Thinadhoo
Thinadhoo Island · Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo · South Huvadhu Capital
0°31.7'N 72°59.0'E
Depth
5–16m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m radius — well-sheltered lagoon anchorage with reliable sand holding. Thinadhoo Harbour provides the best facilities in the southern atolls. Eastern reef shelters from NE monsoon. Western exposure requires attention to approaching weather.
About This Anchorage
Thinadhoo is the administrative capital of Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll (South Huvadhu) and the most important population centre and service hub in the southern Maldives. The harbour and anchorage here provide the best facilities for visiting yachts south of Malé, including fuel, water, basic provisions, and a port authority. The town has a hospital, government offices, and a modest commercial district. For yachts making the challenging southern Maldives circuit, Thinadhoo is the essential reprovisioning and fuel stop. The lagoon anchorage provides good shelter from the NE monsoon with reliable sand holding. The surrounding waters of South Huvadhu Atoll are exceptional for fishing and relatively untouched diving.
Protected From
E · NE · N
Exposed To
W · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Port dues apply
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Maldives Yacht Cruising Permit required. Contact Thinadhoo Port Authority on VHF 16 on approach. Inhabited island — observe all local customs. No alcohol on the island.
Restrictions: Port rules apply — follow port authority instructions for anchoring position. No alcohol in public areas.
Hazards
- !Ferry and cargo vessel traffic in the harbour
- !400nm from Malé — remote location for any emergencies
- !SW monsoon makes return passage to Malé extremely hazardous
Skipper's Tips
- →This is your last major fuel and water stop before Addu Atoll (250nm south) — fill everything
- →Port authority is professional and helpful — contact by VHF on approach
- →Hospital available for medical needs — only facility for 250nm in any direction
- →Fresh fish from the market is excellent — buy direct from fishermen
- →Plan departure carefully — weather windows for the Malé return passage can close quickly
Facilities
Multiple restaurants and shops in Thinadhoo town. No alcohol. Best provisioning in southern Maldives.
Nearest provisions: Thinadhoo town (0nm)
Best Months & Season
December, January, February, March
December to March. Critical waypoint on the southern Maldives circuit. Do not plan arrival here after early April — weather window for the return passage north closes rapidly.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
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