Fonadhoo (Laamu Atoll)
Fonadhoo Island · Laamu Atoll Capital · Haa Alifu Fonadhoo
1°50.3'N 73°30.4'E
Depth
5–18m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m radius — deep lagoon with reliable sand holding in Laamu Atoll. Good NE monsoon protection from eastern reef. Laamu is a large atoll with significant tidal flow through the channels — set scope generously.
About This Anchorage
Fonadhoo is the capital island of Laamu Atoll, located approximately 250nm south of Malé — making it the first major southern atoll destination reachable in a single long day-sail from the central Maldives. Laamu Atoll (also called Haa Alifu, though that designation normally refers to the northernmost atoll) is a beautiful and relatively accessible southern atoll with excellent diving, good sand anchorages, and a welcoming inhabited island community. The atoll contains archaeological sites — ancient Buddhist temples (havitta) predating Islam are found on several islands, and underwater archaeology has revealed evidence of ancient maritime trade routes. A Six Senses resort operates in the atoll, making it one of the southern atolls with some yachting infrastructure.
Protected From
N · NE · E
Exposed To
S · SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Permit fee applies
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Maldives Yacht Cruising Permit required. Laamu Atoll permits may need to be explicitly requested from the permit authority in Malé. Contact Fonadhoo Port Authority on arrival.
Restrictions: Archaeological sites on some islands — no digging or disturbing ruins. No anchoring on coral in the atoll lagoon. Respect inhabited island rules regarding dress and alcohol.
Hazards
- !250nm passage from Malé through open Indian Ocean sectors
- !Tidal currents in Laamu Atoll channels can reach 3kt
- !Coral heads throughout the lagoon — pilotage in daylight only
- !SW monsoon makes passage and anchorage untenable — depart before May
Skipper's Tips
- →Laamu is the most accessible of the southern atolls — a good first step south from central Maldives
- →Ancient havitta (Buddhist ruins) are found on Isdhoo and other islands — request permission before visiting
- →Six Senses resort has a dive school that may be accessible for yacht crews
- →Good provisioning in Fonadhoo town — better than Thinadhoo for food quality
- →Chart this passage carefully and depart Malé at night to arrive in daylight
Facilities
Fonadhoo has restaurants and a market. No alcohol. Reasonable provisions for a southern atoll.
Nearest provisions: Fonadhoo town (0nm)
Best Months & Season
November, December, January, February, March, April
November to April in the NE monsoon. Laamu is the most northerly of the southern atolls covered here — the season is slightly longer than for Addu or Fuvahmulah. An excellent introduction to southern Maldives sailing.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
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