मालदीव निजी यॉट चार्टर

Vaavu is a year-round destination, but the wet season (May to October) concentrates pelagic species in the channels most dramatically. The incoming current during the southwest monsoon pushes rich upwellings through the Felidhe channels, drawing hammerheads to the thermocline consistently. Dry season diving is calmer and visibility is higher, with good reef shark and eagle ray encounters.

• May to October: peak wet season — hammerheads most consistent at thermocline depth.
• December to April: dry season — better visibility, calmer seas, excellent reef diving.
• October to November: transitional period with mixed conditions but lighter boat traffic.

"Vaavu is for guests who have been to the Maldives before and want something fewer people have seen. The channels are the real draw — Fotteyo is the most dramatic drift dive I know in this country. At the right tide, you drop into a column of fish, sharks and current that hits you immediately. The reef inside the lagoon is in better condition than most of what I show in North Malé. No anchor damage, no constant dive boat traffic. I try to take every extended charter through here for at least two nights."

• Fotteyo channel is the flagship dive site — plan for at least two sessions.
• Bring a wetsuit for the thermocline dives — the cold upwelling can reach 20°C.
• The transit from Malé to Vaavu is 2 to 3 hours by speedboat — typically done overnight while guests sleep.