Description of the attraction
Male Atoll is one of the reef islands of the Maldives of natural origin, consisting of two separate formations - North and South Male, separated by the Vaadhoo Kandu channel. Together with the island of Kaashidhoo and Gaafaru, Male Atoll forms the administrative district of Kaafu. Male, the capital of the Maldives, is located at the southern tip of North Male Atoll. Maldives International Airport is located on Hulule Island, part of the atoll. Almost all uninhabited islands of this atoll have become tourist resorts during the last two decades of the 20th century.
South Male Atoll is different from its northern neighbor. This is partly due to the lack of people - there are only three inhabited islands, all of them are located on the eastern edge. The largest island of South Male Atoll - Maafushi with a population of 1200 people, is the center of tourism in the Maldives. After seismic changes over the past few years, dozens of guest houses have been built here. In high season, Maafushi is visited by many foreigners, there is a beach where you can swim in a bikini - this is important in a Muslim country, a diving center and a traditional market.
Nearby is the islet of Guraidhoo, the largest city in Male Atoll and more populous than Maafushi (1,800 inhabitants). Its lagoon has a good anchorage and a port that is used by fishing boats as a dock for doni and boats. Today Guraidhoo is popular with budget travelers who stay in affordable guesthouses. The island is also included in the program of excursions from nearby resorts - you can walk to it along the lagoon on foot at low tide.
The small island of Guli, north of Maafushi, is home to about 750 people. Fishing is the main activity of local residents, and the main income comes from the shipyard with pleasure boats and boat repair and maintenance services and several guesthouses.
The main attraction of Male Atoll is its underwater world and diving. The most famous diving sites in the Maldives are located here.
For example, Tila Cacao with deep water is located on the outer edge of the atoll. Its many ravines and ledges attract gray reef sharks, rays and large groups of fusiliers and groupers. Embudhu Kandu is a canal in the northeast of South Male Atoll, a marine reserve for the population of gray reef sharks.
For colorful underwater filming, divers choose Guraidhoo Kanda South, which consists of two channels and a large central reef with a huge number of colorful fish. Medu Faro on the northern slope of Guraidhoo Kandu in the southeastern part of southern Male is popular with professional divers for vertical diving from a 30-meter ledge, behind which is a cliff into the ink abyss. The Vaadhoo Caves are located along the northern coast of South Male Atoll, and even beginners will be able to explore several quiet and safe caves under the guidance of an instructor.
The most favorable conditions for diving in Male Atoll are from the end of December to May, but the resorts are open all year round.
