| Seenu Atoll also known as
Addoo Atoll is the southernmost atoll of the Maldives. It is one of
two atolls of the Maldives that lie on the south of the equator. The
heart-shaped atoll is 18 kilometres long and 15 kilometres wide.
Addoo Atoll is different from any other Maldivian atoll in many
respects. The islands are only on the rim of the atoll and the
islands on the western side have been joined together to form the
longest stretch of land in the country, measuring about 18
kilometres. The holiday experience at Addoo is also different from
the rest of the Maldives. This is the only atoll where you can ride
a bicycle through the towns and meet the locals. The only resort in
the atoll is at Gan. Buildings of the former RAF base here have been
converted to provide facilities for the resort. Most visitors get to
Addoo by scheduled Air Maldives flights from Male’ International
Airport - an exciting one hour flight which takes you over the whole
length of the Maldives chain of atolls to the south of Male’ the
capital. The best diving and snorkelling in the atoll is on the long
outer fringing reefs of the atoll. Caves and overhangs provide the
perfect habitat for turtles and nurse sharks. Although divers may
not find an abundance of reef fish, one would see mantas, sharks,
turtles and generally other big fish all year round. The large wreck
of the ‘British Royalty’ torpedoed by the Japanese while in Addoo
harbour, and later sunk by the British, also enhances diving in this
atoll. The population of 17,000 lives on four islands, with 10,000
living on Hithadhoo the capital. Hithadhoo is a bustling town, only
second to Male’, with its own hospital, secondary school and streets
lined with shops. The history of the atoll is quite unique too. With
the outbreak of World War II, the atoll became a key hub for British
troop movements in the Indian Ocean region. A British RAF base was
built in Gan and before long 1200 Addoo locals were employed by the
British. After the end of the War, Gan was developed as a modern
airbase with the latest navigational and landing aids, and was able
to handle the most sophisticated RAF aircraft. Between 1960-61 it
handled some 630 aircraft and 12,500 passengers. The British stayed
in Gan until 1976. |
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