Noonu Atoll

Noonu Atoll, officially known as Miladhunmadulu Dhekunuburi, is an administrative division in the Maldives comprising the southern section of Miladhunmadulu Atoll. With a population of 16,706 (representing 3% of the Maldives' total population), this atoll is distinguished by its unique geographical features and rich marine life.

Geography and Structure

- Total Islands: 71

- Inhabited Islands: 13

- Capital: Manadhoo (largest natural island in the atoll)

- Notable Feature: Baraveli Kandu (western channel, meaning "hermit crab" in Dhivehi)

- Unique Characteristic: Unlike most Maldivian atolls, Noonu's islands are widely dispersed, resulting in channels with milder currents

Major Islands

- Manadhoo (Capital)

- Velidhoo (Most populated, hosting 15% of the atoll's population)

- Other significant islands: Fodhdhoo, Hebadhoo, Holhudhoo, Kedhikolhudhoo, Kudafari, Landhoo, Lhohi, Maafaru, Maalhendhoo, Magoodhoo, and Miladhoo

Transportation and Accessibility

- Maafaru International Airport (can accommodate up to six jets)

- Regular speedboat services from Male City

- Seaplane connections available

- Multiple passenger speedboat services operating from Manadhoo

Marine Life and Diving

Noonu Atoll boasts the highest density of swarming fishes in the Maldives, particularly:

- Large populations of Fusiliers and Snappers

- Significant spinner dolphin presence

Notable Dive Sites

1. Orimas Thila (Premier Dive Location)

   - Large populations of Grey Reef Sharks

   - Rich marine biodiversity

   - Depths exceeding 30 meters

2. Christmas Tree Rock (Vavathi Kurohli Thila)

   - Distinctive Christmas tree-shaped reef formation

   - Home to Whitetip Reef Sharks

   - Notable for unique topography

3. Other Popular Sites:

   - Fairy Meadow

   - The Dome

   - Golden Caves

   - Caribbean Tale

   - Felivaru Wreck

   - Multiple other locations spread across the 40-kilometer lagoon

Historical Sites

The Maamiskithu Vevu in Manadhoo stands as a significant historical monument:

- Ancient bathing tank

- Construction features sandstone

- Decorated with Arabic calligraphy

Economy

The atoll's economy is primarily supported by:

- Tourism (luxury resorts and guesthouses)

- Fishing industry

- Traditional crafts (lacquer work and mat weaving)

Noonu Atoll offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and world-class diving opportunities, making it a distinctive destination within the Maldives archipelago.

Inhabited Islands

Fohdhoo

Hen'badhoo

Holhudhoo

Ken'dhikulhudhoo

Kudafari

Landhoo

Lhohi

Maafaru ( International Airport)

Maalhendhoo

Magoodhoo

Manadhoo (Capital)

Miladhoo

Velidhoo

Updated at: 6 November 2024