Banana Reef Channel
Banana Reef · HP Reef Area
4°17.7'N 73°30.3'E
Depth
8–25m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
85m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m
85m radius — tidal currents in the channel can be strong and cause ranging on the hook. Sand patches between coral provide fair holding — verify anchor is well set before leaving the boat.
About This Anchorage
Banana Reef is one of the most celebrated dive sites in the Maldives — a banana-shaped coral reef famed for its extraordinary marine biodiversity, including grey reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, and prolific reef fish. Yachts can anchor off the reef in sand patches between coral heads while using it as a base for diving. The anchorage is in relatively deep water and tidal currents are noticeable. This is primarily a diving anchorage rather than a comfortable overnight stop — best used as a day anchorage while diving the reef, then moving to a more sheltered location for the night.
Protected From
N · NW
Exposed To
S · SE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Permit fee applies
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Maldives Yacht Cruising Permit required. Dive operators use mooring buoys on the reef — use available buoys rather than anchoring if possible.
Restrictions: Absolutely no anchoring on coral. Use dive mooring buoys if available. No coral collection or damage of any kind.
Hazards
- !Tidal currents 1–3kt — time dives and anchoring for slack water
- !Coral heads throughout — dinghy scout essential
- !Exposed to swell from SE in SW monsoon
- !Dive boats arriving early morning — maintain anchor watch
Skipper's Tips
- →Use the dive mooring buoys if any are free — much safer than anchoring near the reef
- →Dive at incoming tide for best visibility and fish activity
- →Sharks are common and harmless — do not feed
- →Day anchorage only — move to Kuda Bandos or Lhohifushi for overnight
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Malé (14nm)
Best Months & Season
December, January, February, March, April
Peak visibility and best diving conditions December through April. Water temperature 28–30°C year-round. SW monsoon brings reduced visibility and swell from May.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 85m
In the Maldives, tidal currents and unexpected Indian Ocean swells can put a drifting boat on a reef without warning. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can explore the underwater world and relax on the beach with confidence.
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