Biyadhoo
Biyadhoo Island · Biyadoo
3°53.6'N 73°28.7'E
Depth
5–18m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m radius — sand bottom with reliable holding north of the island. Deeper than Guraidhoo so more scope needed. Exposed to afternoon westerly wind shifts — increase radius if staying overnight.
About This Anchorage
Biyadhoo is a resort island in South Malé Atoll renowned among divers for its house reef, which drops steeply from the surface into deep water. The island is operated as an all-inclusive dive resort. Yachts may anchor off the resort in the designated area with advance permission — the house reef is one of the best wall dives in the Maldives, with overhangs covered in soft coral, turtles, sharks, and Napoleon wrasse. The anchorage north of the island provides adequate shelter from NE trades over a sand bottom. This is primarily a diving destination — the above-water scenery is typical Maldivian palm-lined white sand.
Protected From
N · NE
Exposed To
S · SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Permit fee applies
- Maximum stay
- 3 days
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Maldives Yacht Cruising Permit required. Contact resort on VHF 16 for anchoring permission — resort is a dive operation and may allow day visits for diving. No unauthorised landing.
Restrictions: Anchoring only in designated area as instructed by resort. No landing without resort permission. Do not anchor on or near the house reef wall.
Hazards
- !Resort dive boats operating continuously — maintain lookout
- !House reef wall drops steeply — anchor well clear of reef edge
- !Resort guests on jet skis and water sports equipment
- !SW exposure — uncomfortable in SW monsoon
Skipper's Tips
- →Call resort on VHF 16 — they are generally helpful with information even if not allowing landing
- →The house reef snorkelling and diving from the boat is outstanding
- →Day dive trips can sometimes be arranged through resort dive school
- →Anchor deep enough to be clear of reef wall but not too far out where swell affects comfort
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Guraidhoo (5nm)
Best Months & Season
December, January, February, March, April
December to April in the NE monsoon. Best diving visibility in December–February. SW monsoon (May–Oct) makes the anchorage uncomfortable and diving less pleasant.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
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