Vaavu Atoll
Vaavu atoll is located 40 miles from the capital Malé, reachable by a speedboat ride in 1 hour 15 minutes.
vaavu atoll
The atoll of Vaavu
Vaavu Atoll is an administrative division of the Maldives, comprising the natural atolls of Felidhu Atoll and the Vattaru Reef. It is the smallest administrative atoll in the Maldives in terms of population.
The main industries here are fishing and boatbuilding, with tourism a growing – but still minimal – sector. Vaavu atoll has been exposed to tourism since 1975 and the atoll has been a great favourite with dive liveaboards and cruise operators. There are just two resorts in the atoll, though there's a small but growing number of guesthouses.
vaavu atoll
Best fishing spot
Relatively undeveloped, Vaavu is known in the Maldives as the best fishing spot. Sport fishing in Vaavu Atoll is one of the main tourist baits, especially for those who seek the thrill and dreams of large prizes, including blue marlin, sailfish, dog-tuna fish, and GT (giant trevally). Fishing on the reef is the main occupation for the locals.
A paradise for divers
Formed by 19 islands, Vaavu atoll, Maldives is also a paradise for divers. The pristine atoll's waters can boast of many world-class dive sites, unique marine reserves and house reefs, the most famous of which is Fottheyo Falhu - one of the most beautiful, the longest continuous reef in the Maldives, which literally teems with marine life.
vaavu atoll
Vaavu Atoll is popular for diving, fishing and beaches
As the least commercialised atoll in the Maldives, the beaches are often quiet and dive sites empty – perfect for divers looking for a private experience. In fact, Vaavu delivers some of the best channel diving in the Maldives and one of its most exciting night dives with dozens of blacktips, nurse sharks, whiptail rays and a shipwreck.
vaavu atoll
The capital island of Vaavu Atoll
The capital island of Vaavu Atoll is Felidhoo (population 500), though visitors are more likely to go to the neighbouring island, Keyodhoo, which has a good anchorage for safari boats. At the northern edge of the atoll, Fulidhoo is known for its boatbuilding. Rakeedhoo, at the southern tip of the atoll, is used as an anchorage by safari boats taking divers to the nearby channel.
