Gaafu Atoll Map Maldives

The Gaafu Atoll map covers an enormous area. Huvadhoo the historical name for the combined Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu atolls is the second largest atoll in the Maldives and one of the ten largest natural atolls in the world. The lagoon it encloses covers approximately 3,200 square kilometres. Mapping the full atoll in a single view requires a scale that makes the distance between its northern and southern edges clearly apparent.

The map is divided administratively into two sections. Gaafu Alifu (North Huvadhoo) occupies the upper portion, with Villingili as its capital and Kooddoo Airport as its domestic hub. Gaafu Dhaalu (South Huvadhoo) occupies the lower portion, with Thinadhoo as its capital and Kaadedhdhoo Airport as its hub.

The Two Airports

Kooddoo Airport (IATA: GKK) sits in the Gaafu Alifu section visible on the map in the northern portion of the atoll complex. Domestic flights from Velana International Airport take approximately 55 minutes. This is the access point for resorts and inhabited islands in the northern half of Huvadhoo.

Kaadedhdhoo Airport (IATA: KDM) sits in the Gaafu Dhaalu section visible in the southern portion. Same approximate flight time from Malé. This is the access point for resorts and islands in the southern half, including Ayada Maldives.

The choice of which airport to use depends entirely on the position of the specific resort on the map. Some properties are equidistant and can use either airport depending on availability and scheduling.

Resort Positions + Transfers

The One and a Half Degree Channel

The One and a Half Degree Channel is visible on the map as the broad open water gap between the southern Maldivian central atolls and the northern boundary of Gaafu Alifu Atoll. This is the oceanographic feature that defines the quality of the diving throughout Huvadhoo deep, nutrient-rich Indian Ocean water forced through this passage feeds the reef systems of both atolls. The channel is the widest in the Maldivian island chain and a recognised liveaboard diving route.

The Huvadhoo Kandu visible on the northern boundary of Gaafu Alifu on the map is the channel entry point for liveaboards approaching from the north. The channel walls and current conditions here produce some of the finest drift diving in the southern Maldives.

Resort Positions

Ayada Maldives - southern rim of Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, visible in the southernmost section of the map. The most remote position of any five-star resort in the Maldives relative to Male. The isolation is the point the lagoon quality and reef condition here reflect the absence of heavy tourism development.

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa - Gaafu Alifu section, northern half of the map. Large resort with strong all-inclusive options.

The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah - visible in the Gaafu Alifu section. All-villa property with beach and overwater categories.

Halcyon Private Isles Maldives - opened November 2025, Gaafu Alifu section, Marriott Autograph Collection.

Local Islands on the Map

Thinadhoo - the largest inhabited island in the southern Maldives outside Addu City. Visible as one of the major islands in the Gaafu Dhaalu section. Capital of Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll with a port, local market, and government facilities.

Villingili - capital of Gaafu Alifu, visible in the northern section.

Dhigurah - a local inhabited island in Gaafu Alifu with a developed guesthouse sector, a long natural beach, and whale shark snorkelling excursions.

Gaadhu - visible in the Gaafu Alifu section. The island where the finest woven Thundu Kunaa mats in the Maldives are produced.