About Us
Welcome to Addu
Welcome to Addu City, our haven of calm in the heart of the Indian Ocean, and the gateway to the Maldives’ secluded southern atolls.
Here in Addu, British Eastern Fleet Commander Admiral James Somerville once sought to create a secret base in the middle of the Indian Ocean – protected from the outside world. His vision became known as Port T, which would later become RAF Gan and today serves as the main International Airport for our unique tourist destination.
Mayor Ali Nizar
ADDU CITY
Gan International Airport today delivers guests to 250 tropical islands within a catchment area of 185km spanning the Equator. The furthest island in this group of atolls from Gan is just 20 minutes travel by seaplane and 2 hours by speed boat.
Across our three atolls – Addu, Fuvahmulah and Huvadhu - we now have 5000 tourist beds, comprising 25 resorts, including internationally-renowned brands, to protect our visitors from all their worries. We have 45 guest houses, 15 registered homestays, several safari liveaboards, and four domestic airports. Among our unique attractions are two UNESCO biosphere reserves, a natural bird sanctuary (island), 150 dive sites, 25 surf points, over 175 virgin islands with white sandy beaches, more than 80 lagoons with crystal-clear turquoise water, 15 dolphin sighting areas, 26 shark points, historical WWII sites, and British war memorials.
Addu itself is one of the oldest populated atolls in the country, with the island of Meedhoo having traces of settlements as far back as 2000 BCE. The heart-shaped atoll lies at the southernmost tip of the Maldives and is home to some of its most diverse natural habitats. With large islands, a flourishing population, long history, and rich culture, Addu stands out as a unique tourist destination that seamlessly marries nature with development.
As a maiden effort toward improved services, the City Council has formed a destination management office (DMO) to serve as the first point of contact for international tourism developers, investors, airlines, travel agencies, and tour operators.
Addu represents a community that has evolved to embrace our proud past and promising future with imagination and pride.
Our arms are open to you.
Geography
Addu Geography
A total of 24 natural islands of various sizes lie on a heart shaped coral rim. The islands on the western side of the Atoll have been linked by a man-made causeway that links the islands of Hithadho, Maradhoo, Maradhoofeydhoo, Feydhoo and Gan, an extent of 14km. On the eastern side of the atoll, lie the islands of Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo and the tourist resorts Herathera and Shangri-la’s Villingilli Resort & Spa.
At the Southern tip of the Atoll is Gan International Airport. Gan marks the most southern point in the Maldives as well as the most southern point in South Asia.
Unlike other atolls of Maldives, Addu harbors a natural anchorage within the atoll basin, very calm and safe for vessels at all times, and is not affected by seasonal changes. The atoll possesses four channels that lead into the lagoon. In the north are Kuda Kandu and Maa Kandu, in the south Gan Kandu, and the wider Villingili Kandu are to the southeast.
The islands have lush vegetation; some have mangroves and marshy taro fields which are unique throughout the islands of Maldives.
History
Addu History
There are no exact records of when the first settlers arrived in Addu Atoll, but several historians and researchers have concluded that people were living on these islands for more than 2000 years. It is believed the first settlers originated from Sri Lanka and India. The Maldives was previously a Buddhist nation until it embraced Islam 800 years ago. The people of Meedhoo island in Addu were amongst the first to convert to Islam in the Maldives.
Despite its isolation, Adduans have always been energetic, creative and self-reliant. The community has always thrived on fishing, farming, weaving, toddy tapping, but the most significant of all the community’s achievements was its trade vessels. Addu is well known for its able sea navigators and vessels. The Addu-built wooden sailing vessels would regularly travel to Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, and even as far as China for trade, carrying local produce such as coconuts and sweet savories made from toddy. The traders would then return with goods like grains, fabrics, medicinal herbs, spices, perfumes, etc. There were also annual trips to Arabia for the pilgrimage in Mecca.
Climate
Addu Climate
The Maldives has a tropical climate distinguished by two seasons: dry from December to March, and wet from May to November with moderate winds and rain. March is the usual month noted for clear water with temperature remarkably consistent at around 30°C.
People & Culture
Addu People & Culture
The Maldives has a tropical climate distinguished by two seasons: dry from December to March, and wet from May to November with moderate winds and rain. March is the usual month noted for clear water with temperature remarkably consistent at around 30°C.
Language
Addu Language
The dialect spoken in this atoll (Addu bas) is quite different from the official form of Dhivehi language. It has some similarities with the dialect of Fua Mulaku (Mulaku bas).
Traditionally all educated islanders from the three different atolls of the south adopted the Addu Bas as lingua franca. Hence, when for example an islander of Huvadhu met with another from Fua Mulaku, they would use the Addu bas to talk to each other. Addu bas is the most widespread and popular dialect in the southern region of Maldives.
Economy
Addu Economy
The dialect spoken in this atoll (Addu bas) is quite different from the official form of Dhivehi language. It has some similarities with the dialect of Fua Mulaku (Mulaku bas).
Traditionally all educated islanders from the three different atolls of the south adopted the Addu Bas as lingua franca. Hence, when for example an islander of Huvadhu met with another from Fua Mulaku, they would use the Addu bas to talk to each other. Addu bas is the most widespread and popular dialect in the southern region of Maldives.
How to Reach
How to Reach Addu
Gan International Airport is connected by SriLankan Airlines via Colombo at the moment. More international airlines are expected to begin operations in the near future.
Addu is a 75 minute flight south of Velana International Airport, Male’. The city has an international airport on Gan which caters to both domestic and international airlines and private jets.
There are numerous daily flights between Male’ and Addu by local airline–Maldivian. Sailing yachts and boats can directly visit Addu since Addu Atoll is among the 3 clearing points in Maldives for international yachts.
A cheaper and more adventurous way of getting here would be to hop on a cargo boat from Male’ and sail through the atolls anchoring at some islands along the way. Although this may take 2-3 days, it definitely lets you enjoy the beauty and interact with lively locals.
