Vaavu Atoll
Maldives · 2 m
Description
Vaavu (ވާވު) is the least populated atoll region of the Maldives and is known for its roughly 50 kilometre long reef along its eastern edge. Broken by several channels, the reef makes the atoll a popular destination for divers, with striking underwater landscapes featuring caves, overhangs, soft corals and abundant marine life. Fotteyo Kandu is among the region’s best known dive sites. At Alimatha, nurse sharks gather in the shallow water during night dives, creating one of the atoll’s most memorable wildlife encounters. Fulidhoo offers a glimpse of traditional island life, with Bodu Beru drumming, a compact village and a relaxed local atmosphere.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 3 to 8 days (optimal 4 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: December – April
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Night snorkelling with nurse sharks at Alimatha
- Fulidhoo village and its beaches
- Stingrays in the shallows off the jetty
- Fotteyo Kandu channel dive
- The fifty kilometre reef wall
- Uninhabited island and sandbank trips
- Bodu beru drumming in the evening
- Channel drift dives with grey reef sharks
- Dolphin pods in the atoll channels
Getting there
- Nearest airports:
- MLE
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry