Seenu

Seenu Atoll is the most southerly destination in the Maldives archipelago, the only atoll below the equator. Otherwise known as Addu Atoll, Seenu was the only area in the Maldives not to be affected by the global coral bleaching in 1988, meaning that the reefs are some of the most vibrant in the Indian Ocean. They are also some of the most active; Seenu’s reefs are known for abundance of marine life, particularly of whale and dolphin fauna.

Seenu is also home to the only other city in the Maldives: Addu City. The atoll’s capital is the only place of similar size and importance to Malé, constituted of a population of 18,000 who reside over 7 islands that are connected by causeway and land reclamation. Because the atoll’s basin is land-locked by large islands surrounding it, it has the only natural anchorage in the Maldives, making the harbour calm all-year round despite seasonal changes. Seenu’s beaches are also protected from stormy weather and large waves by a barrier reef, resulting in an extremely well-kept coastline.

Gan Island provides the atoll with some colonial overtones as it was used as a British military base until the 1970s, as well as housing an international airport. As a result of British occupation of the atoll, Seenu islanders were well placed for the explosion of the tourist industry due to their experience with Westerners and knowledge of the English language.

Gan International Airport (GAN) is located on Gan Island in Seenu Atoll. This airport is the main access point for the southern parts of the country.

Daily scheduled flights operate from Gan International Airport to other airports in the country including Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (MLE). Customs and Immigration services are provided here.