MV
Addu City
The southernmost atoll, with linked islands, wartime history, wetlands and big-animal diving
The southernmost atoll, with linked islands, wartime history, wetlands and big-animal diving
Causeways link Gan, Feydhoo, Maradhoo and Hithadhoo. Rent a bike or buggy to explore villages, beaches and the Eydhigali Kilhi wetlands of Addu Nature Park.
Photo: DD, CC BY-SA 2.0
Channels in the atoll attract manta rays, sharks and turtles. The British Loyalty, a tanker damaged in the war, is one of the largest wrecks in the Maldives.
Dive with an established centre; currents can be strong.
Photo: Tchami, CC BY-SA 2.0
Traditional dhoni boats run snorkelling, fishing and sunset trips around the atoll.
Photo: Nevit Dilmen, CC BY-SA 3.0
Try fresh tuna dishes, mas huni and local short eats. Addu has its own dialect and some local specialities.
Choice is smaller than in Malé; most guesthouses provide meals.
Domestic flights from Malé take a little over an hour; some international flights also land at Gan.
Taxis, buses and rental bikes connect the linked islands.
The Maldives uses the rufiyaa (MVR), but most tourist prices are in US dollars. Guesthouse prices often exclude taxes, a service charge and a nightly green tax.
Flights to Addu cost extra.
History, nature and the sea.
Explore Gan’s wartime sites and cycle the causeway.
Visit the Eydhigali Kilhi wetlands and Koattey area on Hithadhoo.
Dive with mantas or on the British Loyalty wreck.
Take a dhoni trip and relax on a quiet beach.
Bikes are the best way to explore the linked islands.
On inhabited local islands, cover shoulders and knees away from designated tourist beaches, and do not bring alcohol.
Bring repellent, especially near the wetlands.
Ask locally before swimming in channels.
Quick answers for planning time in Addu City.
At the southern tip of the Maldives, just south of the equator.
By domestic flight from Malé, or by some international flights to Gan.
A wartime tanker wreck, now a popular dive site.
Yes, several islands are linked by causeways.
December to April.
English is widely spoken in tourism; Dhivehi is the local language.
Free
Guesthouses, boat operators and dive centres take bookings by message.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Maldives travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.