The Northern Atolls region is a preferred destination for anyone looking to escape to a pristine tropical island paradise. Atolls named Haa Alif, Haa Dhaal, Shaviyani, Noonu, Raa, Baa, and Lhaviyani are located in this part of the Maldives. Only the three atolls that are located immediately to the north of North Male’ Atoll are included in the traditional tourist zone of the area. Nevertheless, in recent years, the government has been allocating additional islands for development purposes, which has resulted in the remainder of the atolls being accessible to tourists as well.
About fifty islands make up Baa Atoll, which is considered to be a significant atoll in the northern atolls area. There are around ten inhabited islands with a total population of approximately 10,000 people. The reefs of the Baa Atoll are renowned for their untouched natural beauty since they have not been damaged throughout the course of time. The Lhaviyani Atoll is not as large as some of the other atolls in the Maldives. It is made up of over 50 islands, although only five of them have permanent human habitation. The islands, which are located on the atoll’s periphery have a substantial amount of vegetation.
Tourist Attractions in Northern Atolls, Maldives
Utheemu Island
Utheemu Island is where the renowned Sultan Mohammed Thakurufaanu was born. With the assistance of his brothers, Sultan Mohammed Thakurufaanu beat the Portuguese in 1573. A monument that was erected in 1986 to honour the Sultan may be seen on the island. The monument has a little museum as well as a library inside its walls. The wooden palace of Thakurufaanu, which had been abandoned for some time but was rediscovered a few years ago, is another feature on the island. People make their way here to show their respect for the Sultan.
Funadhoo Island
The island of Funadhoo serves as the administrative centre of Shaviyani Atoll. The island of Funadhoo is rather scenic, and it is home to a few of tourist sites, such as the remnants of an old mosque and tombstones dating back to the 13th century. There are around 1,330 people living on the island.
Milaidhoo Reef
In the Baa Atoll, the Milaidhoo Reef may be found on the northern side of an island that is deserted. Because of the powerful currents that run through the Kamadhoo Kandu, the reef is covered with soft corals, which are able to survive there. It is ideal for snorkelling since the reeftop is at a depth of 2 metres. There are a lot of caverns in the rock, and many of them are inhabited by sea fans and sponges.
Dhigali Haa
The single Marine Protected Area on the Baa Atoll is called Dhigali Haa, and it can be found inside the atoll. There are regular sightings of grey and white-tipped reef sharks, barracudas, jacks, and turtles in this reef region, which is rich in marine life. Jacks, batfish, and trevally are some of the other species of fish that are often seen in this area. In addition, there are nudibranchs, orange and yellow soft corals, and anemones for you to admire.
Kuredu Express
The challenging diving location known as Kuredu Express may be found just near to the Kuredu Resort. Because of the powerful currents in the canal, the technique requires specialist knowledge. Additionally, there are some fantastic prospects for snorkelling on the eastern side of the canal. The Napoleon wrasse, grey reef sharks, and travally are some of the common species of marine life that may be seen near the mouth of the channel. In addition, stingrays, turtles, and moray eels may be spotted here.
Shipyard
Lhaviyani Atoll’s Shipyard is a challenging diving location that may be reached by boat. The two wrecks, which are located 50 metres apart from one another, are the primary draws of this location. These ships are located in an area with strong currents, which has allowed both soft and hard corals to flourish, creating a home for a wide variety of reef species. In addition, Moray eels and sweepers make their homes in the wreckage. Additionally, there are nurse sharks that swim around the bottom of the ocean.
