Joanna James
As one of Asia's premier island destinations, Maldives is a beach explorer's dream come true. Here are some of the must-visit atolls of the Maldivian archipelago!
Tipped to be one of the best scuba diving hubs in the Maldives, the Meemu Atoll is a verdant underwater landscape base in the southern atolls of the paradise archipelago. Home to some of the best hotel chains in Maldives including the Adaaran Resorts, the atoll is also home to some of the most diverse marine species and diving landscapes in the region. The Medhufushi Thila is the chief highlight among the Meemu Atoll diving hotspots as marine creatures the likes of reef sharks are known to inhabit the narrow walls of this particular thila. Schools of small fish species are also visible here along with tuna and travellers who are largely spotted near the caves of the Thila. The overhangs of the Medhufushi Thila are occupied by manta rays that dash in from time to time while the lagoon to the north of the Thila is a hub for whale sharks.
Vaavu Atoll is not your usual atoll in the southern atolls of Maldives. It is home to some of the most spectacular views and sunset spots in the region. The atoll is renowned for its rich marine heritage. The main attraction for divers exploring the submerged landscapes of Vaavu Atoll is the location known as Fotteyo Kandu. The dramatic topography of the area serves as a stunning backdrop. Fotteyo Kandu is home to a staggering number of marine animals, including white-tip reef sharks, tuna, eagle rays, trevallies, and grey reef sharks. The area is lined with steep channels with plenty of swim-throughs, massive overhangs and tiny underwater caves. Soft corals are also found here. Divers may also come across hammerhead sharks, potato groupers, and manta rays if they time their visit right.
Even though it is a lesser-known hotspot in the Maldivian atolls, the Laamu Atoll remains unchartered territory among diving enthusiasts exploring the island archipelago and, thus, one of the prime Maldives attractions. The area boasts breathtaking landscapes with vast, deep channels that make it perfect for experienced divers. However, strong currents make it necessary to be cautious. It is these currents that attract various marine creatures such as manta rays, sharks, tuna, and jacks, who come to the atoll to feast on smaller fish species.
People holidaying in the southern atolls should head to the Thaa Atoll and its most famous hubspot known as Olhugiri Kandu. Tipped to be occupied by eagle rays as well as large white-tip reef sharks, the area is also a hotbed of activity for Napoleon wrasses who occupy the vast channel walls waiting for tuna and reef fish to swim their way. Revered as one of the best places in the Maldives to dive with whale sharks, Thaa Atoll's Olhugiri Kandu is one of the most intriguing dive sites in the area.
Known as a veritable secret among seasoned travellers in the Maldives and around the world, the Far South Atolls are an area that is served by a handful of tour operators and is a largely overlooked and unexplored landscape in the southern atolls. The Far South Atolls include Addu Atoll, Gaafu Atoll and Gnaviyani Atoll where mantas, whale sharks thresher sharks and tiger sharks are spotted.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
