Rasdhoo
Rasdhoo Island · Rasdhoo Atoll · Alif Alif Rasdhoo
4°15.8'N 72°59.9'E
Depth
4–14m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m radius — sand holding in the lagoon north of the island. Good NE monsoon protection from northern reef. Set scope for full tidal range — Rasdhoo Atoll tides run around 0.8m.
About This Anchorage
Rasdhoo is the administrative capital of North Ari Atoll (Alif Alif Atoll) and a well-established stop on the Maldives cruising route. The island's lagoon provides a comfortable anchorage in the NE monsoon season with reliable sand holding. Rasdhoo is famous among divers as one of the few sites in the Maldives for hammerhead shark encounters — the Rasdhoo Madivaru site (a submerged reef just outside the atoll) has resident hammerhead sharks that patrol at 30–40m depth in the early morning. The island town has good provisioning, a hospital, and multiple dive operations. An important waypoint between Malé and the more remote northern atolls.
Protected From
N · NE · NW
Exposed To
S · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Maldives Yacht Cruising Permit required. Inhabited island — observe local customs. Alcohol prohibited on the island.
Restrictions: Alcohol prohibited in public areas. Modest dress required in the village.
Hazards
- !Hammerhead shark dive site outside atoll — strong currents, experienced divers only
- !Passage to Rasdhoo crosses 15nm of open water from North Malé Atoll
- !Tidal currents in Rasdhoo channel
Skipper's Tips
- →Rasdhoo Madivaru hammerhead dive requires pre-dawn entry into the water — thrilling experience
- →Dive operations on the island are professional and can guide you to the hammerhead site
- →Island hospital is the medical facility for North Ari Atoll — note for emergencies
- →Good provisioning available — stock up before heading further south into Ari Atoll
- →Kuramathi resort island is nearby — can arrange day visits for yacht crews
Facilities
Multiple restaurants on the island. No alcohol. Fuel available at the harbour.
Nearest provisions: Rasdhoo island (0nm)
Best Months & Season
November, December, January, February, March, April
NE monsoon (Nov–Apr). Hammerhead sightings are most reliable December to April. SW monsoon closes the passage across from Malé and makes the anchorage exposed.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m
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