Rasdhoo may be a small island, but it offers a rich menu of activities that take full advantage of its exceptional marine environment and compact atoll setting. The star attraction is undoubtedly the diving, particularly the chance to encounter hammerhead sharks, but there is plenty to fill your days even if you never strap on a tank.
Diving
Rasdhoo's diving scene revolves around the Madivaru dive site on the outer reef of the atoll. Early morning dives here offer the chance to see scalloped hammerhead sharks cruising in the deep blue water beyond the reef wall. Divers descend in the pre-dawn darkness and position themselves along the reef edge at around 25 to 30 metres depth, watching as the hammerheads patrol the current line in the dim light. The experience is thrilling and humbling in equal measure. Beyond Madivaru, the atoll offers a variety of dive sites with grey reef sharks, white-tip reef sharks, eagle rays, and dense coral gardens. Several PADI-certified dive centres operate on the island with daily trips to multiple sites, and courses from Open Water to Advanced are available.
Snorkelling
The house reef surrounding Rasdhoo island is accessible directly from shore and provides excellent snorkelling. The reef begins in shallow water on the western side and drops away to a slope where turtles, blacktip reef sharks, and schools of colourful reef fish are regularly encountered. Boat-based snorkelling excursions visit additional sites around the atoll, including reef walls with soft corals and areas known for manta ray sightings during the appropriate season. Most guesthouses include snorkelling equipment in their rates or offer it for a small daily fee.
Sandbank Trips
The sandbank within Rasdhoo Atoll's lagoon is one of the most photogenic in the Maldives. This tiny strip of white sand rises from turquoise water and provides the setting for half-day and full-day excursions that combine sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling, and a barbecue lunch of freshly grilled fish. The sandbank shifts position slightly with seasons and tides but is always a stunning destination. Some trips combine the sandbank with a visit to the uninhabited island of Madivaru or Theluveligaa for additional snorkelling and exploration.
Fishing
Night fishing excursions are a popular evening activity, where you head out onto the reef with hand lines as the sun sets and target red snapper, grouper, and other reef fish. The catch is brought back to your guesthouse and prepared for your dinner, usually grilled or fried with Maldivian spices. Big game fishing trips can also be arranged for those seeking larger quarry like wahoo, tuna, and barracuda in the deeper waters around the atoll.
Also See
- Marine Life of Rasdhoo — hammerheads, reef sharks, and rays
- Beaches of Rasdhoo — bikini beach and sandbank
- Local Life on Rasdhoo — community and culture