Everything You Need to Know About Vaavu Atoll: The Ultimate Travel Guide
Looking to escape the crowds and dive into untouched Maldivian beauty? 💙 Then let us introduce you to Vaavu Atoll — a lesser-known gem that offers raw nature, thrilling dives, and authentic island life.
Located southeast of Malé, Vaavu Atoll (also known as Felidhoo Atoll) is perfect for travelers who crave a peaceful paradise with a splash of adrenaline. Let’s dive into what makes Vaavu Atoll a rising favorite among adventurous travelers and divers.
📍 Where is Vaavu Atoll?
Vaavu Atoll is located about 65 km south of Malé, in the central-eastern Maldives. It’s made up of:
- 19 islands in total
- A mix of local islands, resort islands, and sandbanks
- Famous dive sites and pristine lagoons
🛥️ Getting there:
- Speedboat from Malé: ~1 to 1.5 hours
- Scheduled ferries and private transfers available
- No domestic airport (which keeps it peaceful!)
🌟 Why Visit Vaavu Atoll?
- 🤿 Home to Fotteyo Kandu, one of the best dive sites in the Maldives
- 🦈 Night diving with nurse sharks at Alimatha Jetty
- 🌴 Quiet and peaceful local islands
- 🏨 Budget-friendly guesthouses + a few exclusive resorts
- 🐬 Abundant marine life, coral walls, and underwater caves
If you’re into diving, snorkeling, or just love a more laid-back island vibe, Vaavu is perfect.
🛏️ Where to Stay in Vaavu Atoll
🏨 Resorts in Vaavu
There are only a few resort islands in Vaavu, maintaining the atoll’s quiet charm.
1. Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives
- Luxury resort with stunning overwater bungalows
- Excellent food, diving, and private beaches
- Close to Alimatha and dive sites
2. Alimatha Aquatic Resort
- Popular among divers
- Known for epic night dives at the nearby jetty
- Great for active couples and dive holidays
🌴 Local Islands with Guesthouses
Want a more authentic Maldivian experience? Try these local islands:
1. Keyodhoo
- The capital of Vaavu Atoll
- Has multiple guesthouses, a bikini beach, and dive centers
- Friendly locals and peaceful surroundings
2. Fulidhoo
- Small, laid-back island known for cultural performances and beautiful beaches
- Ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, and community tourism
3. Thinadhoo
- Emerging local island with boutique-style guesthouses
- Great house reefs for beginner snorkelers
🐠 Best Things to Do in Vaavu Atoll
1. Scuba Diving
Vaavu is a bucket list destination for divers. Here’s why:
- Fotteyo Kandu: Epic channel dive with strong currents, sharks, and caves
- Alimatha Night Dive: Nurse sharks, rays, and jackfish swarm divers after dark 🦈
- Golden Wall: Covered in yellow soft corals—perfect for underwater photography
- Miyaru Kandu: Another drift dive with frequent shark sightings
2. Snorkeling
- Almost every island has a house reef with coral gardens and colorful fish
- Don’t miss snorkel safaris to see turtles, rays, and reef sharks
3. Night Diving with Nurse Sharks
The Alimatha Jetty Night Dive is world-famous. Imagine diving at night surrounded by dozens of harmless nurse sharks swimming right next to you. It’s safe, thrilling, and unforgettable!
4. Sandbank Trips
- Take a dhoni boat to a remote sandbank for a picnic, swim, or drone shoot
- Ideal for romantic moments or family outings
5. Local Island Life
- Join locals for Bodu Beru drumming and traditional dance
- Visit cafes, try Maldivian snacks, and support small island businesses
📆 Best Time to Visit Vaavu Atoll
- ☀️ December to April – Dry season, best visibility for diving
- 🌧️ May to November – Wet season, but fewer tourists and still great for marine life
- 🐋 Year-round – Manta rays and sharks can be spotted almost anytime
✈️ How to Get to Vaavu Atoll
- Public Speedboat: From Malé to Fulidhoo, Keyodhoo, or Thinadhoo (1.5 hours)
- Private Speedboats: Available from resorts or guesthouses
- No seaplane or domestic airport – It’s part of the charm! 🚤
💡 Travel Tips for Vaavu Atoll
- 👙 Bikinis are allowed only on designated beaches on local islands
- 🧴 Bring reef-safe sunscreen and snorkeling gear
- 🐬 Ask your guesthouse about dolphin cruises and fishing trips
- 💵 USD and MVR (Maldivian Rufiyaa) both accepted
- 📶 Local SIM card recommended for affordable internet
🌅 Final Thoughts
Vaavu Atoll is an off-the-beaten-path paradise where you can dive with sharks, sleep under the stars, and connect with the real Maldives. It’s peaceful, raw, and absolutely unforgettable.
Whether you’re a hardcore diver, a honeymooning couple, or a curious traveler seeking island simplicity — Vaavu Atoll offers an untouched side of the Maldives that’s hard to find elsewhere. 🌊🐠🌴