Gan - Clearance
See Maldives Clearance for main clearance information.
See Maldives Clearance Agents for a list of agents in Gan.
Yachts are most welcome and can both clear in and out here. Fees may be less than at Malé.
Contact the authorities on VHF Ch 10 or 16 on arrival and follow instructions as they will probably insist you go to the designated anchorage in the inner harbor. Customs and immigration will visit the boat and will keep clearance from Malé if one has already cleared out of the country. It may be necessary to complete clearing-out formalities again before departure.
Clearing in and out will involve a trip to Hithadhoo (about 10NM from Gan). Phone in advance as the official is not always there. Then return to Gan to complete the process.
Clearance fees and an entry fee must be paid to Hithadhoo Ports Limited located at the main road in front of the Regional Port. Their counter is downstairs.
If this is your first port of entry in the Maldives and you are staying more than 48 hours, an agent must be appointed to deal with the cruising permit paperwork. They will also assist with payment for the cruising permit to the Ministry of Tourism Arts & Culture in Male.
Latest update: August 2015
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Related to following destinations: Addu Atoll, Gan, Maldives
Port Navigation
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Notes on the Gan harbor anchorage from Georgia (svjeorgia.blogspot.com)
Gan anchorage
Outside cut: 00*41.0S, 073*08.75E
The cut into the Gan anchorage lies between Gan and Feydhoo islands and is in front of the causeway connecting these islands. The cut is not as apparent as the typical cuts further north and the water is often not clear.
There is a starboard side pole that marks the outer portion of the cut.
There is a starboard side inner pole on the inside of the cut that is not visible at higher tides.
The cut has about 10 feet minimum at low tide.
On the inner, starboard side of the cut is a shallow spot that sticks into the cut. It is often not very visible due to the water clarity. When you get toward the inside of the cut, stay a bit clear of the starboard side ( a little closer to the breakwater wall on your port). You can turn to starboard into the main portion of the anchorage once you have passed the steps that are in the breakwater wall to port.
Directly ahead of the cut as you enter is an open area with no moorings. This is in front of the tied off to the wall Coast Guard and Police boats. We were told we are not allowed to anchor in this area.
The anchorage is very tight, with the reef to the east and the existing local boats on moorings. These moorings are continually used, so don’t expect an empty one to stay empty. The holding varies from good sand to somewhat scoured rubble. The scoured portions are where the current flows under the causeway.
You can’t put out much scope as the winds come from all directions. The anchorage depths range from about 6 feet to 15feet. The anchorage is often rolly at high tide.
Petrol and diesel are available in the Feydho harbour. Take the dinghy 5 minutes to the harbour and head to the back wall where the petrol station is to fill your jerry jugs.
Provioning – there are 3 decent grocery stores within walking distance. The 3S store i just across the street and a little south of the petrol station. Its the best place o get eggs as they use a bright flashlight(torch) to check them before they put them in your container.
We anchored at 00*41.136S, 073*08.608E
Paul