Addu Atoll Uncovered

A blend of natural wonders, unique culture, rich history, and modern development make our Addu Atoll Uncovered tour the ideal choice for discovering the Maldives beyond its stunning beaches.

This trip is perfect for travelers who are seeking a unique experience and enjoy exploring off-the-beaten-path in a tropical paradise.

What is an "atoll"? An atoll is a type of circular island found in the tropics, wherein the perimeter is a coral reef surrounding a lagoon in the center.

• Snorkel tropical waters teeming with marine life (keep your eyes peeled for turtles & sharks!)
• Kayak through beautiful red mangroves, seagrass, and lakes
• Discover the Koattey protected area, a UNESCO sanctuary of biodiversity that will delight bird enthusiasts!
• Delve into the local history and culture with a guided tour of Gan
• Visit Kogannu Cemetery, the country's oldest & largest, home to many mosques & ancient tombs
• See an experimental farm's unique techniques & go to the Mathikilhi Eco Garden

The atoll you will be visiting presents a distinct character that sets it apart from other Maldivian atolls. Feel welcomed by the warmth and hospitality of the Adduans and enjoy the remoteness of the islands, knowing that the next landfall is 300 miles further south!

Addu Atoll, the heart-shaped gem of the Maldives, is nestled at the southernmost tip of the archipelago. Unlike the atolls that stretch to the north, Addu does not offer the idyllic white sand beaches the Maldives is famous for, but this captivating atoll boasts so much more. Lying just a few degrees south of the equator, the islands offer many surprises, such as lush, green, tropical forests, mangroves, and marshy taro fields. A rich ecosystem supports a diverse range of wildlife, such as seabirds, fish, crustaceans, fruit bats, and various bird species. The symbolic white terns, known locally as ‘dhondheeni’ is a type of bird that only graces the skies of Addu. In the waters surrounding these islands, snorkelers and scuba divers can enjoy vibrant coral reefs, encounter manta rays and sharks, and discover the biggest shipwreck in Maldives: the British Loyalty Wreck.

Connected by a 16-kilometer link road, the islands of Hithadhoo, Maradhoo, Maradhoo-Feydhoo, Feydhoo, and Gan form a vibrant community on the western side of the Atoll. Exploring the city's streets, you'll find a fascinating mix of traditional charm and contemporary development. On the eastern side, you'll find the quieter islands of Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo. At the southernmost tip lies Gan International Airport, making it the southernmost point in the Maldives and South Asia.

With a tropical climate, plenty of sunshine, and temperatures around 86°F (30°C) throughout the year, there is never a bad time to visit the Maldives. The Maldives has two distinct seasons:

• January - March: This is the dry season as the northeast monsoons are more common.
• Mid-May - November: This is the wet season, as southwest monsoons are more common. Wet, however, doesn't mean rain all the time, it just means we see more rain during this period than during the dry season. This may be a daily heavy shower, but it's very rare to have days and days of rain in succession or even a full 24 hours of rain. There is usually more wind during this period, but this helps keep the temperature at a nice level and you can still expect plenty of blue skies and sunshine.

The rare thunderstorm in the Maldives (especially around the southwest monsoon months) can be a welcome respite from the sun. Cloudy skies, slate grey seas, and crashing thunder make for lovely reading weather. The warm temperatures will allow you to go for a walk in the rain, a thoroughly enjoyable experience. For extra exhilaration, take a swim in the rain - the sea will be extra warm.

There can be heavy rain showers pretty much any time of year, but they tend to be short and cannot be accurately predicted seasonally (in other words – don’t worry too much about them – you will quite possibly experience some rain showers, but the majority of the weather should be great, and you will be unlucky to get several consecutive days of heavy rain). Like many places in the world today, the climate and weather pattern is changing, and historical data is less reliable as an indication of what to expect in the here and now.

We are a Travelife Partner, which signifies our compliance with over 100 sustainability criteria.

Sustainable and responsible tourism has been an integral part of our business model since 2012. We are mindful of ensuring we promote local tourism in line with Maldivian culture and traditions. Through the education of our team, our guests, and locals, we aim to protect the environment and limit wherever possible any negative impact on local life. As a team, we aim to inspire, inform, and demonstrate to our partners, our guests, and the tourism industry as a whole, that we are committed to ensuring we offer only responsible and positive travel experiences. We believe that people, communication, and education are the foundation of Sustainable Tourism. This is the reason that we have built our business around four communities:

• Our Guests
• Our Team
• Local Islanders
• NGOs and charity organizations

We understand that success requires focus, adaptation, and long-term thinking. Change does not often happen overnight but is a gradual process, but surely in a destination such as the Maldives, it is our responsibility to make that difference.

Environmental Initiatives
Through learning experiences with our guides, we provide guests with awareness of corals, marine life, seagrass, mangroves, waste management, and plastic pollution. We brief all guests participating in snorkeling activities on the Green Fins Code of Conduct, this improves their knowledge of what they can do to help protect the ocean and coral reefs. We follow the Code of Conduct produced by international marine organizations when encountering manta rays, whale sharks, and turtles while snorkeling and diving.

On this tour keeping the history of Addu in mind, we stay at Equator Village Maldives in Addu, a resort with a rich history as the former British Royal Air Force Sergeant's Mess during World War II. The converted colonial buildings now offer comfortable accommodations amidst a tropical garden. Guests can enjoy amenities like en-suite rooms, a swimming pool, a small beach area, and access to a house reef, creating a unique and memorable stay experience.

Sociocultural Initiatives

Our tours include opportunities to engage with locals and learn about the local way of life. By doing so, we help preserve the local cultures, foster mutual learning and exchange, empower the local community economically, as well as provide authentic travel experiences. Through meaningful interactions, travelers gain a deeper understanding of the destination's culture, traditions, and heritage, ensuring the preservation of unique cultural practices for generations to come.

Economic Initiatives

By using locally owned and operated infrastructure and sourcing services developed and managed by locals, our approach promotes economic sustainability in the Maldives. One key benefit is the creation of local jobs. Supporting locally owned businesses generates employment opportunities for residents, reducing unemployment rates and fostering economic stability within communities. This not only contributes to the overall well-being of the local population but also helps to alleviate poverty and improve living standards.

Additionally, by relying on existing local infrastructure and services, we contribute directly to the revenue streams of local businesses, enabling them to thrive and invest in further development.

Our decision to avoid having our own fleet of vehicles and vessels and instead utilize local public transport or private locally-owned transport allows us to support the local transportation sector. By utilizing their services, we contribute to the sustainability of local transport businesses, ensuring their continued operation and economic viability.

Be sure you have traveler's insurance.

You can travel safely in the knowledge that you are in capable hands. All of our guide team members are certified in the care and safety of guests and hold First Emergency Response and Lifeguard certification.