Vavvaru Kandu

The channel edge is formed by many small steps with large Tubastraea corals; beneath each step there are overhangs with groupers. Below the steps, a steep wall holds large gorgonians. Crossing the channel, you can see rays on the sand, barracudas and squadrons of eagle rays in the blue; green turtles also appear.

Vavvaru is an uninhabited island south of Naifaru. Turtles, manta rays, eagle rays and yellowfin tuna are often found in large numbers on the reefs of Vavvaru. In the atoll passage between Vavvaru and the Dhandifalhu sandbank there are diverse corals, rays, sharks, turtles, groupers and barracudas, and gorgonian fans have been recorded there.

The Dhandifalhu sandbank, in the lagoon south of Vavvaru, is a resting and breeding site for many species of sea birds. Vavvaru, Dhandifalhu Finolhu and Dhandifalhu Kanduolhi were declared a protected area on 08/10/2020 (category 6, habitat/species management), covering 687.47 ha.