GLOBAL TERRORISM WARNING
You should be aware of the risk
of indiscriminate terrorist attacks in
public places anywhere in the world. Be
vigilant, and take sensible precautions.
Addu Atoll has a
tropical climate, with temperatures varying little -
usually around 25 degrees C at night and 30 degrees
C by day. Water temperature varies between 27 and
30 degrees C. Because it is close to the equator,
it is not threatened by typhoons (which is just as
well, given the flatness of the Atoll - indeed it is
the highest Atoll
in the country!). The islands are typically no more
than a few hundred metres across, and are fringed in
coral reefs, with white-coral sand beaches, shallow
lagoons and have little vegetation beyond coconut
palms.
Addu
is not renowned for its birdwatching, in part
because there is not a great diversity of habitats.
However, there is plenty of interest for the
enthusiast. About 160 species have been recorded
from the islands so far, but as there has been
relatively little ornithological study, many more
species (particularly northern migrants) undoubtedly
await discovery.
There are no known endemic
species, but there are a few endemic subspecies,
including: White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis
phoenicurus maldivus Indian Pond-heron Ardeola
grayii phillipsi Striated Herons Butorides striatus
didii & B. s. albidulus Maldivian House Crow Corvus
splendens maledivicus
There will be plenty of
opportunity for seabird watching. Over 40 species of
seabird have been recorded, including many rare
tropical species, migrant Storm-petrels and others.
From Sunday to Thursday
7:30 - 14:30 in the government sector,
and generally from 9:00 to 17:00 in the private
sector. Weekend falls on Friday and Saturday.
The
Addu Atoll
islands span the equator, stretching from about 7°N
to ½°S, so the climate is tropical. From late
January to the end of May the weather is normally
calm and sunny. This is the best time to visit,
which is why we have planned our trip for this time.
During our trip the sea should be calm, which makes
for ideal for encountering whales and dolphins.
Temperatures do not vary much
throughout the year. Daytime air temperatures
typically reach 29-31°C during the day, dropping to
about 25-27°C at night. Sea breezes make this quite
comfortable. Sea temperatures in March-April average
about 29°C, which make for luxurious
snorkelling!
International telephone,
telegraph, and telex services generally are
reliable. Telephone service within Male
is adequate, but the service connecting Male to the
Maldivivian islands is sometimes erratic. Maldives
is 10 hours ahead of eastern standard time.
International cuisine is
normally available for tourists. The
Addu Atoll
cuisine is simple and based on rice with fish and is
seasoned with curry sauces or hot spices. Tuna
together with barracuda, trevallies and groupers are
the most common fish in Addu
cuisine, fish and vegetable rissoles, spicy rice,
curried chicken or fish are common dishes as slices
of bread fruit are fried in the coconut palm
oil.Very strong tea is drunk with these dished and
many assorted cakes typical of the Adduan cuisine.
Alcoholic drinks are not allowed for local as they
are Muslims . Drinking rain water is available for
locals but for safeties mineral water in recommended
for the tourists
Major currencies can be
exchanged at banks, tourist resort islands, hotels
and leading shops. Payments in hotels can be made in
most hard currencies (particularly US Dollars) in
cash, travellers cheques or credit cards.
Anyone in generally good
health and over the age of 18 can participate in
these expeditions.
Addu Atoll
is malaria free. The most likely potential health
hazard is probably sunburn. The vessel has wide
suncovers over much of the deck areas. In the
unlikely event of a serious injury or illness,
Addu Atoll
has good central and regional hospital.The hospital
is located in Hithadhoo island the capital of
Addu Atoll
Electricity
- 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round-pin plugs are used,
although square-pin plugs are now becoming more
common.
