Island time, friendship, and unforgettable diving moments
Three weeks on Addu Meedhoo – three weeks in which Bettina and I explored the Addu Atoll in search of its most beautiful dive sites, celebrated unexpected reunions, and fell in love with the quiet magic of an island that is only just awakening from its long slumber.
A rough beginning – and why it was completely fine
Everything had actually been well planned. But heavy rainfall and storms delayed the supply boat, the equipment for the new dive center was still missing – and so we were waiting too.
Instead of getting frustrated, we switched to island mode: calmness, sunshine, good conversations, visits to the local restaurant Roquefort, snorkeling.
And then came the first big surprise: Mirta, Ali, and Sara – friends from Shaheem’s and my time together on Velavaru in 2004 – suddenly appeared. A warm reunion and deep gratitude for this long, loyal friendship despite the great distance.
On the third day, my school friend and her husband arrived as well, at the same time as the supply boat – which, however, was only partly unloaded. A portion of the equipment made a detour to the other end of the atoll. Three more days of patience were needed before everything was finally complete and the four of us could dive together.
First explorations – and a “nest” full of sharks
Bettina and I used the time to scout the surroundings. It didn’t take long to realize: the true underwater treasures of the Addu Atoll lie in the channels and along the outer reefs.
The outer reef of Meedhoo overwhelmed us from the very first descent. Pristine corals, huge gorgonians, majestic overhangs – and then our shark-highlight:
A “nest” of countless grey reef sharks, always circling at that very same spot.
Our first encounter with this group was so intense that it burned itself deeply into my memory. I remember exactly how I left the water – quiet, moved, grateful. Moments that teach you humility and even greater respect for creation.
Manta Point – an appointment with magic every single time
Another constant in our days: Manta Point. We dived it several times – and each time felt like the first. To watch these graceful giants circle, eye to eye, so close and so peaceful, is an experience that makes the world stand still for a few minutes.
The overhangs of Addu City – an explosion of color
The reefs and overhangs near Addu City are pure magnificence. Colourful corals, dense schools of fish, perfect top reefs – some of the most beautiful and intact reefs I have ever seen in the Maldives. Every dive was a moment of wonder, an immersion into an untouched world.
Gratitude – for this time, for this companionship
Diving with Bettina was a highlight in itself. Every day I benefited from her enormous knowledge, vast experience, and unshakeable calm. More than once I broke my personal depth record without even realizing it – my psychological depth limit simply dissolved because she was right beside me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Island life and plans for the future
On Meedhoo, we got around mostly on foot or by tuk-tuk. The dive center still needs some work, but the deadline is set: by the end of March everything should be ready to welcome our first official guests.
The island itself is just beginning to wake up. The locals want to benefit from tourism and are starting new projects. A first visible sign: the Manta Beach Retreat Guesthouse opened its doors during our stay – ten modern rooms directly on the stunning Bikini Beach, from where the turquoise lagoon invites you to swim.
Looking forward to what lies ahead
I’m incredibly excited to guide our future guests to the places we explored – underwater and on the island – to show them the shark spots, the mantas, the overhangs, and the small gem that is Addu Meedhoo.
These were three weeks full of nature moments, friendship, new perspectives – and a feeling of both new beginnings and arriving at the right place. There is still a lot to do, so let’s get started!
A big thank-you also to Shaheem, who tirelessly supported us, offered quick and pragmatic solutions to every problem, and took joy in filling our tanks so that we could breathe out our three cylinders of compressed air each day.
