Maa Kandu Thila

In Dhivehi, "kandu" means channel and "thila" means underwater pillar. The Maa Kandu channel is one of only four that break the outer barrier reef of Addu Atoll. The channel area overlaps with the Addu Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a marine protected area.

Photo-identification surveys carried out in the channel between 2006 and 2022 recorded hundreds of reef manta ray sightings, and the vast majority involved individuals displaying cleaning behavior. Since 2009, nine surveys have recorded courtship involving 3 to 6 reef manta rays in the channel, and six females have been seen pregnant since 2006. The reef manta ray population of Addu is probably isolated, and most of the identified animals are residents of the atoll. At the regional level, the reef manta ray is assessed as Vulnerable.

In the Addu channels, the strong currents give a good chance of encountering big animals, such as manta rays, gray reef sharks, eagle rays and dogtooth tunas. In the Maldives, the southwest monsoon usually brings rougher seas and reduced visibility, while the northeast monsoon (Iruvai, from January to March) usually brings clear waters.