[Maldives] Trip Report : FEB.15-22,2020, Deep South (Equatorial) Route Vol.2

[#Maldives] Trip Report : FEB.15 -22, 2020,  Deep South #Equatorial Route 2 from #Gaafu to #Addu Vol.2

Day 2 of the special trip number 2, we were actually in deep South in the Gaafu atoll. It was clear sky with no wind neither wave. Our dhoni moved forward gliding over the surface.  The 1st dive of the day was at Nilandhoo Kandu, which was located to the south of Nilandhoo Island, the home of our leader, Abeedo! As we entered to the ocean, a super strong current surprised us! We somehow settled with using a current hook to wait for big fish. Some Grey Reef Sharks and Silvertip Sharks were seen. It was funny to see that even Napoleon fish was trying very hard to swim in the super strong current.  The 2nd and the 3rd dives were held at Maarehaa Kandu. There were 50+ of Grey Reef Sharks! Next, a big school of Bigeye Trevallies gushed out from the deep side. Then, a big school of Spotted Eagle Rays covered our sight! Oh my goodness!  In the south side of the point, Yellowback Fusiliers, Neon Fusiliers, fat Dogtooth Tunas, Giant Trevallies, Black Jacks and Bluefin Trevallies were being so busy! I was also excited to see the five of Great Barracudas passed by in a perfect line up. We enjoyed a big white sand area observing Yellowmargin Triggerfish and Titan Triggerfish. The 4th dive was at Dhiyadhoo Coral Garden. This place has beautiful and healthy hard corals. A couple of Harlequin Filefish appeared near the Acropora table type corals! This means that the corals here are very healthy because the Harlequin Filefish can’t survive without the polyps of Acropora. I was very happy to find it out! There were about a dozen of Green Turtles as well. Besides, it was very impressive to see that the males of Indian Flame Fairy Basslets and Threadfin Anthias appealing to their females making their backfin wide open since it was sunset time. The water temperature was 26-31 deg.C. The water temperature was 26-28 deg.C. The visibility was 20-30 meters. To be continued…