Addu City Maldives - The Southernmost Maldives, at the Equator
Your guide to pristine beaches, rich history, and unforgettable island adventures in the southernmost atoll of the Maldives.
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Addu City Maldives. Where the Maldives Meets the Equator
Far beyond the crowded resort islands, where the ocean widens into deep blues and the air feels different, lies Addu City Maldives. The southernmost gem of the Maldives. This is where ancient history meets untamed nature. Where you can:
đČ Cycle across five connected islands on the Maldives longest causeway.
đŽ Glide through mangrove channels in Addu Nature Park, then snorkel WWII shipwrecks resting in turquoise calm.
đïž Sip black tea in a street cafĂ© as fishermen unload their catch. A Maldives moment untouched by postcards and filters.
Here, tourism and tradition coexist. Youâre not just visiting an island; youâre entering a living culture with its own dialect, stories, and southern identity. All connected by open road and open sea.
And getting here? Easier than you think.
Fly Direct to Gan - Your Gateway to the Southern Maldives
Gan International Airport (GAN) originally built as RAF Gan during WWII is Addu Cityâs international gateway. You can reach Addu by a quick domestic hop from MalĂ© (flight ~70â95 minutes) on Maldivian, or via direct international services from Colombo (SriLankan Airlines). frequencies vary by season. Â
đ« From MalĂ©: 70 Minutes to Paradise – 3+ daily flights with Maldivian Airlines. That means you can leave the capital after breakfast and be cycling beside the ocean before lunch.
đ From Colombo: Land in the Maldives Without MalĂ© – Direct flights with SriLankan Airlines connects travellers from South Asia, Europe, and the Middle East straight to Gan.
đą For Ocean Voyagers – Whether arriving on a luxury cruise or private yacht, Adduâs deep water anchorage offers easy shore access and warm welcomes.
đ Clear Customs Here, Skip the Capital Rush – Gan is the Maldives second international gateway. Your holiday starts the second you land.
đĄ Travel Tip: Arrive in Gan first and youâre already in the Maldivesâ most peaceful city, no crowds, no rush, just ocean, islands, and open road.
Discover Addu City - Six Islands, Six Stories
Each inhabited island in Addu City has a distinct personality from Hithadhooâs markets and Addu Nature Park, to Ganâs wartime heritage and the peaceful wetlands of Meedhoo.
A buzzing local centre and home to Addu Nature Park and the Koattey wetlands. Ideal for birdwatching and market walks. Learn More
Ride the Link Road and discover cafés, street art and local markets. The recently opened Hankede Bridge further improves connectivity. Learn More
Known for its strong local identity and the history of royal exiles. Main ferry link to Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo. Learn More
Home to Gan International Airport and remnants of the RAF base; gateway to the British Loyalty wreck and manta sites. Learn More
Mangroves, traditional fishing and a slower pace. Learn More
Visit Koagannu Cemetery (one of the countryâs oldest) and Mathikilhi Eco Garden, the atollâs important wetland. Learn More
Every island in Addu City is a chapter, but together it’s a story. One youâll live, not just read.
The Maldives isnât a resort brochure; itâs a journey you take island by island, road by road, and smile by smile.
Why Choose Addu City Maldives Over the Usual Atolls ?
Same Maldives, Different Story.
Yes, the beaches are just as white, the waters just as blue, but here, you get something rarer. The Maldives beyond the postcard. Addu City isnât about staying on one resort island. Itâs about the freedom to move, connect, and discover. Youâll cycle across five islands, dive untouched reefs, and feel the heartbeat of a culture thatâs been thriving in the southern tip of the Maldives for centuries. And the best part? You can fly straight here via Gan International Airport. No overnight layovers, no speedboat shuttles.
Nowhere else connects islands like Addu does. A single causeway, the Maldivesâ longest links five islands in a ribbon of road over turquoise water. Adduâs Link Road and new Hankede Bridge let you island-hop by bike or car
Gan Island isnât just a point on the map. Itâs the end of the world feeling. Few tourists make it this far south, which makes every sunrise and sunset feel like it belongs only to you.
Culture You Can Live, Not Just Observe
Addu speaks its own dialect, tells its own stories, and shares its own dishes. You wonât find staged âcultural nightsâ here. Youâll find real families inviting you in for home cooked meals, fishermen teaching you their craft, and neighbours stopping to chat in the street.
Untouched Reefs & WWII Wreck Diving
Slip into a world of coral gardens where the only company might be a school of parrotfish or a drifting manta ray. For divers, WWII relics and the British Loyalty wreck are unique to Addu diving itineraries only. One of the Maldivesâ rare historic dive sites. With fewer boats, every dive feels like a private expedition.
Rich wetlands & birdlife
Mathikilhi Eco Garden and the Koattey wetlands host key bird habitats including the white tern. “Dhondheenaa“, the iconic bird of Addu City
Getting Here is Easy and Memorable
Fly direct from Colombo or take a quick 70 minute hop from MalĂ©. Or, turn your arrival into an adventure. Come by yacht, or cruise into Addu as your first Maldivian port of call. However you arrive, youâll step straight into the Maldives at its most peaceful.
Only in Addu - Canât Miss Experiences
Some places you just visit. In Addu, you live them.
Every sunrise here comes with a choice to wander, to explore, to connect. This is where the ocean, the islands, and the people invite you into a rhythm youâll never want to leave.
đ¶ Paddle Through Mangrove Secrets

Glide silently through lush mangrove tunnels in Addu Nature Park, immersed in natureâs quiet embrace.
â Tea, Stories & Island Hospitality

Sip traditional black tea, savor fresh hedhikaa snacks, and connect warmly with locals who welcome you like family.
Swim with Manta Rays

Experience awe-inspiring encounters with graceful manta rays gliding through southern reefs.
Stargazing by the Shore

Watch the Milky Way rise over silent oceans and endless skies â a celestial show few get to witness.
đŹ Your Addu Story Starts Here
Every day in Addu is a new chapter of discovery, connection, and wonder. Where will your journey take you?
Plan Your Addu Adventure

Choose Your Arrival:
Land directly at Gan International Airport or connect via Malé.
Book Your Stay:
From cozy guesthouses to island resorts, search, compare, and book instantly using our trusted partners.
Get Around:
Cycle, scooter, or taxi. All islands are connected, so exploring is effortless.
Best Time to Visit:
Year round diving and calm seas. Peak season: November to April.
Addu City Travel Tips - What You Need to Know Before You Go
Now that youâre dreaming, hereâs the practical magic to make it happen.
đ«Â Fly Direct to GAN Airport | Save precious hours and arrive ready to explore. Skip the overnight layovers. You are here in the heart of Addu the moment you land.
đš Book Stays Early | From cozy guesthouses to beachfront resorts, Addu fills up during holidays. Book early for the best choices and rates.
đ” Rent a Bike or Scooter | With causeways linking the islands, two wheels are the best way to feel the ocean breeze while you explore
đ Dive or Snorkel with Experts| Explore vibrant reefs and historic wrecks throughout the year with certified local guides who know every secret spot.
đłÂ Carry Both Cash & Card | ATMs are available, but smaller cafes and shops often prefer MVR or USD in cash.
đ± Stay Connected | Grab a Dhiraagu or Ooredoo SIM at the airport for smooth navigation, instant sharing, and no Wi-Fi worries.
Your Addu Story
Imagine waking up on Gan IslandâŠ
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Day 1: Check in, rent a bike, cycle the causeway at golden hour.
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Day 2: Morning dive at coral walls, afternoon mangrove canoeing.
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Day 3: Birdwatching & rare white tern photography.
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Day 4: WWII heritage tour & sunset dinner at a beach café.
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Day 5: Sunrise selfie at the southernmost point before flying out.
Every day is a mix of freedom, culture, and connection. No crowded ferry queues, no âtourist-onlyâ zones.
The Maldives Youâve Been Waiting For Is Just One Flight Away
Donât just dream about the Maldives. Experience the southern side where nature, culture, and history meet. With easy flights, affordable stays, and adventures you wonât find anywhere else, Addu City is ready to welcome you now.
Your next story begins here.