After a significant decline, the Uligan harbour in Haa Alifu atoll is once again filling up with inbound yachts in 2023.
Currently, there are 21 yachts docked in the harbour. By April, the island is expected to receive more than 70 international yacht arrivals, which will be the highest number recorded in Uligan since 2010.
According to the Vice President of the Island Council, Asadulla Mohamed, the increase in yachts can be attributed to the Maldives Customs Service lowering the docking charges, as well as a drop in pirate activities across the Red Sea region. The channel has also been deemed safe for travel by the International Maritime Organisation.
Following the 2020 amendment to the customs regulations, the docking fee for tourist vessels smaller than 15 metres was decreased by more than 50 percent, from MVR 1,000 per trip to MVR 250 per trip.
While several international yacht arrivals are expected throughout the year, Uligan harbour typically has close to 40 yachts docked at a time. Last year, the island reported a total of 43 arrivals during the yacht season. This figure is expected to double in 2023 due to increased global tourism activity.
Uligamu, located in the Maldives' northernmost atoll, is a popular transit spot for yachts travelling through the channel between Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Many yachts from Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, and Thailand make stops at the small island before travelling to European destinations.
The island usually experiences a peak in yacht arrivals between January and April every year.
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