Maafushi
Maafushi Island · Maafushi Village
3°56.3'N 73°28.1'E
Depth
3–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m radius — shallow lagoon with reliable sand holding. Excellent natural shelter from west. Moderate NE monsoon chop can enter from east — anchor on the protected western side.
About This Anchorage
Maafushi has become one of the most popular inhabited island destinations in the Maldives, transitioning from a quiet fishing community to a thriving budget tourism hub with over 50 guesthouses. The anchorage in the western lagoon provides excellent shelter from the NE trades with good sand holding in relatively shallow water. The island is fully equipped for provisioning and offers an insight into contemporary Maldivian life that resort stays cannot provide. The surrounding South Malé Atoll waters have excellent diving and snorkelling, and the island runs multiple dive and excursion operations. An ideal reprovisioning stop and crew rest destination.
Protected From
W · NW · N
Exposed To
E · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Maldives Yacht Cruising Permit required. Inhabited island — follow local customs. Bikini beach area designated for swimwear. Alcohol allowed only in designated areas or on the boat.
Restrictions: Alcohol prohibited in public areas and the main beach. Bikini beach is on the north tip — swimwear only allowed there. Modest dress in the village.
Hazards
- !High speedboat traffic — water taxi boats running constantly
- !Shallow lagoon entry — monitor depth carefully on approach
- !Crowded anchorage area — other yachts and dhonis may be anchored
Skipper's Tips
- →Maafushi is well-organised for visiting sailors — dinghy dock available
- →Multiple dive shops offer competitive rates for daily dive trips
- →Fresh produce market in the mornings — excellent fruit and vegetables
- →ATM available on the island — change money in Malé before arriving
- →Snorkelling trip to whale shark feeding area can be arranged from here
Facilities
Numerous restaurants covering Maldivian and international cuisine. Some licensed restaurants serve alcohol in designated areas.
Nearest provisions: Maafushi island (0nm)
Best Months & Season
November, December, January, February, March, April
Year-round guesthouse tourism but sailing conditions only suitable in NE monsoon (Nov–Apr). SW monsoon chop and swell make the anchorage uncomfortable.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
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