Most visitors transit via Velana International Airport (Malé):

• Option A: Liveaboard safari — best way to reach remote channels and maximize diving time.
• Option B: Day trips from nearby resort or local island using speedboat or seaplane + boat transfers (availability depends on the channel's atoll location). Always coordinate with experienced local dive centers familiar with Miyaru Kandu.

If diving: at least 1–3 days of diving to cover multiple current windows and increase chances of big-animal sightings. Many guests include the channel as part of a multi-day liveaboard route.

Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a 3mm wetsuit (or 5mm if you are sensitive), a surface marker buoy for drift dives, a reef hook (only if trained and allowed), and durable dive gloves if used. Certified Advanced Open Water or drift/diver experience is highly recommended; be comfortable with strong currents.

Try Maldivian specialties such as mas huni (tuna and coconut), garudhiya (fish broth) and fresh seafood at resorts or island cafés. Souvenirs include lacquerware, woven mats (thundu kunaa), local jewelry and small handicrafts — buy from licensed vendors and be mindful of export rules for coral or shells.