Fotteyo Kandu - At the beach in San Francisco.
1 / 10

Fotteyo Kandu

4.9
·19 reviews·, Maldives

Explore the Maldives' easternmost point and dive the legendary Fotteyo Falhu barrier reef, a pristine uninhabited island paradise.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Dry season mornings

Best visibility for diving

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Fotteyo Kandu - At the beach in San Francisco.

Fotteyo Kandu

Best Time

Dry season mornings

Best visibility for diving

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the Maldives' easternmost point and dive the legendary Fotteyo Falhu barrier reef, a pristine uninhabited island paradise.

4.9
(19 reviews)

"Many describe Fotteyo Falhu as among the best diving locations in the world."

Vertical photo
TIP

Pack for a Picnic 🧺

Bring all your food, drinks, and essentials as Fotteyo Kandu is uninhabited. Enjoy the pristine setting!

Snorkel the Reef 🐠

The reef off the island is stunning. Even if you're not a diver, snorkeling here is a must-do experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fotteyo Falhu Barrier Reef

Fotteyo Falhu Barrier Reef

Offshore from Fotteyo Kandu

The Maldives' largest unbroken barrier reef, offering world-class diving and snorkeling with vibrant marine life.

Easternmost Point of the Maldives

Easternmost Point of the Maldives

Fotteyo Muli

Stand at the geographical edge of the Maldives, a unique spot with crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches.

Picnic Paradise

Picnic Paradise

Fotteyo Kandu Island

An idyllic uninhabited island perfect for a serene picnic amidst shallow, clear waters and pristine natural beauty.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Dive into Vaavu Atoll's Wonders

Fotteyo Kandu is renowned for its incredible diving, especially its barrier reef. Plan your trip around diving excursions and consider the best time for clear visibility and marine life encounters. Remember, it's an uninhabited island, so pack accordingly for picnics and excursions.

Respecting the Uninhabited Beauty

As an uninhabited island, Fotteyo Kandu is a pristine natural environment. Visitors are encouraged to practice 'leave no trace' principles. While beautiful, some reviews mention litter, so be mindful and consider bringing a bag to collect any trash you find.

Best Times

When
Dry season mornings
Why
Best visibility for diving
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon excursions
Why
Ideal for picnics & snorkeling
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Looking for advice on Maldives dives

Pack for a Picnic 🧺

Bring all your food, drinks, and essentials as Fotteyo Kandu is uninhabited. Enjoy the pristine setting!

Snorkel the Reef 🐠

The reef off the island is stunning. Even if you're not a diver, snorkeling here is a must-do experience.

reddit.com

Diving in Maldives

Leave No Trace ♻️

Help keep this beautiful island pristine. Take all your trash with you and consider picking up any litter found.

Diving Hotspot Alert 🌊

Many consider Fotteyo Falhu one of the best dive sites globally. Book excursions in advance!

Tips

from all over the internet

Pack for a Picnic 🧺

Bring all your food, drinks, and essentials as Fotteyo Kandu is uninhabited. Enjoy the pristine setting!

Snorkel the Reef 🐠

The reef off the island is stunning. Even if you're not a diver, snorkeling here is a must-do experience.

Leave No Trace ♻️

Help keep this beautiful island pristine. Take all your trash with you and consider picking up any litter found.

Diving Hotspot Alert 🌊

Many consider Fotteyo Falhu one of the best dive sites globally. Book excursions in advance!

What Travellers Say

4.9
(19 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Fotteyo Kandu is celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, particularly its status as the easternmost point of the Maldives and its proximity to the world-class Fotteyo Falhu barrier reef, a diver's paradise. Visitors enjoy the pristine beaches and clear waters, ideal for picnics and snorkeling. However, some reviews mention litter, underscoring the need for responsible tourism to preserve its untouched charm.

"The easternmost geographical point of the Maldives is located at Fottheyo Muli, close to Foththeyo-bodufushi Island. In addition to this, the 55 kilometres long Fottheyo Falhu is The largest unbroken barrier reef in the Maldives 🇲🇻 Crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches on the most side of the Island. Probably the best-known scuba diving area of Vaavu Atoll is Fotteyo Falhu, Many people describe it as among the best diving locations in the world"

Ahmed Hussain

"Excellent getaway after COVID-19 pandemic. I just wish there would be an initiative to cleanup this island"

Thoha

"One of the uninhabited island of the Maldives.
A nice island for a picnic"

summerhu Mohamed

What People Like

World-class diving
Pristine beaches
Crystal clear waters

What People Dislike

Occasional litter

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Fotteyo Kandu is typically accessed via organized excursions from resorts or liveaboards in Vaavu Atoll. You can arrange a day trip or a diving trip from nearby islands or Malé. Speedboat transfers are common for day excursions.

Traveling between atolls for diving can be complex without a liveaboard. Most visitors access Fotteyo Kandu through pre-booked tours from their resort or a dedicated dive center in Vaavu Atoll. Researching specific tour operators is key.

The most common ways to reach Vaavu Atoll are via speedboat from Malé (around 1.5-2 hours) or by domestic flight to a nearby island followed by a speedboat transfer. Liveaboards also frequently include Vaavu Atoll in their itineraries.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Fotteyo Kandu is an uninhabited island, so there are no formal entry tickets. However, you will need to book an excursion or tour that includes a visit to the island, which will have a cost.

Diving and snorkeling activities at Fotteyo Falhu are typically part of a tour package. Dive centers will have their own fees for guided dives, and some resorts might charge a small fee for access to their house reefs or snorkeling spots.

Excursions usually operate during daylight hours, with most departing in the morning and returning in the afternoon. It's best to check with your tour provider for specific timings.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Fotteyo Kandu is ideal for picnics, snorkeling, and as a departure point for diving excursions to the Fotteyo Falhu reef. Enjoy the pristine beaches and clear, shallow waters.

Yes, the reef off Fotteyo Kandu is described as truly beautiful and one of the best spots seen by visitors. The shallow waters make it accessible for snorkelers of all levels.

The Fotteyo Falhu reef is known for its rich marine biodiversity. Expect to see a variety of colorful fish, corals, and potentially larger pelagics depending on the dive conditions.

The shallow, clear waters make it a pleasant spot for families to enjoy a picnic and some gentle snorkeling. However, as it's uninhabited, supervision is essential.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

No, Fotteyo Kandu is an uninhabited island. You must bring all your own food and drinks for a picnic. Plan your meals and snacks accordingly.

Pack plenty of water, snacks, a full meal, and any utensils or serving ware you might need. Don't forget a bag to take all your waste back with you.

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and the vast expanse of the Fotteyo Falhu reef. The easternmost point offers unique landscape photography.

Absolutely! The vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life make Fotteyo Falhu a prime location for underwater photography, especially during diving excursions.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Fotteyo Kandu's shallow, clear waters make it a wonderful spot for families looking for a peaceful picnic and gentle snorkeling. The calm environment is perfect for children to splash around safely under supervision. Remember that as an uninhabited island, you'll need to bring all food, drinks, and entertainment for the day.

While the main draw for many is diving, the accessible snorkeling off the island offers a fantastic opportunity for families to witness vibrant marine life without needing advanced diving skills. Pack plenty of sun protection and ensure everyone stays hydrated. It's an excellent way to introduce children to the beauty of the Maldivian underwater world in a relaxed setting.

🐠 Dive Enthusiasts

For dedicated divers, Fotteyo Kandu is primarily a gateway to the legendary Fotteyo Falhu barrier reef. This is where the real magic happens, with the reef offering some of the most spectacular diving in the Maldives. Expect encounters with a diverse range of marine life, from schools of fish to larger pelagics, in a truly expansive and healthy reef system.

It's highly recommended to book your diving excursions through reputable dive centers or liveaboards that frequent Vaavu Atoll. This ensures you have experienced guides who know the best spots and can navigate any currents safely. The sheer scale and biodiversity of Fotteyo Falhu make it a bucket-list destination for divers seeking world-class underwater experiences.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Diving the Fotteyo Falhu Reef

Fotteyo Falhu is consistently lauded as one of the premier diving locations in the Maldives, and indeed the world. This 55-kilometer long, unbroken barrier reef offers an unparalleled underwater experience. Divers can expect encounters with a rich tapestry of marine life, from colorful reef fish to larger pelagics, thanks to the nutrient-rich waters that flow through this expansive reef system. The clarity of the water, especially during the dry season, further enhances the visibility, making every dive a breathtaking spectacle.

Many visitors describe Fotteyo Falhu as a highlight of their Maldivian adventure, emphasizing the sheer abundance and diversity of the underwater ecosystem. It's a must-visit for any serious diver or even enthusiastic snorkelers looking to witness the vibrant coral gardens and the bustling life they support. Booking a dedicated diving excursion is highly recommended to fully appreciate the scale and beauty of this natural wonder.

When planning your dive, consider that currents can be a factor, so diving with experienced guides is crucial. The reef's structure also provides various dive sites, each offering unique perspectives and marine encounters. From vibrant coral formations to potential sightings of sharks and rays, Fotteyo Falhu promises an unforgettable dive.

Experiencing Fotteyo Kandu as an Uninhabited Island

Fotteyo Kandu offers a unique glimpse into the Maldives' natural, untouched beauty as an uninhabited island. This means visitors must come prepared for a self-sufficient experience, bringing everything they need for their visit, especially for picnics. The island's pristine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear, shallow waters create an idyllic setting for relaxation and enjoying nature.

While the natural beauty is undeniable, some reviews have noted the presence of litter. This highlights the importance of the 'leave no trace' principle for all visitors. By taking all your waste back with you and perhaps even participating in a small cleanup, you help preserve this special place for future enjoyment. It's a chance to disconnect and immerse yourself in the serene environment without the usual tourist infrastructure.

Visiting Fotteyo Kandu is often part of a larger excursion, providing a peaceful interlude between diving or snorkeling adventures. It's a perfect spot for a quiet lunch, sunbathing, or simply soaking in the tranquility of a truly undeveloped Maldivian island.

You may also like

1 of 2