Thoddoo
Thoddoo Island · Kaafu Thoddoo
4°30.1'N 72°58.7'E
Depth
4–12m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m radius — good sand holding on the sheltered western side. Thoddoo is an isolated island outside the main Ari and North Malé atolls — ocean conditions around the island can be lively in the NE monsoon from the east.
About This Anchorage
Thoddoo is a remarkable isolated island in Kaafu Atoll, standing alone in the Indian Ocean north of Ari Atoll. It is famous throughout the Maldives for agriculture — the island's farmers grow exceptional watermelons, papayas, chillis, and vegetables in rich soil, supplying produce to resorts across the central Maldives. This makes Thoddoo arguably the best provisioning stop for fresh produce in the entire Maldivian archipelago outside of Malé. The community is tight-knit and welcoming, with a long fishing tradition supplemented by farming. The anchorage on the western side provides good shelter from the dominant easterly winds in the NE monsoon season.
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 — modest dress ashore. Alcohol prohibited. This is primarily an agricultural and fishing community.
Restrictions: Alcohol prohibited on the island. Respectful dress and behaviour required.
Hazards
- !Isolated island outside main atoll lagoon — open ocean swells possible
- !NE monsoon creates choppy conditions on the eastern side
- !Limited shelter — anchorage can become uncomfortable in strong NE trades
Skipper's Tips
- →Buy watermelons and fresh produce directly from farmers — exceptional quality
- →The island market is supplied directly from farms — best produce in the Maldives
- →Talk to farmers about the island's agricultural history — fascinating community
- →Good fishing in the open water surrounding the island
- →25nm north of Rasdhoo — good waypoint on route north
Facilities
Small local café. Fresh farm produce available directly from the market.
Nearest provisions: Thoddoo island (excellent fresh produce) (0nm)
Best Months & Season
November, December, January, February, March, April
NE monsoon (Nov–Apr). Isolated position means exposed to open ocean conditions — best visited in the calmest part of the season (Dec–Feb). Avoid entirely in SW monsoon.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
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