Vaadhoo Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives | Sea of Stars, Things to Do

Vaadhoo Island, Maldives Overview

The Vadhoo Island is a spectacular island in Maldives which is famous for its bioluminescent phenomenon known as the Sea of Stars. It is located in the Raa Atoll. The Sea of Stars phenomenon is the name given to the mesmerising waters of Vaadhoo Island when they glow a brilliant blue under the moonlight. The sea is said to glitter and glows in such a manner that it reflects the stars beneath which the waves lap. This phenomenon occurs due to the various phytoplankton that can be found in the sea and glow under the cover of the night. The best time to see the Sea of Stars at Vadhoo Island is June and October. You can also swim in the glowing water.

Vadhoo Island is also home to some of the most exotic resorts in the Maldives which provide luxury amenities and villas that seem to have propped up right out of a picture. Aside from this, although the population of Vaadhoo is not much, it is a great place to learn the Maldivian and subsequently island culture that prevails.

1. Scuba Diving at Vadhoo Island

Scuba diving is a popular yet expensive activity all throughout the Maldives Atolls. Some of the diving sites in the Maldives rank amongst the top diving sites in the world. As the island of Vaadhoo i (Read More)s protected by a reef, diving is made entirely possible here. While underwater, individuals can expect to see an array of colourful reef fish and some larger fish that venture into these waters.

2. Kayaking at Vadhoo Island

Another famous activity on Vaadhoo Island is kayaking. The best time to brave the waters is probably just as the sun is setting as individuals can not only enjoy the gorgeous hues of the sunset atop t (Read More)he waves but can also enjoy the sea of stars phenomenon right from the middle of the action, as it turns dark. Other activities that visitors can be engaged in are swimming, snorkelling, and tours set by the hotel staff.

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The Glowing Beach Phenomenon

Bioluminescence is one of nature’s most fascinating phenomena. The ocean is home to plankton, which are microscopic free-floating organisms that are preyed upon by many fish. Meant to be a defense mechanism, these plankton exhibit bioluminescence to confuse predators and to draw attention to larger animals that scare away the primary carnivores.

This is caused by a chemical called luciferin, which emits a glow when agitated. This phenomenon is evident in many other marine animals, but the most stunning display is by the plankton themselves. This is visible only at night, and the best time to watch bioluminescence in action is between the months of June and October. The blue light is ‘cold,’ which means that there is no heat generated; it is safe to touch and play with.

How To Reach Vaadhoo Island

The Raa Atoll lies approximately 152 kilometres away from Male. Individuals wishing to visit Vaadhoo Island can take a speed boat which is a 15 minutes journey from Male.