Fulidhoo (Vaavu Atoll)
Fulidhoo Island · Vaavu Fulidhoo
3°39.4'N 73°25.6'E
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m radius — good sand holding off the inhabited island jetty area. Moderate depth. Northern reef provides protection from NE trades.
About This Anchorage
Fulidhoo is a small inhabited island in Vaavu Atoll, approximately 65nm south of Malé. It is one of the most welcoming inhabited islands for visiting yachts in the central Maldives. The island community of around 600 people maintains a traditional Maldivian fishing lifestyle and the weekly arrival of visitors is warmly received. The anchorage off the island's jetty in sand is reliable in NE monsoon conditions. Fulidhoo is famous among travellers as a budget guesthouse destination and the community is accustomed to international visitors. The surrounding Vaavu Atoll channels (kandus) are world-class dive sites.
Protected From
N · NE · NW
Exposed To
S · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Maximum stay
- 14 days
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Maldives Yacht Cruising Permit required. Inhabited island — dress modestly when ashore. Alcohol strictly prohibited on the island. Respect local customs and Friday prayers.
Restrictions: Alcohol may not be consumed or displayed publicly ashore. Modest dress required — cover shoulders and knees when visiting the island.
Hazards
- !Shallow reef fringe around island — navigate carefully
- !Ferry wake from inter-island ferries calling at the jetty
- !Limited swinging room close to the jetty
Skipper's Tips
- →Approach from the north — clearest channel to the jetty
- →Visit the island in the late afternoon when it's cooler — friendly locals, beautiful beach
- →Buy fresh fish directly from returning fishing boats
- →Fulidhoo Kandu (channel north of island) offers spectacular manta ray and shark diving
- →Guesthouses can arrange local guided tours
Facilities
Small local restaurants serving Maldivian food — short eats and rice dishes. No alcohol.
Nearest provisions: Fulidhoo island shops (0nm)
Best Months & Season
November, December, January, February, March, April
NE monsoon (Nov–Apr) is the only practical season. SW monsoon swells make the anchorage untenable and passages through the atoll channels dangerous.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m
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