Noonu atoll is abundant in all fish big and small; come swim with the world's largest living fish!

Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa

Noonu Atoll map   

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The excitement of a seaplane arrival is a great way to begin a stay in remote, lovely Noonu Atoll. This northerly Maldivian atoll exhibits evidence of a wonderfully intact ecosystem: sharks! Where there are sharks, that means the large fish that they feed upon exist in abundance, and where there are large fish, small fish exist also, as well as the plant life that comprise their diet. An atoll with sharks means an atoll where the reefs are alive and vibrant with every type of living thing, both prey and predator. But don't worry, Noonu Atoll hosts no great whites, just 27 smaller, but still impressive species.

From the tawny nurse shark to the hammerhead shark, snaggletooth shark, silver tip shark, and more, the sea's most famous predator abounds in Noonu's beloved scuba and snorkelling sites. You may even see the world's largest living fish: a whale shark. Rays of all kinds can also be sited in and around Noonu Atoll's spectacular coral reef. Underwater photographers flock to Noonu Atoll for unparalleled opportunities to catch breathtaking shots of the region's rare, colourful, and fascinating sea life.

Dive sites include Orimas Thila, with a more than 30-meter drop to a sandy floor that is usually festooned with eagle rays, soldierfish, and blue-lined snapper. Drift peacefully on the current to a nearby channel, where grey reef sharks swim in patterns above the reef. From this vantage, you won't disturb their hunt, yet will be able to surreptitiously observe it. As you look on, from the ocean floor, some of the sharks above will circle, while others allow themselves to be cleaned by wrasses. It is quite common to see 20 or more sharks of all sizes and types in this magnificently diverse locale. With shark sightings uncommon in other northern atolls, you'll revel in the unforgettable shark-viewing opportunities in the waters of Noonu Atoll.

After relaxing at a spa and enjoying a brilliant Noonu Atoll sunset, indulge in gourmet preparations of fresh seafood, then prepare for your next dive. You'll not want to miss Christmas Tree Rock, where white tip reef sharks and marble rays hide under ledges, yellow-lined snapper abound, thousands of basslets and dottybacks wrap around the Christmas tree-shaped formation just like fairy lights. Christmas Tree rock is a favourite Noonu Atoll dive and certainly not to be missed by anyone who enjoys thrilling undersea drama.

When you are ready for other entertainments, Noonu Atoll also offers water skiing, windsurfing, catamaran sailing, and canoeing, so remember that while you may wish to spend your days lazily soaking up the sun, the option for action and adventure is also there among the gleaming turquoise waters of Noonu Atoll.