Vaadhoo Island

Vaadhoo, Raa Atoll

A small island in Raa Atoll that went viral with its “sea of stars” photographs. Glowing plankton in nighttime waves create blue fluorescence, one of the most famous natural wonder legends of the Maldives.

Vaadhoo is an inhabited island of about 500 people in Raa Atoll. After a series of “sea of stars” photos spread widely online in the 2010s, the island became synonymous with the “Maldives blue tears.” The blue fluorescence comes from glowing plankton such as dinoflagellates, which emit blue light when disturbed by waves or footsteps. It requires warm water, no moonlight, and wind and waves that push the plankton toward the shore. The odds are usually higher around the new moon from June to October. However, the phenomenon is not unique to Vaadhoo. Beaches on several other atolls and inhabited islands, such as Maafushi, can also show it on suitable nights. No hotel can guarantee it, so never make it the sole goal of your itinerary. Vaadhoo itself has guesthouses and a few small hotels. Getting there from Malé requires a domestic flight to Ifuru Airport and then a speedboat, or a public ferry, which takes a long time and runs infrequently, so transport is inconvenient. A more practical option is to stay at a resort island in Raa Atoll, such as Joali, Emerald, or Furaveri, about 45 minutes by seaplane, or to walk the beach at night on any island and try your luck. If you do see the blue glow, turn off the flash when photographing with a phone, enable night mode, and use a long exposure. Swishing the water with your feet makes the effect more visible. Watch for mosquitoes on night beaches, and do not swim alone.

Vaadhoo Island

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby