ADDU OFFERS ALL TASTES OF LIFE – from the art of doing nothing to exploring off the beaten tracks of amazing atoll
ISLAND HOPPING | SNORKELING | DIVING | FISHING | PICNICS | DOING NOTHING | DINING| RESORT VISITS
ISLAND HOPPING- exploring the islands by cycling
For an independent traveller, Addu is a haven. Unlike other Maldives islands , at Addu you are no longer stranded on a small island but you have all the freedom to explore and feel the real island spirit by exploring the four inhabited islands connected by a causeway. Also, you can hop uninhabited islands.
Bicycles , moto bikes and even cars are available for daily rent at Island Hoppers. Both guided tours and free tours can be arranged.
● You are staying in Maradhoo island, at the centre of the western edge of the islands.
● From here a ride to the east side you will reach Feydhoo island and Gan island which is a former British Naval base. Half day would do.
● East of Island Hoppers is Hithadhoo Island, one of the largest islands in the Maldives. This is a 18 km journey. On the way you would cross many stretches of uninhabited islands. It will take a full day excursion to explore Hithadhoo.
SIGHTSEEINGS- must see
● GAN ISLAND – a walk in the island to see historical buildings and British landscape during world war 2
● FEYDHOO HARBOR- lively atmosphere, just mingle with the locals, beautiful mosques
● MARADHOO FEYDHOO ISLAND- try the hawkers, enjoy local cafes
● MARADHOO ISLAND – a vibrant local life, a visit to the harbor is a must. Check out the dive centre, Bondoge- built by British during world war 2, Slipway built by Royal Air Force
● UNINHABITED STRETCHES OF ISLANDS CONNECTING HITHADHOO – just explore tropical beauty of the islands
● HITHADHOO ISLAND- capital island of Addu Atoll, home to many historical sites and rich flora and fauna. Discover the protected area of Eadhigali Kilhi, a muddy fresh water lake of fish and birds. Stroll around Koattey area- used to be a fort, amazing scenery. Don’t miss Taro fields. Man Made local attractions: Schools, mosques and local mini malls
● EASTERN ISLANDS- the local islands of Meedhoo and Hulhudhoo are on the eastern stretch accessible via the Dhoni 30 minutes or 15minutes speed boat. Meedhoo is one of the earliest settlers of Addu, historical ruins of mosques and local coral houses.
SNORKELING- brilliant corals, fishes all year around
Addu atoll has one of the most amazing house reefs in the Maldives. Just 5 minutes walking distance. Snorkeling gear available for rent. There are many snorkeling sites all around the atoll which can be reached by speed boat .
DIVING- Shipwreck, coral patches, manta rays, sharks, all year round
Addu boasts the largest shipwreck in the country. British loyalty , the only known wreck with links to world war 2. It is also home to large fishes, manta rays, sharks and turtles all year round.It is also known for its brilliant coral patches in the north and broad barrier reefs with several islands on the east and west. There are a total of four kandus in this atoll, Gan Kandu, Viligili Kandu, Maa Kandu and Kuda Kandu. Visibility is very high up to 30 meters and temperatures from 29-34 degrees. Dive sites’ depth varies from 2 to 30 meters. There is a PADI certified Diving centre Aquaventure within 10 minutes walking distance.
FISHING- Leisure fishing or be like a local fishermen
Maradhoo Island is well known for its large fishing dhonis and fishermen spirit among youth. Leisure fishing by the reef or big game fishing; out in the deep sea on a local fishing line, Dhoni At Island hoppers, you can BBQ your catch. Reef fishing- at the sunset, no experience required Game fishing- for the experienced fishermens and adventurous
PICNICS- Robinson Crusoe style picnics
What could be more romantic than spending time on a virgin island on a sunkissed white sandy beach overlooking the Indian ocean with your partner. Island Hoppers cater picnics and getaways as you wish. Picnic Lunch box available.
SUN, SAND , SEA – the art of doing nothing
Just pamper yourself into the tropical tranquility of sun, sand, sea. Sunbathing, enjoying and watching sunrise and sunset, listening to the waves and azzurre ripples of the indian ocean are everlasting memories much better than a postcard. Sun beds and sun lotions available at True South. Private sunbathing can be done at the uninhabited islands
DINING- exotic delicacies
Barefoot sunken dinner on white sands, beach BBQ, seafood dinner, Maldivian cuisines, romantic dinners, picnic lunch.
At True South cafe’ – a variety of local cuisines
Must try- “ Addu bendi” – a sweet speciality of Addu A tea/ coffee at a local cafe’ with bite of short eats
RESORT VISITS- to experience the resort life in Maldives
There are 3 resorts in Addu; Shangr-La Vilingili, Herathera, South Palm resort. Also there is a hotel Equator Village Equator village just a 15minutes bicycle ride away where they serve alcoholic drinks. The resorts are on separate islands of its own, accessible via speedboat, advance booking and subject to availability.