Malé Commercial Harbour
Malé Harbour · Male Port
4°10.5'N 73°30.5'E
Depth
5–15m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m radius in the commercial harbour area — confined space with vessel traffic requires tight watch. Set conservatively to avoid swinging into channel.
About This Anchorage
Malé Commercial Harbour serves as the main port of entry for the Maldivian capital and is where yachts formally clear customs and immigration. The harbour is extremely busy with cargo vessels, inter-island ferries, speedboats, and dhonis (traditional Maldivian boats). Anchoring within the commercial harbour is restricted to specific areas designated by the port authority — yachts typically anchor off Hulhumalé or await instructions. The harbour provides excellent access to Malé city for provisioning, parts procurement, and official business. The colourful waterfront, mosques, and busy market are within easy dinghy range.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE
Exposed To
SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Port dues apply
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Maldives Yacht Cruising Permit required. Contact port authority on VHF 16 for anchoring position assignment. Port dues collected by Maldives Ports Limited (MPL).
Restrictions: Anchor only in positions designated by port authority. Maintain clear channel at all times. No discharge of any waste in harbour.
Hazards
- !Extremely heavy commercial and ferry traffic — constant 360° watch essential
- !Wake from high-speed ferries and speedboats
- !Confined harbour — limited swinging room
- !Anchor chain and mooring lines from harbour vessels on seabed
Skipper's Tips
- →Call Malé Port Control on VHF 16 before entering — they will assign an anchoring position
- →Use your dinghy to reach the customs jetty — dinghy dock is on the east side of the harbour
- →Stock up on provisions here — best selection in the Maldives including imported goods
- →Money changers on the waterfront offer competitive rates
- →Friday is a rest day — plan customs clearance for Sun–Thu
Facilities
Full range of restaurants in Malé. Note: Malé is an inhabited island — alcohol not available ashore.
Nearest provisions: Malé city centre (0nm)
Best Months & Season
November, December, January, February, March, April
Year-round port operations but NE monsoon (Nov–Apr) is far more comfortable. SW monsoon brings swell into the harbour entrance.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
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