Explore the Maldives’ Underwater Wonders with COMO Cocoa Island

“In the deep space of the sea, I have found my moon.” Legendary French inventor and underwater filmmaker Jacques Cousteau perfectly captured the magic of the ocean with these words. Beneath the surface lies a world of wonder — a realm of vibrant coral gardens, fascinating marine creatures, and endless discovery. It is this sense of mystery and beauty that makes diving one of the most extraordinary experiences awaiting guests at COMO Cocoa Island.

Among the standout sites is Cocoa Thila. Regularly listed as one of the 10 best dive sites in the Maldives, Cocoa Thila is a 10-minute boat journey from COMO Cocoa Island. It’s located in an area with constant currents, so it’s a technical challenge best suited for advanced divers. Once underwater, the current drifts you onto the reef which is made up of both hard and soft corals, and populated by huge schools of fusiliers, red snappers and big eye trevally. You’ll spot some of the larger fish riding the currents alongside you, with up to 20 spotted eagle rays cruising along en masse. Towards the end of the reef is an area regularly visited by grey reef sharks and white tip sharks. This is possibly the most wildlife-rich dive you can take at COMO Cocoa Island, with a maximum depth of 30 metres. 

Another highlight is the Kandomaa Caves. The Kandomaa Caves are a group of four large underwater caverns in a row — one of the largest complexes in the Maldives, with the depth ranging between five and 30 metres. There are a range of overhangs and swim-throughs to explore, with one of the caves extending over 70 metres long. The walls are tapestried in soft corals and star-like yellow sponges, and if you bring a torch, you’ll see sea whips, fans and soldier fish in abundance. While you might catch sight of a sea turtle, moray eel or stingray sheltering from the currents in the caves, the wider reef is also inhabited by reef sharks and many colourful smaller species including butterflyfish, parrotfish and angelfish.

For those interested in underwater photography, the Kuda Giri Wreck offers a unique experience. The Kuda Giri Wreck is a steel coastal trader that was sunk in the 1990s to create a habitat for small fish and corals. It’s around 20 minutes’ boat ride from COMO Cocoa Island and is one of the Maldives’ best sites for underwater photography, with crystal-clear waters and a depth of between 20 and 35 metres. The wreck is encrusted with colourful soft corals, sponges and sea fans, and makes for exciting exploring. The trader’s old bridge is home to a large school of bat fish, as well as seasonal groups of yellow sweeper — with predatory bluefin trevally circling nearby in search of an easy meal. As you swim over the surrounding reef, which also features several caves and overhangs, you’ll also see Clark’s anemone, Maldivian anemone fish, soldier fish, large grouper and fairy basslets. 

Beyond its renowned dive sites, COMO Cocoa Island caters to divers of all levels through guided excursions and PADI-certified courses. Guests can also enjoy a range of marine experiences, including snorkelling trips, UV night snorkelling, and educational sessions led by marine experts.

Located in South Malé Atoll, COMO Cocoa Island combines luxury island living with exceptional diving opportunities, offering travellers an immersive way to discover the natural beauty and marine diversity that have made the Maldives one of the world’s most celebrated diving destinations.

For more information, visit: https://www.comohotels.com/maldives/como-cocoa-island