Guraidhoo (South Malé)
Guraidhoo Island · Kaafu Guraidhoo
3°51.7'N 73°27.2'E
Depth
4–12m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m radius — good sand holding on the western lagoon side. Natural protection from north and west. Anchor well clear of the jetty area and maintain watch for ferry traffic.
About This Anchorage
Guraidhoo is a vibrant inhabited island in South Malé Atoll (Kaafu Atoll South) with a reputation as one of the most accessible and welcoming islands for budget travellers and visiting yachts. The community of around 1,500 supports numerous guesthouses, restaurants, and small shops. The anchorage off the western side of the island provides good sand holding in moderate depth, sheltered from the dominant NE monsoon winds. The surrounding waters of South Malé Atoll have excellent diving, with regular sightings of reef sharks, manta rays, and eagle rays. The famous Guraidhoo Corner dive site is within dinghy range.
Protected From
N · NW · W
Exposed To
S · SE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Maldives Yacht Cruising Permit required. Inhabited island — dress modestly ashore. Alcohol prohibited on inhabited islands. Bikini beach area is designated — check locally.
Restrictions: Alcohol prohibited in public areas of the island. Modest dress required in the village. A designated bikini beach area is available for swimwear.
Hazards
- !Ferry traffic to island jetty — maintain clear channel
- !Coral heads on approach from east and south
- !Southern exposure means swell can enter in SW monsoon
Skipper's Tips
- →Guraidhoo Corner dive site (SE tip of island) — strong current drift dive, excellent shark encounter
- →Good guesthouse options for crew to stay ashore at low cost
- →Markets and shops well-stocked for an inhabited island — stock up here
- →Snorkelling house reef directly from the boat on the western shore
Facilities
Multiple local restaurants on the island. No alcohol. Fresh fish widely available.
Nearest provisions: Guraidhoo island (0nm)
Best Months & Season
November, December, January, February, March, April
NE monsoon (Nov–Apr) is the prime season. South Malé Atoll is 25nm from Malé — easily reachable at the start or end of a cruise. SW monsoon brings uncomfortable conditions.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m
Whale sharks, manta rays, and hammerheads don't wait — and neither do shifting tidal currents. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can be in the water knowing your boat is staying put.
Download Free for iOS