Laamu Atoll
Maldives · 2 m
Description
Laamu Atoll (ލާމު) lies far south of the Maldives’ main tourist centers and combines island culture with striking natural and historical attractions. A roughly twelve kilometer causeway links several islands across the reef, making this part of the atoll unusually accessible by bicycle. Its eastern side is known for renowned surf breaks such as Yin Yang and Refugee’s Lefts, which produce powerful waves during the southwest monsoon. On Gan and Isdhoo, Buddhist stupas and archaeological sites preserve evidence of the Maldives’ pre-Islamic past. Less developed than many other atolls, Laamu offers travelers a quieter and more authentic side of the island nation.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 3 to 10 days (optimal 5 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: May – September
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Causeway ride across four linked islands
- Empty beaches on the eastern shore
- Yin Yang and Refugees surf breaks (March - October)
- Six Senses Laamu on Olhuveli
- Buddhist stupa mounds on Isdhoo and Gan
- Ancient Mosque of Isdhoo (UNESCO tentative list)
- Local island guesthouses at Gan and Maandhoo
- Reef diving on the outer walls
- Mangroves and the inland lakes of Hithadhoo
- Fanadhoo lake and the island interiors
- Turtle nesting on the southern beaches (June - October)
Getting there
- Airports:
- KDO
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry