Exploring Vaavu Atoll
Experience the local life of local islanders and discover the secret corners of Vaavu Atoll; from Baani Lodge you can visit nearby desert islands, sandbanks and reefs to explore the surrounding nature and beauty of Maldives. And if you would like treat yourself to a bit enthusiast to explore the life and living in a small island, head to the village where we love to show authentic life of local islanders.
The Atoll
Located in the central part of the Maldives archipelago, Vaavu (or Felidhoo) Atoll is an undeveloped vacation paradise comprised of 18 beautiful isles and the natural atolls of Felidhoo Atoll and the Vattaru Reef. Even if there are many reefs, the number of island is relatively limited. It is the smallest and among the least commercialized atolls in the Maldives. The pristine, warm waters here are teeming with fish and larger marine life providing superb scuba diving for both beginners and advanced divers.
Vaavu Atoll boasts Fotteyo Falhu – the largest unbroken barrier reef in the Maldives.
Hurahu Finolhu is situated at the northern end of Fotteyo Falhu. The reef is 50 km long and the easternmost point of the Maldives archipelago.
Vaavu is mostly visited by live-a-boards and this is undoubtedly the best way to explore these unspoilt sites.
Hurahu Finolhu is also very close to Fotteyo Kandu which one of the favorite location and is considered by some to be one of the best dive sites in the Maldives due to the vast array of marine life that can be found there.
Due to its proximity to these famous dive spots and ideal location, Vaavu atoll is one of the favorite location for almost all cruise boats.
Felidhoo Island
Felidhoo Island is located on the eastern side of the atoll. Land area is approximately 13 hectors making it the biggest inhabited island in this atoll. Felidhoo is also the administrative capital of Vaavu atoll making it the second densely populated island (around 650 inhabitants). The island has a very active community and local life style could be more clearly experienced on site. The island is very famous in the country for cultural performances and music.
Excursion Islands
The island Hulhidhoo and Aarah are two private islands that can be reached with our boat in just a few minutes from Felidhoo. Vashugiri is situated on north east of Vaavu atoll and it takes around 1 hour 45 minutes by normal Dhoani. Ambara is situated at the center of vaavu atoll and it takes about 1 hour 20 minutes to reach by Dhoani.
These islands are typical dessert island and serves plenty of room to relax and enjoy. Guests can also do snorkeling at the house-reef or sunbathing. These islands consists in lots of big and small trees and there are lots of space for shades if you do not want to get sun burned. We do also bring solar sail during these trips to the islands to allow our guests to enjoy the hot sun but without getting sun burned as during some days sun is too strong that you cannot enjoy it without a shade.
If it is a full-day trip, lunch is served on the island. Lunch would consists a main meal, a side meal fish, vegetables and fresh fruits dessert. In addition, non-alcoholic soft drinks and coffee are always available.
There are plenty more places to visit and things to see around Vaavu Atoll; the famous shipwreck, Shark points, and the world famous underwater scuba dive sites…
