Fuvahmulah
Gnaviyani Atoll · Fuvammulah
0°17.9'S 73°25.4'E
Depth
10–30m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
100m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
100m
100m radius — Fuvahmulah has no lagoon or reef protection. The island stands alone in the open Indian Ocean and anchorage is on the sand shelf in relatively deep water. Swells roll in from all directions — this is a fair-weather anchorage only, suitable for experienced crews in settled conditions. Err on the side of a larger radius given the ocean conditions.
About This Anchorage
Fuvahmulah is the only island in the Maldives that forms its own single-island atoll — there is no surrounding lagoon or protective reef. The island rises from deep ocean on all sides, creating one of the most unusual and challenging sailing destinations in the Indian Ocean. What makes Fuvahmulah extraordinary is its diving: the island is surrounded by deep water reaching 30m+ just metres from the beach, creating one of the world's most unusual ecosystems. Tiger sharks aggregate here in large numbers from October to January — Fuvahmulah is arguably the best tiger shark diving site on Earth. Thresher sharks, whale sharks, and hammerheads are also regular visitors. The island's two freshwater lakes are unique in the Maldives. This anchorage is only for experienced blue-water sailors in calm weather — it is not a comfortable overnight anchorage in any conditions.
Protected From
N · NW
Exposed To
S · SE · E · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Permit fee applies
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Maldives Yacht Cruising Permit required and must specify Fuvahmulah (Gnaviyani Atoll). Inhabited island — observe local customs. No alcohol on the island.
Restrictions: Day anchorage only recommended — not suitable as overnight anchorage in typical conditions. Dive with dive operator — tiger shark encounters require experienced guides. No feeding or touching sharks.
Hazards
- !No lagoon — open ocean swell from all directions
- !Deep water adjacent to island — anchor must be set with extra care
- !Tiger sharks in the water — follow dive operator protocols strictly
- !Very limited rescue resources at this remote location
- !Dangerous if weather deteriorates — no shelter available
- !360nm from Malé across open Indian Ocean
Skipper's Tips
- →This is a specialised destination for experienced bluewater crews and divers
- →Book a dive operator on the island in advance — they will advise on current conditions and shark activity
- →Tiger shark season Oct–Jan is the primary reason to visit — extraordinary natural encounter
- →Day anchorage only unless conditions are absolutely settled
- →Keep the engine ready and crew on watch if staying overnight
- →Passage from Addu Atoll (100nm north) is safer than from Malé
Facilities
Island has restaurants and basic shops. No alcohol. Fresh produce from the island's famous agriculture.
Nearest provisions: Fuvahmulah town (0nm)
Best Months & Season
November, December, January, February
November to February for tiger shark season and NE monsoon calm. Even in the best conditions this is a challenging anchorage — only visit when forecasts show sustained settled conditions. SW monsoon (May–Oct) makes the anchorage completely impossible.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
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