GAAGANDU, which literally translates into "the rock" is a limestone islet situated close to Ukulhas on the northwestern rim of Ari Atoll. It is also known as the only rock island in the Maldives. The15m long islet rises 3m above the sea level and is believed to be more than a thousand years old and known as the oldest rocky landmark across the region. This wonderful piece of nature also boasts a magnificent reef surrounded with lively corals and a plethora of living creatures making it an excellent location for diving and snorkeling. Inhabitants of the reef include creatures such as groupers, turtles, Manta rays, giant clams, anemones and anemone fish, varieties of butterflyfish, parrotfish and surgeon fish and many other species of fishes and crustaceans.
Protective shoes should be worn for those who need to take a walk on the island to explore this adventurous spot as a larger area of the surface is made up of pointed and branching corals. However, some parts of the surface are flattened and is easily walkable on regular shoes as well. An interesting historical about this islet is that during the olden days, newly built vessels had to travel near the Island on their maiden voyage to test the strength of the vessel, this was done by unplugging the corks on the hull so that water could flow into the vessel and by rolling the vessel side to side. The flowing of water and the moving moment which is called ‘Kandufenaa Elhun’, loosely translating into "seawater riding” was concluded with a celebration in which Friolhu (a sweet dish) and Coconuts were served.
