Gan Island in a nutshell
Gan Island is the southern end of the road chain that links the western islands of Addu City. Gan International Airport is here, so most visitors see Gan first. From Gan the link road runs north through Feydhoo, Maradhoo-Feydhoo and Maradhoo to Hithadhoo, the administrative center. The whole chain measures about 14 to 16 km.
The island is best known for its British past. The Royal Navy used it from 1941 under the name Port T, and the Royal Air Force ran RAF Gan from the mid-1950s until 1976. Part of that legacy was turned into tourism, and the old buildings still shape how the island looks. If you plan to dive or snorkel, read diving in Addu or the page on snorkeling next, because the water is what most visitors come for.
Tours and boat trips from Gan and Addu
Snorkeling trips, cruises, dives and island visits around Addu, with live prices and availability.
Gan International Airport
Where your trip to Addu most likely starts.
Maldivian flies to Gan from Velana Airport in Malé. The flight takes about 75 to 90 minutes, depending on the flight. SriLankan connects Gan with Colombo, so you can also reach the atoll from abroad without passing through Malé. Plan the onward connection in advance. Do not confuse this Gan with Gan in Laamu Atoll.
Transfers from the airport to the other islands use the link road. Hotels and guesthouses in the east need a separate transfer, so ask your stay before you land. Details on routes, taxes and timing are on the Gan Airport page.
Port T and RAF Gan: the British history
From a naval anchorage to an air base, in four steps.
| Period | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1941 | Port T becomes a Royal Navy base |
| Mid-1950s | RAF Gan opens as an air station |
| 1976 | The base is returned |
| 1983 | Hotel use begins in the former Sergeants' Mess |
The naval and the air force period are two different chapters. The RAF station is not part of the Second World War story, and it is not the same as Port T. Both left buildings and an airfield behind, and the airfield is what you land on today. The history is told here as an overview. If you want to see more of it on the ground, ask your stay which buildings you can visit.
Memorials and old buildings
Gan's historic sites include the Second World War Memorial and the Astra Cinema. Opening hours, entry fees and access can change, so ask at your stay before you go. Access to former military buildings and hotel grounds is not guaranteed, so ask first.
The link road
The concrete causeway beside the lagoon is part of the link road. It leads north to Feydhoo and on to Hithadhoo, where the Addu Nature Park begins. Allow time for the whole stretch rather than treating Gan as a stop on the way.
The former Sergeants' Mess
How an old building on Gan found a new use.
A hotel sits in the former Sergeants' Mess of the RAF station, and hotel use began in 1983. For a stay compare the areas on the where to stay page, and keep in mind that prices for rooms depend on the date, the room and the meals.
Green Tax applies to every stay: $12 per person per day, or $6 at hotels and guesthouses on inhabited islands with up to 50 registered rooms. Children under 2 do not pay.
Swimming and beaches on Gan
What to ask before you get in the water.
Currents
Strong tidal currents run in the Maldives. Swim only in supervised or marked areas, follow local warning signs and ask for current advice on the day.
Not every shore is a beach
Do not assume that every shoreline on Gan is open to swimming, or that there is a bikini area everywhere. Ask your accommodation which stretch to use.
Dress away from resorts
Outside resort grounds cover your shoulders and avoid short, tight shorts. On inhabited islands alcohol is not allowed outside the resorts. The local islands page has the rules.
Gan Island: frequently asked questions
What is Gan Island known for?
Gan has the airport of the Addu Atoll and a British military history: Port T from 1941 and RAF Gan from the mid-1950s until 1976. Part of the old base is now a hotel.
How do I get from Gan to Hithadhoo?
By the link road that joins Gan, Feydhoo, Maradhoo-Feydhoo, Maradhoo and Hithadhoo. The chain is about 14 to 16 km long. Ask your stay about a transfer and check the current bus and taxi options on the island.
Can I visit the memorials and old military buildings?
Gan's historic sites include the Second World War Memorial and the Astra Cinema. Opening hours and access can change, so ask on the island before you go. Access to former military buildings and hotel grounds is not guaranteed.
Is there a hotel on Gan?
Yes. A hotel is in the former Sergeants' Mess, and hotel use there began in 1983. It is also a part of the island's history.
How long does the flight to Gan take?
Between 75 and 90 minutes from Malé. The time depends on the flight, so check the schedule when you book.
Is this the official website of Gan or Addu City?
No. This is an independent guide with no link to Addu City Council, Visit Maldives, any resort, hotel or tour operator.