Malé (pronounced Maleey) lies on the southern shore of the North Male Atoll and is the capital of the Maldives. It is among the largest of the group but is still a tiny dot of land covering an area of approximately one square mile, with a population of more than 70,000.
Do not go directly to the anchorage in the lagoon north of the airport, at Hulhumale. EVERY time you wish to anchor at Hulhumale you have to clear Customs. This is now a permanent regulation. Contact your agent and anchor at Viligili Island (various spellings) four miles to the SW from Hulhumale off the fishing harbor. You will be in 25 meters with a rocky bottom. If you have too much alcohol aboard it will be sealed in a bonded locker. 3 to 6 bottles is deemed to be the maximum but much depends on the individual officer.
Vessels are not allowed to enter Malé between 23:00 and 06:00 except with special permission from the Coastguard. The Port Authority now insists that all vessels, regardless of size, need to have a pilot, although this is not strictly applied.
An hour before arrival, the Coastguard should be contacted on Channel 10 or 16 (24 hours), who will first ask if the vessel has an agent. If not, the vessel's particulars will be passed on to the Port Authority before the boat is allowed to proceed. In practice, it is more likely that an agent will answer the VHF call, not the Coastguard or Port Control. It is recommended to contact your preferred agent in advance to avoid confusion. See Clearance Agents for a list of agents able to deal with clearance formalities.
Cruising through the atolls of the Maldives offers a variety of experiences including diving, fishing and surfing. Untouched, sugar white sandy beaches and thriving coral reefs.
Locals recommend securely locking cabins and to not leave any valuable goods in the cockpit if going ashore and leaving the yacht unattended while in the Male'/Hulhumale' anchorage. The Male' area is reportedly very crowded and there is a high possibility theft.
04°13.20'N, 073°31.79'E (lagoon entrance)
Last updated: November 2025
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