Addu Atoll Travel Guide: Discover the Southern Gem of the Maldives

Far from the tourist-packed luxury resorts of North Malé Atoll lies a hidden gem of the Maldives—Addu Atoll. Also known as Seenu Atoll, this southernmost atoll of the Maldives boasts breathtaking natural beauty, a thriving local culture, historical relics, and world-renowned dive sites.
 

Unlike the postcard-perfect but isolated resort islands, Addu Atoll offers a rare chance to experience the real Maldives—where island life, community, and culture blend with untouched lagoons and coral reefs.

Whether you’re a diver seeking unexplored depths, a cultural traveler wanting authentic encounters, or a beach lover in search of tranquility, Addu Atoll is a destination that promises adventure, serenity, and soul.

📍 Where Is Addu Atoll?

Location: Southernmost atoll of the Maldives

Distance from Malé: ~540 km south

Main Islands: Gan, Feydhoo, Maradhoo, Hithadhoo, Hulhudhoo, Meedhoo

Airport: Gan International Airport (GAN)

Addu Atoll is one of the few atolls in the Maldives that allows local island tourism and inter-island travel via a causeway connecting several islands.

🌤️ Best Time to Visit Addu Atoll

Addu Atoll enjoys a tropical monsoon climate, with two main seasons:

Because of its southern location, Addu tends to receive less rainfall than northern atolls and remains a year-round destination for diving and exploring.

✈️ How to Get to Addu Atoll

From Malé:

Domestic Flight: Malé (MLE) to Gan International Airport (GAN)
⏱️ ~1 hour

Direct International Flights: Seasonal flights from Colombo (SriLankan Airlines)

Inter-Island Travel:

Causeway: Connects Gan to Maradhoo, Feydhoo, and Hithadhoo—easy to explore by scooter or bicycle

Ferries and Boats: Connect Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo

🏝️ Top Things to Do in Addu Atoll

1. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Addu Atoll is one of the Maldives' best-kept secrets for underwater exploration.

Top Dive Sites:

British Loyalty Wreck: WWII-era oil tanker sunk by a German U-boat, now an artificial reef

Maa Kandu: Deep channel dive with strong currents and large pelagics

Shark Point: Frequent sightings of reef sharks and eagle rays

Kuda Kandu Corner: Colorful corals and schooling fish

🟢 Tip: Local dive shops offer PADI-certified courses, dive safaris, and gear rentals.

2. Explore Gan Island

Gan is the largest island in Addu and the gateway to the atoll. Formerly a British Royal Air Force base, Gan offers:

Abandoned military buildings and bunkers

Runways turned into roads

RAF memorials and artifacts

Gan is now home to Gan International Airport and several guesthouses and dive centers

3. Cycle Across the Causeway

Addu is the only place in the Maldives where you can cycle across islands! A 14-km causeway connects Gan to Hithadhoo via Feydhoo and Maradhoo.

Highlights:

Stunning ocean views on both sides

Local fishing villages and cafés

Freedom to explore at your own pace

🚲 Rentals available in most guesthouses and local shops.

4. Visit Hithadhoo Island

The administrative capital of Addu Atoll, Hithadhoo is a vibrant island with:

Markets, schools, mosques, and local eateries

A dense mangrove forest and lagoon

Friendly locals and a peek into everyday Maldivian life

This is one of the best islands to interact with the local community and learn about their lifestyle.

5. Discover WWII and British History

Addu played a strategic role in the Second World War and the Cold War.

British Loyalty Wreck

Old bunkers and airstrips on Gan

Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum in Gan, with photos and memorabilia

British influence is still evident in road names, architecture, and local English fluency

6. Relax at Equator Village

This former officers' mess has been transformed into a charming beachfront resort, offering:

A laid-back atmosphere with colonial touches

Direct access to the beach

An excellent base for exploring Addu

Bar, pool, and diving center on-site

7. Birdwatching at Eydhigali Kilhi Wetlands

This protected area is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers:

Eydhigali Kilhi and Koattey area host a variety of birds, including herons, terns, and migratory species

Home to wetlands, mangroves, and lagoons

Peaceful walking trails and observation points

8. Meedhoo and Hulhudhoo Villages

Located on the eastern edge of Addu, these villages offer:

Traditional thatched-roof homes and quiet streets

Small local restaurants and cafés

Access to pristine, less-visited beaches

🏖️ Best Beaches in Addu Atoll

Gan Beach – Wide stretch near Equator Village, perfect for sunset walks

Maradhoo-Feydhoo Lagoon – Calm waters and picnic spots

Hulhudhoo Beach – Remote and tranquil, great for sunbathing

Hithadhoo South Point – Views of crashing waves and rocky cliffs

🍽️ Where to Eat in Addu Atoll

Addu offers a mix of local Maldivian fare, seafood, and international cuisine.

Recommended Spots:

Palm Village (Hithadhoo) – Authentic local food

Equator Village Restaurant – Buffet meals with ocean views

Delight Bakery (Feydhoo) – Popular for snacks, tea, and local sweets

Breeze Café (Gan) – Western-style menu with seafood options

🥥 Must-Try: Mas Huni (tuna and coconut salad), Garudhiya (fish soup), and bondibaiy (sweet rice dessert)

🛌 Where to Stay in Addu Atoll

Resorts & Hotels:

Equator Village – 3-star resort with a colonial charm

Wave Sound by 3S Maldives – Boutique beachfront hotel in Hithadhoo

Guesthouses:

Pebbles Inn (Hithadhoo) – Comfortable, modern, and affordable

Aquaventure Guesthouse (Maradhoo) – Ideal for divers

Charming Holiday Lodge (Feydhoo) – Local experience with warm hospitality

Prices range from $40 to $150 per night, depending on the season.

🛍️ What to Buy in Addu Atoll

Handwoven mats (kunaa)

Coconut shell handicrafts

Local spices and snacks

Handmade jewelry from coral and shells

British military memorabilia (replicas) from local stores

🛒 Visit local markets in Hithadhoo and Maradhoo for souvenirs and snacks.

📸 Top Photo Spots

British Loyalty Wreck underwater

Cycling the causeway at sunrise

Fishermen casting nets at dusk

Colorful boats and mosques in Meedhoo

Traditional homes framed by palm trees

📅 Suggested 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival & Exploration

Arrive at Gan International Airport

Visit RAF Museum & explore Gan Island

Relax at Gan Beach

Dinner at Equator Village

Day 2 – Culture & Nature

Cycle the causeway to Hithadhoo

Visit mangrove forests and Eydhigali Kilhi

Sunset at Maradhoo Lagoon

Enjoy local cuisine at Palm Village

Day 3 – Diving & Village Life

Morning dive at British Loyalty Wreck

Visit Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo

Beach picnic or snorkeling

Farewell dinner at Breeze Café

🛑 Travel Tips for Addu Atoll

Dress modestly on local islands (cover shoulders and knees)

Bikinis allowed only on designated “bikini beaches” or resort areas

Mosquito repellent is handy in wetland areas

Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life

ATMs available in Hithadhoo and Gan, but carry some cash

🌍 Why Visit Addu Atoll?

Addu Atoll isn’t your typical luxury-resort Maldives experience. It’s real, raw, and rich in culture. Here, you can dive into marine adventures, learn island traditions, and explore historical narratives—all in a setting that’s still off the radar for most tourists.

It’s where the equator crosses ancient coral atolls, where British legacies meet Maldivian hospitality, and where you’ll discover peace, perspective, and paradise.