Vaavu Atoll

Vaavu Atoll is comprised of two geographical atolls; the main Vaavu Atoll and the large circular atoll, 9 kilometers in diameter, Vattaru with just one uninhabited island on it. Vaavu Atoll is a true geographical wonder. It is a boot-shaped atoll and the ,˜toe’, Fotteyo Muli is the easternmost point of the Maldives archipelago.

In addition to this, the 55 kilometers long unbroken reef that stretches from the ,˜toe’ to the ,˜heel’ of the ,˜boot’ is the longest reef in the Maldives and the island Fotteyo Bodufushi on this reef is the easternmost island. Vaavu atoll has been exposed to tourism since 1975 and the atoll has been a great favorite with safari and cruise operators.

However it is more isolated and less commercialized than any of the other tourist atolls. The reefs of the eastern side of the atoll are in pristine condition and are wonderful for divers and snorkelers alike. There are many thrilling shark dives in the atoll, where divers may be lucky enough to see hammerhead sharks as well as the more common grey reef sharks.

Both resorts in the atoll offer transport from the airport by speedboat, an exciting two-hour cruise southwards along the eastern side of the atolls. There are about 17 islands in the atoll in addition to several small islets. The population of the atoll is less than 2,000 and the five fishing villages are sparsely populated. The islands still retain the idyllic atmosphere of relaxed island life.