What to do on Gan (Addu): RAF history, cycling, diving and the beach

Gan is not a lazy-beach island. Its interest is in its past, the road that ties it to the rest of Addu, and the water around it.

For island life and where to stay, read the Gan (Addu) island guide. The Addu atoll guide covers the resorts and other islands.

RAF and WWII heritage

This is the reason most people stay on Gan rather than pass through. Visit Maldives says the RAF base set up in 1942 became today's Gan International Airport.

The old army hospital is now a dive centre, and the RAF mess area became Equator Village. An old cinema and British cannon guns are on public display, and a war memorial honours former servicemen.

aMaldives suggests a guided history tour of the barracks, bunkers and former runways. Half a day is enough for most visitors.

Cycle the causeway road

The causeway road links Gan to Feydhoo, Maradhoo and Hithadhoo, about 14 km in total. It is flat, so it suits casual cyclists and families with older children.

Bicycles are often free at guesthouses, according to aMaldives. Start early or late, since there is little shade at midday.

At the Hithadhoo end, Addu Nature Park charges foreigners USD 7 and closes for a midday break. Our guide to what to do on Hithadhoo covers the park in detail.

Diving from Gan

Gan has a dive centre in the former army hospital, per Visit Maldives. Two dive sites stand out in Addu.

Visit Maldives describes the British Loyalty as the largest shipwreck in the Maldives, about 25 minutes away by boat. Maldives Traveller says it was scuttled inside the atoll in January 1946.

We found no dated dive prices for Gan. Ask the dive centre for the price per dive with service charge and 17% GST included.

Beach and swimming

Equator Village has its own beach and pool for guests. We could not confirm a designated public bikini beach on Gan.

If you stay off-site, ask your guesthouse where swimwear is accepted. Our page on bikini beaches in the Maldives explains the general rules.

A simple two-day plan

Day 1: Land on the morning flight, check in, rest. Late afternoon heritage walk around the memorial and old RAF buildings.

Day 2: Morning dive or snorkel boat trip. Afternoon bike ride along the causeway to Hithadhoo and the Nature Park, returning by taxi if tired.

Add a third day for a resort day pass or a Fuvahmulah trip. Our Fuvahmulah guide explains that option.

Who gets the most from Gan

History buffs and divers get the most. Families enjoy the bikes and wartime relics, and older travellers like the short distances.

Honeymooners wanting a lagoon view may prefer an Addu resort, using Gan only for the airport and a history afternoon.

Practical tips for your days on Gan

Carry water, a hat and sunscreen on every outing. Gan is close to the equator, and the open RAF grounds have little shade.

Dress modestly away from your hotel: shoulders and knees covered on roads and in shops. Women may want a light scarf for mosque visits from outside.

Friday prayers close many shops for part of the day. Plan heritage walks and bike rides for Friday afternoon, and diving on other days if the dive centre runs a reduced Friday schedule.

Before any boat trip, ask the operator about life jackets, the sea state and whether a guide stays in the water with snorkellers. Children and weaker swimmers should wear a vest.

Planning around your flights

Leave a no-fly gap after your last dive; ask the dive centre for its rule, which is commonly about a day. On Gan this matters because the airport is right there and it is tempting to fit in a last dive.

Schedule the history walk and cycling for your final morning instead. Read how to get to Gan from Male airport for flight timings.