Noonu Velidhooo Island Map

Noonu Velidhoo Island Maldives

Noonu Velidhoo is one of the inhabited islands in Noonu Atoll, located in the northern part of the Maldives. This beautiful island offers a glimpse into traditional Maldivian life while being surrounded by crystal-clear waters, stunning coral reefs, and serene natural beauty. Velidhoo is perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful and authentic Maldivian experience away from the more commercialized areas.

Packages

Hotels

Transfers

Activities

Location and Geography

- Velidhoo is located in the Noonu Atoll, approximately 180 kilometers north of Malé, the capital of the Maldives.
- The island is surrounded by a vibrant coral reef, which makes it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
- Velidhoo features lush greenery, coconut palm trees, and sandy beaches that add to the island’s natural beauty.

Population and Community

The population of Velidhoo is estimated to be around 2,000 to 3,000 people.
The community is closely connected, with fishing being the primary occupation for many of the islanders, along with other traditional industries such as agriculture and boat building.

Key Highlights and Attractions

1. Traditional Maldivian Island Life
- Velidhoo offers a peaceful and tranquil setting for visitors to experience traditional Maldivian culture. The island’s residents live a relaxed and communal lifestyle, with strong connections to the sea.
- Tourists can witness fishing activities, local crafts, and even participate in village events, offering a genuine cultural experience.

2. Rich Marine Life
- The island is surrounded by a vibrant coral reef, making it an excellent destination for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can explore the rich underwater biodiversity, including colorful tropical fish, turtles, and manta rays.
- Velidhoo’s coral reefs are relatively untouched, offering pristine diving and snorkeling opportunities for enthusiasts.

Facilities and Infrastructure

1. Healthcare
- The island has a small healthcare center that provides basic medical services for residents. For more advanced medical needs, locals may travel to larger islands or the capital Malé.
2. Education
- Velidhoo has schools that provide primary and secondary education to the local children. Like other Maldivian islands, higher education opportunities often require traveling to Malé or abroad.
3. Accommodations
- Unlike some other islands in Noonu Atoll, Velidhoo does not have luxury resorts but offers a few guesthouses where visitors can stay and experience a more authentic Maldivian lifestyle. These guesthouses provide comfort at a budget-friendly price while allowing travelers to interact with the local community.

Things to Do in Velidhoo

1. Snorkeling and Diving
- Velidhoo’s coral reefs are a haven for divers and snorkelers. The rich marine biodiversity and clear waters make it one of the best spots to explore colorful fish, manta rays, and turtles.
- For divers, some nearby dive sites offer opportunities to explore underwater caves and reefs that remain largely untouched.

2. Fishing and Island Exploration
- As a traditional fishing island, Velidhoo offers tourists the chance to experience local fishing trips and learn about the Maldivian fishing methods that have been passed down through generations.
- The island is also great for walking tours, where visitors can explore the village, meet the friendly locals, and experience the island’s laid-back atmosphere.

3. Cultural Experiences
- Visitors can interact with the local population and gain insights into Maldivian customs and traditions. Craftsmanship, such as boat building and mat weaving, are still practiced on the island and offer a unique look into traditional Maldivian culture.

How to Get to Noonu Velidhoo

By Air: The nearest airport is Maafaru International Airport, which is around a 45-minute speedboat ride from Velidhoo. Alternatively, visitors can take a domestic flight from Malé to Maafaru, followed by a boat transfer to Velidhoo.
By Sea: There are regular ferry services between Velidhoo and nearby islands, as well as speedboats available for transfers from Malé.