Hulhumalé Anchorage
Hulhumale · Hulhulé Adjacent
4°12.7'N 73°32.5'E
Depth
8–22m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m radius recommended — moderate tidal stream through Emboodhoo channel can cause swinging. Sand bottom gives reliable holding but scope generously as swell can wrap around the artificial island.
About This Anchorage
Hulhumalé is a reclaimed island north of the main Velana International Airport island (Hulhulé), offering the most convenient anchorage for yachts arriving to Malé to clear customs and immigration. The anchorage provides reasonable shelter in the northeast monsoon season in sand over a firm substrate. This is the primary arrival and departure anchorage for North Malé Atoll and is the closest anchorage to Malé's provisioning, fuel, and repair facilities. Channel traffic from the airport ferry and inter-island vessels is constant — maintain a good watch. Strong tidal currents in the Emboodhoo channel to the south require attention when setting anchor.
Protected From
N · NE · E
Exposed To
SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Permit fee applies
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Maldives Yacht Cruising Permit required. Clear customs and immigration at Malé port of entry on arrival. Fly Q flag until cleared. Permit obtained through Maldives Immigration or authorised agent.
Restrictions: Anchoring must be in designated areas only. Maintain clear channel for commercial and airport ferry traffic. No approach to airport exclusion zone.
Hazards
- !Heavy ferry and commercial traffic — constant watch required
- !Tidal currents 1–2kt in adjacent Emboodhoo channel — can cause ranging
- !Airport exclusion zone to the south — do not approach
- !Coral heads in approach — scout from dinghy first
Skipper's Tips
- →Arrive in daylight — approach from north-northeast through the main ship channel
- →Use VHF 16 to contact Malé Port Control on arrival
- →Water taxi to Malé runs frequently — most practical way to reach customs office
- →Provision fully here before heading to remote atolls — best supermarket access in the Maldives
- →Fuel available at Malé commercial harbour — arrange via agent
Facilities
Full range of restaurants in Hulhumalé town. Malé city (ferry 15 min) has extensive provisioning.
Nearest provisions: Malé (2nm)
Best Months & Season
November, December, January, February, March, April
Northeast monsoon (Nov–Apr) provides settled conditions with moderate NE trades. Avoid SW monsoon (May–Oct) when swells and strong winds make this anchorage uncomfortable.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
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