Giraavaru
Giraavaru Island
4°11.2'N 73°25.9'E
Depth
5–14m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m radius — sand bottom with good holding. Eastern reef provides protection from NE monsoon. Set scope generously as afternoon west-southwest squalls can develop quickly.
About This Anchorage
Giraavaru is a small island on the western edge of North Malé Atoll with a rich cultural history — it was once home to the oldest recorded Maldivian community before the inhabitants were relocated to Malé in the 1980s. The island is now a resort (Club Med Kani is nearby) but the anchorage area in the lagoon to the east offers good sand holding with reasonable shelter from the NE trades. The western atoll rim position makes this a good departure point for passages south or west. The lagoon waters here are particularly clear and the underwater topography is dramatic on the outer reef wall.
Protected From
NE · E · SE
Exposed To
SW · W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Permit fee applies
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Maldives Yacht Cruising Permit required. Do not anchor within resort boundary or restricted areas. Maintain respectful distance from resort beach.
Restrictions: No approach to resort jetty or beach without prior arrangement with resort management.
Hazards
- !Resort water sports area — maintain lookout for jet skis and windsurfers
- !Coral bommies scattered in lagoon
- !Afternoon westerly squalls possible in transition months (Apr–May, Oct–Nov)
Skipper's Tips
- →Best approached from the eastern side through the lagoon
- →Outer reef wall is excellent diving — one of the best wall dives in North Malé Atoll
- →Good departure point for passages to Ari Atoll (30nm WSW)
- →Resort speedboats create significant wake in daytime — fender well
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Malé (16nm)
Best Months & Season
December, January, February, March, April
December to April in the NE monsoon. Position on western atoll rim means more exposure to SW monsoon swell — leave well before May.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
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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