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Addu Nature Park is a tropical paradise that offers an opportunity to communicate freely with nature while learning about the region’s history and admiring the flourishing flora and fauna of this island habitat.
Addu Atoll is the southernmost island chain in the Maldives and has the second-largest wetlands, after Fuvahmulah, in the archipelago. The park consists of the Eydhigali Kilhi wetlands and Koattey, a protected area on Hithadhoo island.
In Dhivehi language, Koattey means “fortress,” and the area lives up to its name by proving to be a haven for 28 bird species, several of which are migratory, and various kinds of mangroves.
A day at Addu Nature Park is an adventure for the entire family, filled with thrilling activities that are both exciting and educational. Visitors of all ages are bound to have a fun-filled time as they go about discovering the secrets of the mangrove forests, kayaking in the lake, or cycling around the wetlands.
Furthermore, the park has a visitor center with details about the birds that frequent the region, a workshop area for special events, buggy rides, and guided tours.
What to do in Addu Nature Park
For the botanically-inclined, Addu Nature Park is a wild playground, teeming with vibrant bio-diverse environments. When exploring the area, you get to know how the locals have been working tirelessly to preserve the territory, an essential requirement to prevent flora and fauna of this delicate eco-system from disappearing.
For casual travels, Addu Nature Park is a much-needed change, one that adds a hint of thrill to the otherwise lazy days spent on a resort island. The park also acts as the perfect respite for those wanting to escape the rush of Maldives’ inhabited cities.
Snorkeling by the coral reef at Addu Park – Maldives
Snorkel in live reef
The best activity to do in Addu Nature Park is snorkeling in the nearby coral reef. The raw, colorful beauty of the underwater world is breathtakingly diverse as you are likely to come across schools of fish, lobsters, clams, and sponges. Locals claim that the reef is also home to a few elusive turtles and seahorses.
Have a picnic
Unfortunately, camping isn’t allowed in Addu Nature Park, but you can huddle in and have a picnic while enjoying the scenery. There are strategically placed tables and chairs all around the park where you can sit and enjoy a friendly chat, a quick meal, and also take shelter from the sun. A small kiosk near the park entrance offers refreshments, or else, you can bring your own food from home. When walking around, do remember to carry a bottle of water with you.
Canoeing at Addu Park through mangroves trees – Maldives
Canoe in a mangrove forest
A popular must-do experience at the park is canoeing through the mangrove trees. There is also the possibility to go paddleboarding. You can always take a guided nature tour to spot and learn about the different marine life that calls the lake their home. Otherwise, take a canoe out on your own and enjoy the calming solitudes of the park for a relaxing escape.
Bike or take a buggy around the park
The easiest way to discover Addu Nature Park’s lush landscapes is to cycle or take a golf cart. The park has several scenic cycling routes that take you through some of its most interesting and beautiful spots. Moreover, biking is an excellent option to mingle with park workers, who are ever-so-happy to have a friendly chat with passing visitors. Bike rental costs around $2 for the whole day.
A couple of white terns at Addu Park – Maldives
Wildlife sightseeing
Addu Nature Park is an integral part of Addu Atoll, known as “the real Maldives” for its rich and diverse biological environment. Enthusiastic birders should bring along their binoculars to spot various birds flying over the Maldivian skies, especially the white terns. The park serves as a migratory refuge for several birds from the south as well. Besides the stingrays and sharks that roam in the waters nearby, the park is home is to frogs, crabs, and geckos.
Addu Nature Park timings and entrance fee
Addu National Park is open from 6 am to 6 pm on regular days. On Fridays, though, they take a break from 11 am to 2 pm for maintenance. During holidays, they close early at 4 pm.
The entrance fee for Addu Nature Park is $7. There are various rental rates for bikes and golf carts, so you need to drop by its Shelter Area and call for assistance.
How to get there
The best way to reach Addu Atoll is by taking a flight to Gan International Airport. Domestic flights or seaplanes from Malé to Gan cost $280 and up depending on the availability and season. There is also the choice to travel via speedboat or ferry, but that takes considerably longer.
Once there, your resort or local guesthouse can arrange for your day trip to Addu Nature Park.
N.B.: all information is correct as of the post-publication date, and prices are subject to change.
