Addu Nature Park on Hithadhoo
Addu Nature Park covers the Eedhigali Kilhi wetland and the Koattey area on Hithadhoo. The first name is also spelled Eydhigali Kilhi. The park is known for boardwalks, mangroves and cycling paths, so a visit here means walking or paddling through wetland instead of lying on a beach.
Hithadhoo is the administrative center of Addu City and the starting point for most visits. Many travelers combine the park with a boat day, and the excursions and boat trips in Addu show what else you can book for the same stay.
What you can see and do in the park
Wetland, mangroves and reef in one protected area.
Boardwalks and mangroves
Walkways lead through the wetland and the mangroves. Across the atoll, the habitats include mangroves, freshwater ponds and brackish lakes, so the landscape is very different from the reef side of the islands.
Cycling
Cycling paths are part of the park. The island chain from Hithadhoo to Gan is linked by a road of about 14 to 16 km, so a bike also works as a way to move between islands.
Canoeing in Bedhi bay
Canoe trips in Bedhi bay between red mangroves are an activity on offer. The guided tour is described further down this page.
Reefs at Koattey
Koattey has reefs next to the wetland. If you want to swim or snorkel, read the notes on the Maldives snorkeling page first and ask locally about current conditions.
Tours and day trips around Addu
Boat trips, cruises and nature tours with live prices and availability.
Kayaking and canoeing in the mangroves
A guesthouse on Hithadhoo offers a guided mangrove canoe tour. It lasts 3 hours, runs from 09:30 to 12:30 for a minimum of 2 people and uses a double kayak. Drinks and fruit are included. These are the times of the tour and not the opening hours of the park.
Do not count on being able to rent a kayak on the spot. Arrange the date and the price with the guesthouse before you arrive, and ask whether the tour runs on the day you want to go.
Park activities compared
What each one involves.
| Activity | Where | Time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guided mangrove canoe tour | Hithadhoo | 3 hours, 09:30–12:30 | From 2 people, double kayak, drinks and fruit |
| Boardwalk walk | Eedhigali Kilhi | – | – |
| Cycling | Hithadhoo and the link road | – | About 14 to 16 km to Gan |
| Snorkeling | Koattey reefs | – | Ask locally about conditions |
For most visitors, the guided canoe tour is a good way to experience the mangroves, because the guide handles the route and the equipment. Walk or cycle the boardwalks on a second morning.
Hithadhoo: the island around the park
Where to base yourself and how to get around.
Staying on Hithadhoo
Guesthouses operate on Hithadhoo and Maradhoo-Feydhoo. Hithadhoo is an inhabited island, so local rules apply: cover your shoulders, avoid short or tight shorts and do not bring alcohol from a resort. See the local islands page for details.
Getting to Gan
The western islands run in a chain from Hithadhoo through Maradhoo, Maradhoo-Feydhoo and Feydhoo to Gan, linked by road. Gan has the airport, and the getting there page explains the flights.
The wreck offshore
The British Loyalty wreck lies in the water between Maradhoo and Hithadhoo. It is a dive site for qualified divers, described in the diving guide.
Entry, opening hours and planning your visit
Ask before you go.
Fees and hours
Do not assume that entry is free or that the park is open every day. Ask your guesthouse for the current fee, the opening hours and any closing days before you walk over.
Biosphere reserve and park
The biosphere reserve covers the whole atoll and is not the same as the park boundary. It is also not a World Heritage Site, and it does not mean an extra UNESCO ticket.
Rain
In long-term averages for Gan, February is the driest month with about 110 mm of rain and October the wettest with about 274 mm. Check the weather page when you pick your dates.
Addu Nature Park: frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee for Addu Nature Park?
Check the current fee with your guesthouse before you visit. Do not assume that entry is free, and do not assume that the park is open every day.
Can I go kayaking in the park?
Canoeing in Bedhi bay between red mangroves is an activity on offer. A guesthouse on Hithadhoo offers a guided tour of 3 hours from 09:30 to 12:30 for a minimum of 2 people. Arrange it in advance, because a rental on the spot cannot be taken for granted.
Is Addu a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
No. Addu has been a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 2020. That is a different status from World Heritage, and it covers the atoll, not just the park.
How do I get from Gan to Hithadhoo?
The islands are linked by a road of about 14 to 16 km. Ask your guesthouse how to cover the distance, whether by bicycle or by a local transfer.
What should I wear in the park?
Hithadhoo is an inhabited island, so cover your shoulders and avoid short or tight shorts.
Is this the official website of Addu Nature Park?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by Addu City Council, Visit Maldives, a resort or a tour operator.