Vaadhoo Island beach
Vaadhoo Island is one of the most exotic Maldivian resort islands, known for its amazing bioluminescent glow of the waters in the night, which makes the ocean seem to be mixed with the starry sky. Exactly because of this reason this island received the name "Island of Stars". This paradise is part of the Raa Atoll and is among its few inhabited islands (just over 500 people live here). Only 15 minutes by motor boat separates Vaadhoo from the main Maldivian airport.
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Beach description
Vaadhoo is a small Maldivian island, whose dimensions are only 210 by 82 m. The hotel-resort was created here already in 1988, and in 2009 it was completely rebuilt and reopened for guests. People come here for the sake of unforgettable romance and the miracle of nature that gives the beach of the island the appearance of twinkling stars in the ocean.
At night, the waves near the beach of the island of Vaadhoo begin to shine with a colorful blue glow, and the beach seems to be dotted with shining dots-stars. Such an incredible effect of a surreal landscape is created by the presence in the local waters of millions of tiny creatures called bioluminescent phytoplankton, because of them Vaadhoo acquired the name “Ocean of Stars”. It was this phenomenon of the glow of the ocean and sand near the water that gave the island the glory of the most romantic place not only in the Maldives, but also in the world in general.
Vaadhoo is a true paradise for romantics, lovers and newlyweds. But when resting here it is worth considering several important nuances:
- A unique ocean glow is a kind of protection for the microorganisms that create it. They emit toxins, so swimming in the "ocean of stars" can be a dangerous undertaking.
- It is worth to come here for the sake of admiring the ocean waters of a neon shade in the night and daytime walks along the coast with snow-white sand of a pearl shade.
- The island is famous for its crystal-clear waters with excellent visibility even at depths and many coral caves in its vicinity, which impress with a variety of marine life. Therefore, it is also a paradise for snorkeling and diving.
Vaadhoo is surrounded by a reef that protects it from strong waves and tidal ocean currents. This allows you to safely swim here underwater with a snorkel, swim and engage in various water sports. Especially popular on the island is coastal kayaking at sunset with the ability to observe the riot of sunset colors over the ocean.
When is the best time to go?
Maldives – is an equatorial country with a tropical climate, where the weather is always warm at + 27-30ºС. But the islands have some seasonal features. From mid-April to the end of October it often rains here. The dry season lasts from November till April. At this time, the initially clear sea becomes completely transparent, and the sun illuminates in the sky 12 hours a day.
Important: A large amount of plankton is collected in October and November off the coast, which is why the ocean takes on a slightly unclear hue. On the other side – plankton illuminates the sea at night, creating an indescribable picture. At this time, coastal waters are filled with stingrays – fabulously fascinating creatures that are in no way inferior to the dolphins.
Video: Beach Vaadhoo Island
Infrastructure
You can stop at Vaadhoo in Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, whose villas in 2010 were recognized as one of the best in the Maldives. To accommodate guests, there are 50 villas, 24 of which are located above the water and equipped with a bathtub with Jacuzzi and a pool with a terrace. There are also 22 coastal villas with ocean views and 4 villas for honeymooners.
A number of pleasant bonuses are available to guests of this hotel:
- free provision of parasols and snorkeling equipment;
- the opportunity to visit the spa, gym and dive center.
The hotel has a restaurant serving Maldivian cuisine. There are also 2 other restaurants on the island, one of which specializes in Japanese cuisine, and the second - in European and Asian. There are many souvenir shops on the island where you can buy shell products and traditional mats.
Weather in Vaadhoo Island
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- From May to November, the monsoon season reigns on the island, when storms are frequent and the sky is usually cloudy at night. From December to April, dry weather reigns. From July to February, the nights are the darkest, what is suitable for admiring the glow of the ocean. The best time to visit Vaadhoo is February and July, when the glow of ocean waters with neon shades all night is most likely.
- It should be borne in mind that the neon glow of the ocean on Vaadhoo is like the northern lights - it is impossible to accurately predict when it will be. The greatest likelihood of observing such an impressive spectacle, when constant high temperatures are held, tides are insignificant, and the sky is clear.
- Similar phenomena of ocean luminescence due to phytoplankton besides Vaadhoo in the Maldives can also be observed at Mudhdu and Rangali .
- In addition to scuba diving, Vaadhoo also attracts with good surfing conditions.