Gnaviyani Fuvahmulah Island Map

Gnaviyani Fuvahmulah Island Maldives

Fuvahmulah is the sole island of Gnaviyani Atoll, making it a unique one-island atoll located in the southern Maldives. Known for its diverse natural landscape, including freshwater lakes, lush vegetation, and unique pebble beaches, Fuvahmulah offers a stark contrast to the typical atoll structure seen in the rest of the Maldives. It is a destination of growing interest for eco-tourism and adventure activities, particularly due to its thrilling shark diving and biodiversity.

Packages

Hotels

Transfers

Activities

Location and Geography

- Fuvahmulah is located about 496 kilometers south of Malé, the capital of the Maldives, and is one of the southernmost islands, close to the equator. It stands alone as an isolated atoll and island in the Indian Ocean without a typical ring-shaped reef or a lagoon. The island covers around 4.5 square kilometers, with distinct features such as its two freshwater lakes: Dhadimagu Kilhi and Bandaara Kilhi. Its diverse topography includes white pebble beaches, black sand beaches, and a lush, fertile interior, which makes it different from other islands in the Maldives.

Population and Community

Fuvahmulah has a population of about 13,000 to 14,000 people, making it one of the most densely populated islands in the southern Maldives. The island’s residents maintain a close-knit community, with fishing, agriculture, and growing tourism serving as the primary sources of livelihood.

Things to Do in Gnaviyani Fuvahmulah

Diving with Tiger Sharks: Fuvahmulah is renowned for its tiger shark dives at Tiger Zoo, where divers can experience close encounters with these majestic creatures. The island is one of the few places in the world where tiger sharks can be seen year-round. In addition to tiger sharks, whale sharks, manta rays, and other pelagic species are frequently spotted.
Snorkeling and Reef Exploration: Though Fuvahmulah lacks a typical coral reef atoll structure, the waters around the island still offer snorkeling opportunities where you can see colorful fish, rays, and even turtles in some areas.
Explore Thundi Beaches: One of the island’s unique attractions is the Thoondu Beach on the northern side, famous for its naturally polished white pebbles. On the southern coast, there are black sand beaches, which are rare in the Maldives.
Visit Bandaara Kilhi and Dhadimagu Kilhi: These two large freshwater lakes are surrounded by thick greenery and are ideal for birdwatching, nature walks, or simply enjoying the serenity of these natural wetlands.
Fishing Trips: Visitors can experience the island’s rich fishing traditions by joining local fishing trips. Fuvahmulah has a long history of tuna fishing, and visitors can even try their hand at traditional pole-and-line fishing.
Surfing: Surfing opportunities are available at certain times of the year, particularly on the island’s southern beaches, which experience good swells during certain weather conditions.
Cultural Exploration: The island has a number of historical mosques and community centers. Visitors can learn about the island’s Islamic heritage, explore traditional homes, and attend local festivals when they coincide with their stay.
Nature Trails: Fuvahmulah’s interior is known for its fertile farmlands and greenery. You can take nature walks around the island’s villages and agricultural areas to see how the locals grow fruits like bananas, papayas, and mangoes.

Key Highlights

Tiger Shark Diving: Fuvahmulah is world-famous for tiger shark diving, where visitors can see these magnificent creatures up close. The island offers one of the most accessible shark diving experiences in the Maldives.
Unique Beaches: The island’s Thoondu Beach, with its white pebbles, is a rare sight in the Maldives. In addition, the black sand beaches on the southern side of the island are equally striking and unique.
Freshwater Lakes: Dhadimagu Kilhi and Bandaara Kilhi are the two largest freshwater lakes in the Maldives. They are surrounded by diverse ecosystems, providing a home for various birds and plant life.
Rich Marine Life: The waters around Fuvahmulah are home to a diverse range of marine species, including tiger sharks, whale sharks, oceanic manta rays, and other large pelagic species, making it a diver’s paradise.
Island’s Fertile Soil: Fuvahmulah is one of the few islands in the Maldives with fertile soil, allowing for successful farming. The agricultural richness adds another layer to the island’s diversity.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Fuvahmulah Atoll Hospital: The island has a hospital that offers a range of medical services for both locals and tourists, including emergency care.
Schools and Education: Fuvahmulah has several schools that provide education up to secondary level, as well as higher education facilities.
Shops and Markets: There are a number of local shops, supermarkets, and a fish market on the island. Visitors can purchase locally grown produce and freshly caught fish.
Restaurants and Cafes: The island has several restaurants and cafes offering local Maldivian cuisine, including seafood dishes like garudhiya (a traditional fish soup) and rihaakuru (fish paste).
Mosques: Fuvahmulah has multiple mosques, with Islamic culture being deeply ingrained in the island’s everyday life.
Sports and Recreation: The island is equipped with football fields, community centers, and sports complexes where locals engage in football, volleyball, and other sports. There’s also a focus on watersports, with facilities available for diving and surfing.
Guesthouses and Hotels: Fuvahmulah offers a growing number of guesthouses and small hotels. These provide visitors with comfortable accommodations while maintaining an authentic island experience.
Power and Communication: The island has its own power station, and mobile network coverage is widespread. Wi-Fi is available in guesthouses, cafes, and restaurants for tourists.

How to Get to Gnaviyani Fuvahmulah

Domestic Flights: Fuvahmulah has its own domestic airport, and daily flights from Velana International Airport (Malé) take around 1 hour 15 minutes. This is the primary mode of transportation for visitors coming from the capital.
Sea Transport: There are public ferry services and speedboat transfers that connect Fuvahmulah to nearby Addu City and other islands in the southern Maldives. However, flights are generally the preferred mode of travel.
Island Transportation: Within Fuvahmulah, getting around is easy via taxis, motorbikes, or bicycles. Visitors can also explore the island on foot due to its relatively small size.