Vaavu Atoll

Vaavu Atoll sits just south of South Malé, a narrow stretch of water that sees less development than its neighbour. The atoll's main draw is a well-known shipwreck site - a cargo vessel resting on a sloping reef, now thick with coral and marine life.

Resort count is low and the pace is quiet. The single property on the atoll faces a house reef that is protected and unusually rich, with reef sharks, eagle rays, and sea turtles resident year-round.

For divers who want easy access to a wreck without crossing the country, Vaavu is the sensible pick. For everyone else, it is a quiet, close-in atoll that tends to get overlooked in favour of its bigger neighbours.