Dhiffushi
Dhiffushi Island · North Malé Atoll East
4°20.9'N 73°34.7'E
Depth
3–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m radius — shallow lagoon anchorage with good sand holding. Protected from west by the atoll rim. Eastern exposure means NE monsoon chop can reach the anchorage — anchor on the western side of the island.
About This Anchorage
Dhiffushi is an inhabited island on the eastern rim of North Malé Atoll, known for its active fishing community and welcoming attitude to visiting sailors. The anchorage off the island's western side provides good protection from westerly swells and is in moderate depth over clean sand. The island has a small but well-stocked provision shop and the community regularly trades fresh fish with passing yachts. The eastern rim position of the atoll places Dhiffushi close to the open Indian Ocean — the outer reef diving here includes hammerhead sharks at certain sites in season. A good stop on the northern route through the atoll.
Protected From
W · NW · SW
Exposed To
E · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Maldives Yacht Cruising Permit required. Inhabited island — observe local customs, dress modestly ashore. No alcohol on the island.
Restrictions: Alcohol prohibited ashore on the island. Modest dress required when visiting.
Hazards
- !Shallow lagoon perimeter — approach with echo sounder active
- !NE monsoon chop on eastern side — anchor west of island only
- !Fishing boat traffic and lines
Skipper's Tips
- →Anchor on the western (lagoon) side — well sheltered from east
- →Fresh tuna and reef fish available from fishing boats returning in the afternoon
- →Residents are friendly and English-speaking — good local knowledge source
- →Check tide height carefully — some parts of the lagoon dry at low water
Facilities
Small local café and shops on the island. Basic provisions available.
Nearest provisions: Dhiffushi island (0nm)
Best Months & Season
November, December, January, February, March, April
NE monsoon (Nov–Apr). Eastern rim position means full exposure to NE trades — can be choppy but manageable. Avoid SW monsoon entirely.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
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