A total of 24 natural islands of various sizes lie on a heart shaped coral rim. The islands on the western side of the Atoll have been linked by a man-made causeway that links the islands of Hithadho, Maradhoo, Maradhoofeydhoo, Feydhoo and Gan, an extent of 14km. On the eastern side of the atoll, lie the islands of Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo and the tourist resorts Herathera and Shangri-la’s Villingilli Resort & Spa. At the Southern tip of the Atoll is Gan International Airport. Gan marks the most southern point in the Maldives as well as the most southern point in South Asia.
Unlike other atolls of Maldives, Addu harbors a natural anchorage within the atoll basin, very calm and safe for vessels at all times, and is not affected by seasonal changes. The atoll possesses four channels that lead into the lagoon. In the north are Kuda Kandu and Maa Kandu, in the south Gan Kandu, and the wider Villingili Kandu are to the southeast. The islands have lush vegetation; some have mangroves and marshy taro fields which are unique throughout the islands of Maldives.