| South Maalhosmadulu and Goidhoo Atolls (Baa)South Maalhosmadulu Atoll and Goidhoo Atoll, or Horsburgh Atoll, as it is called on some European charts, belongs to the administrative atoll of Baa. Weaving and fishing are the principal occupations of the islanders. South Maalhosmadulu Atoll is 42km long and 32km wide. There are 10 inhabited islands and 41 uninhabited islands. Eydhafushi is the atoll capital.
The atoll is separated from North Maalhosmadulu Atoll by a 3.2 km wide channel, Hani Kandu, otherwise known as the Moresby Channel. A 1.8km wide channel, Kudda Kanduolhi, cuts through South Maalhosmadulu Atoll from east to west. The resorts of Sonevafushi (Kunfunadhoo), Royal Island, Reethi Beach, Coco Palm and Kihaadhuffaru can be found in the atoll and another three uninhabited islands have been earmarked for resort development. They are Fonimagoodhoo, Horubadhoo and Dhunikolhu.
Olhugiri is the most southern island of South Maalhosmadulu Atoll and lies 13km north of Goidhoo Atoll. Goidhoo, Fulhadhoo and Fehendhoo, known collectively as Goi’fulha’febendhoo. There are three small uninhabited islands and only one channel, Doru Kandu, in the south of the atoll. The atoll offers a secure anchorage near the islands in the north-east monsoon. |
