Kudadhoo Etheru Faru * * * There are few wall dives in Ari atoll
that can match this one. It has several features worth noting as they will ultimately
determine the type of dive made here. Near the nothern end of Kudadhoo island is a small
'bite' in the reef perhaps 15 meters widewhich starts on the reef top at three meters and
drops to 12 meters. In the middle of the bite is a large coral rock that gives a canyon
effect. In this small canyon are blackcoral bushes , tallfin batfish, masked banner fish
and soft coral. Over the reef edge directly below the bite, the Diving Hints: If diving with an outgoing current, it is a good idea to start before the bite and stay at 12 metres or above where there are small caves and overhangs. Once at the bite, then descend to the boulders at 30 metres. It is a good idea to limit the time spent aroudnt he boulders to above 5 minutes so that plenty of bottom time remains for the under current in the wall at 28 metres. |
wall drop sharply to
sand at 30 meters. Near the base of this wall are four large boulders which look like they
have broken away from the bite above. Fish life, coral canyon are exceptional here. the
steep wall continues to the corner of Ariyadhoo Kandu and is undercut at the baseat 28
meters. At the undercut are black coral bushes with oyster shells, seawhips, seafans and
large flower grouper. This sheer wall is coated in a layre of invertebratesthat attract
moorish idol and long-nose unicornfish, blue-face anglefish, and clown triggerfish. Divers
can continue their drift around the corner into the Ariyadhoo Kandu where the wall becomes
less steep. one good option though, is to spend the remainder of the dive on the corner
above the wall at 12 meters where there is a profusion of hard coraland reef fish. The
variety of fish life here is stunning, with many smaller species like the distinctive bird
wrasse, the ring-eye hawk fish and the long-nosed butterfly fish, being prevalent. There
are laso large morays and napoleon to ensure all types and sizes are well represented.