Maldives Surfing
The Maldives is one of the top surfing destinations globally, thanks to its warm waters, consistent swell, and world-class waves. Here’s a closer look at what makes surfing in the Maldives so special:
Maldives Surf Regions
The Maldives has three major surf zones: the central atolls, the southern atolls, and the Male atolls. During the northeast monsoon in April and May, the southern atolls (such as Huvadhoo) get the finest weather.
Meanwhile, the southeast monsoon, which normally lasts from May to October, is preferred by the central (Laamu) and northern (Male) atolls. Throughout the early season, charter boats prefer to base themselves in the southern atolls, and subsequently in the middle and northern atolls during the mid- to late-season.
1.1 Northern Atolls
When most people think of surfing in the Maldives, they see the Male Atolls. Although much has changed since stranded surfers “discovered” the Male Atolls in the 1970s, the waves remain the same—pure and gorgeous. The once-secret Northern Atolls have emerged as a vital component of the worldwide surf scene, as well as the heart of the expanding Maldives surf culture, after hosting multiple international and professional championships.
The Northern Atolls are separated into the North Male Atoll and the South Male Atoll, with each giving a fairly balanced mix of lefts and rights, with Pasta Point, Chickens, Coke’s, Jailbreaks, Sultans, Ninjas, and Lohi’s in the north and Foxy’s, Guru’s, and Riptides in the south. The waves are finest in the spring and summer, when they normally range from two to eight feet, with the biggest surf rolling through in late summer. While the North Male Atoll may not have the finest waves in the Maldives, it does have the most popular places and the longest rides, with both lefts and rights often reaching over 100 metres.
1.2 Central Atolls
The centre atolls are not as well-known or visited as the North or South Male Atolls, but Thaa and Laamu Atolls in the middle region are becoming more popular as surfers seek to avoid the northern throng. Although the middle atolls are not as large as the Male Atolls, their breakers retain the Maldivian history of offering steady surf and clean barrels. The medium-sized waves are as plentiful and as perfect as you could want for. Malik’s, Finnimas, Outside Mikado, and Inside Mikado are some of Thaa Atoll’s standout restaurants. Laamu Atoll’s more well-known attractions are Ying Yang, Refugee’s Lefts, and Refugee’s Rights. The majority of these waves are fast and section, with quick barrels that compel you to fire down the line in order to make the section. The waves in the central atolls are not for the faint of heart, yet they are still accessible to intermediate surfers.
Some of the locations require special circumstances to shine (essentially a powerful southerly swell and an appropriate wind direction), but when those parameters are satisfied, there is nowhere else you’d rather surf—a sensation heightened by the picturesque scenery and lonesome surroundings. Surf charters are the only method to access this region’s breakers, so if you do plan a surf vacation here, it will have to be via boat.
1.3 Southern Atolls
The Huvadhoo and Addu Atolls (also known as the Southern Atolls) are located in the Maldives’ furthest southern region, which surfers are constantly reminded of as they arrive at empty surf break after empty surf break. Although it is not entirely abandoned, fewer surf boats and surf charters operate in this area, resulting in even the most popular sites in this region being less crowded than in the Northern Atolls. The breaks in the Maldives’ Southern Atolls are among the most secluded and picturesque, keeping the realism of a remote island paradise replete with amazing waves.
Huvadhoo Atoll is well known for Beacons, Castaways, and Tiger Stripes, while Approach Lights, Madihera, and Shangri-la are highlights of Addu Atoll. Beacons and Tiger Stripes are two of the Maldives’ most powerful waves, barreling down fast and hard on to a fringed and deceptively shallow reef, which is a characteristic feature of southern surf sites.
Surfing Trip Guide
A Maldives surf trip combines excellent user-friendly waves, island paradise beauty, and ultimate barefoot luxury. The Maldives is one of the most beautiful surf locations on the globe, whether you’re searching for a group trip with friends or a family-friendly surf holiday.
The Maldives are a string of nearly 1,200 coral islands spread across 26 atolls in the central Indian Ocean, off the west coast of India, that have come to epitomise the tropical paradise experience. In these mainly deserted atolls reached through Male (the capital), picture-perfect white sand beaches studded with palm trees and five-star resorts are the standard, giving the typical beachcomber lifestyle—with every luxury you can imagine, of course.
1. Types of Surf Breaks
Predominantly reef breakers and reef points, albeit not as intense as those seen in Hawaii, Tahiti, or Indonesia. Light winds and modest to moderate swell provide sculpted, rippable walls for the average surfer, making this a wonderful family surf trip destination.
2. Surf Seasons & Swell
From March through October, south waves from the Indian Ocean are prevalent. The best conditions usually appear early in the season, before the wind starts up, and the biggest swells arrive between June and August. Swell is persistent throughout September and October, with varying winds. Because the Maldives is so far north of Indonesia, these swells are often smaller than those found on Bali or in the Mentawais. However, they are also more structured.
3. Level of Difficulty
Intermediate. Although surfers must be comfortable over reef, the waves are generally user-friendly and rarely exceed 8-12 feet on the face. There are a few hollower waves that will appeal to professionals, but the vast majority of pros that visit the Maldives come so to stack high-performance clips. For those who are new to the sport, the region also provides a wide range of beginner waves.
4. Crowds
Depending on the area and waves, you may be alone or with a few hundred other surfers. Charter boats prefer to frequent the more popular breakers, however some land camps have exclusive rights to the front breaks.
5. Getting to the Surf
Almost all of the waves in the Maldives can be reached via resorts, surf camps, and liveaboard boat charters. While it is feasible to visit the Maldives on your own, it is definitely worth it by the time you have flown all that far to arrange excursions with a professional to guarantee that you score.
6. Maldives Surf Trip Costs
Depending on where you stay and the degree of luxury you choose, expect to pay between $300 and $1,000+ per person, each day. Some accommodations include food and drink, transportation, and several activities, so many fees might be included into your reservation.
Maldives Surf Map
The Southern Hemisphere winter, which lasts from March to October, is the optimum season for Maldives surfing excursions. The roaring forties create storms that bring the biggest seas to the archipelago during this time. The most powerful waves are expected in June, July, and August. During this time, the wind is mostly offshore all day. This paradise is exposed to the same swells as Indonesia, but its higher latitude and South-East exposure provide milder and less challenging surfing. Like most point breaks, the classic Madivian wave rolls up with usable corners, interesting pockets, and extended rides. The sets seldom wall up or seal off the waterways. The waves break on largely dead reef, and you’ll only see them on rare occasions.
Transportation
Almost of surfers who visit the Maldives do so via resorts or charter boats, thus your transportation in the Maldives is usually handled by your operator. Surf resorts will have boats to transport you to the surf, and liveaboard charters are always out on the ocean looking for great waves. Having said that, because the islands are tiny and the inhabitants are friendly, independent tourists usually find it easy to move around.
The majority of international flights arrive at Male’s Velana International Airport (MLE), with domestic flights connecting to various atolls across the country, including Laamu, Thaa, Huvadhoo, and Dhaalu.
The Best Surf Spots and Waves
The waves in the Maldives aren’t very powerful, with swell often reaching shoulder-to-head height, but they do give plenty of opportunities for barrels and lengthy enjoyable waves. It’s ideal for intermediate and advanced surfers.
1. The Malé Atolls
The Malé Atolls have long been popular with surfers due to a range of reliable places, particularly during the peak summer months when south swells are plentiful. This happens between the months of April and October. March and November are transition months, yet they may be very pleasant at times.
1.1. Chickens
Wave is located on the deserted island of Villingilimathi Huraa, near to Thulusdhoo Island (on the other side of the channel). This wave has swell sizes ranging from 3 to well over 10 feet and offers rides up to 500 metres long.
The left at Chickens is a reef break that may extend about three times longer than the left at Pasta Point, capable of generating over ten second barrels in the right hands and circumstances. Hands capable of sliding through the powerful current and then keeping up with the zipping lip would be ideal. Chickens, the fastest wave in the area, is divided into two pieces. The lengthy shoulder begins in the second section, but when the wind isn’t blowing, the starting point hollows down nicely—a southwest breeze definitely hurts your chances of a ten second tube.
1.2. Cokes
This right-handed wave, which is also near to the Island of Thulusdhoo, is suggested for intermediate or experienced surfers, especially when the swell is large.
The swell It’s a hollow and tubular right-hander that breaks over a shallow reef and is regarded as one of the Maldives’ top waves. The name of the wave comes from the adjacent Coca-Cola facility on the island of Thulusdhoo. Winds from the south and northeast are ideal.
1.3. Guru's
Gurus is a beautiful lefthander that breaks on a reef in the midst of the water on the South Male Atoll’s east shore. When the wind is from the north or northwest, and the swell is at least 4 feet in size, the wave displays its potential. The wave is quick and provides a lovely wall for manoeuvres or even aerials depending on your skill level… This is one of the first passes you will see while cruising from Malé, and you will not miss it if the conditions are favourable. The anchorage is generally located immediately after the adjacent island of Guli. Twin Peaks and Quarter are the next breaks to the south.
1.4. Honky's
Some consider it the best wave in the Maldives, however it may not be as popular as Cokes and Chickens. It is located on the island of Thaburudhoo (on the same island as Sultans).
When the circumstances are satisfied, it is unquestionably world-class! It’s a massive left-hand wave that can double in the second part. It’s a rapid left at 4-6 feet that requires the appropriate swell direction. If Sultans is too packed, this place is worth a look. On the northeast breeze, it is a good position for winter.
1.5. Jailbreaks
This site, also known as Prison Point, is located on the island of Himafushi and was only recently permitted to surfers due to its proximity to the national penitentiary. Here you will discover a fantastic right wave that starts low and grows as it progresses.
A right-hander with three solid portions that performs best with huge swell because it generates a longer wave. The name comes from the fact that the island once housed a jail. With lengthy walls and three tube sections, this is most likely the fastest wave in the Maldives.
1.6. Kate's
A small and short left-hander that performs best in NW to N breezes and seldom exceeds 1 metre.
1.7. Lohi's
Lohifushi is the name of the island resort. Consistent left-hander that breaks in two halves but may generate a beautiful long wave that barrels across the reef if the swell is large enough.
This location holds the WQS O’Neill Deep Blue’s every year between May and June. This place performs well with northwest and north-east winds, but it is best with south-east swell and northwest winds.
1.8. Natives/Foxys
A hollow and rapid right wave crashes over a shallow coral reef. It’s “Goofy’s Paradise,” or if you have a quick backhand, you’ll enjoy this wave.
It breaks for 100-150 metres and offers several barrel possibilities. Best with a SE swell and a northwest breeze. You will visit both Foxy’s and Rip Tides throughout your transfer, giving you the best of both worlds.
1.9. Ninjas/Piddlies
Slow right-hander suitable for both novices and longboarders. It was presumably called after one of the favourite waves of Japanese surfers. W-NW breezes with a modest S swell provide the best conditions. Swells of more than 4 feet, on the other hand, damage everything.
1.10. Pasta Point
This wave is only available to guests staying at the Chaaya Island Dhonveli Resort.
This wave is a spectacular left that has two notable sections: Macaroni Bowl, named after its bowling-like part, and Lock Jaws, which only works on days when the swell is large and grinds into extremely shallow water over the reef.
1.11. Riptides
A 150-meter right-hander breaking on a reef in the centre of a channel. Accessible only by boat. Because very strong currents might take you seaward at times, we carefully assess current conditions before settling down for a session.
Great wave for longboarders, shortboarders, and low intermediate surfers, with carvable walls and the rare hollow portion. It works well with S swell and SW wind.
1.12. Sultans
Superfast right-hand wave that works best with larger swell and may grow quite long with south swell; ideal conditions are found with west winds and high tide.
If Honky’s is onshore, Sultans is offshore. An effortless right-hander with a quicker inside. It is one of the most consistent waves, with always something to surf.
2 The Central Atolls
It’s not difficult to estimate that circumstances in Central Atolls are somewhere between Male and South Atolls. As a result, the surf season may be prolonged from March to November. Summer in the northern hemisphere remains prime (from June till September). This is when a larger surge approaches at the beach and winds blow continuously offshore.
These breaks are significantly less popular, and you will have a difficult time finding someone else to surf with. If you come across a reef-sucking barrel that seems frightening, there’s a more friendly and forgiving wave just around the corner or on the next reef pass. Numerous world-class breakers, usually right-handers, have been identified in the Central Atolls. Except for a rare straight easterly breeze, there are areas that are shielded from all wind directions.
2.1. Muli
Muli can be broken in two ways: inside (F1) or outside (F2) (Mushrooms). Muli Inside/F1 is a barreling righthander with large walls and hollow that is incredibly quick. It might be superficial, but it always has a happy conclusion.
Very well shielded from southerly winds, but requires larger swells to function. Muli Outside/Mushrooms is a right-hander with lengthy walls and a simple escape on the corner that generally takes up extra swell.
2.1. Muli
Muli can be broken in two ways: inside (F1) or outside (F2) (Mushrooms). Muli Inside/F1 is a barreling righthander with large walls and hollow that is incredibly quick. It might be superficial, but it always has a happy conclusion.
Very well shielded from southerly winds, but requires larger swells to function. Muli Outside/Mushrooms is a right-hander with lengthy walls and a simple escape on the corner that generally takes up extra swell.
2.2. Mulhaku Rights/Lefts
This is another wave with two directions. The right can handle larger swells and is simple to ride even when they are large.
Excellent for intermediates as well as novices. The left is quicker, shallower, and only works in limited situations.
2.3. Veyvah
With a long wall, this is a fantastic left-hander. Take-off is simple, and there are various possibilities for extended journeys. Not too hefty – a lot of fun.
2.3. Veyvah
With a long wall, this is a fantastic left-hander. Take-off is simple, and there are various possibilities for extended journeys. Not too hefty – a lot of fun.
2.4. Adonis
Larger waves and northerly breezes are required for this right-hander to show off its superb barrels. It can have portions that are fast, hollow, or shallow.
With the correct conditions, it may be a really lengthy wave.
2.5. Finnimas
Finnimas is a shallow fast lefthander with some fantastic barrels that break best in NE, N, or mild NW breezes.
2.6. Malik's
We go to Hirilandhoo when the wind is blowing from the southeast and the surf is big from the southwest. On long and fast walls, this left hand may generate some fantastic barrels. There is little regularity because the majority of the swell originates from the southeast.
2.7. Mikado
The most steady wave in Thaa, although least wind sheltered. It’s a strong right-hand wave with rapid, hollow walls that can generate some epic barrels. Outside, Mikado works best with high tide, and when pumped, it delivers the wave of a lifetime!
2.8. Bedhuge
Bedhuge is a secluded right that breaks on large SE swells and any W breeze. However, if other breaks appear to be too hefty, it’s worth a go.
2.9. Isdhoo
Isdhoo or Langon Bank, located on the northeast edge of the atoll, is an infrequently surfed right hand that comes alive in huge S-SE swells and is well shielded from southerly breezes. Due to a lack of anchoring, this place is rarely surfed.
2.10. Mada's
Another wave to consider if the swell is large and the wind is coming from the NW is Mada’s, a short and shallow left inside the pass.
2.11. Mahibadhoo
In huge swell conditions, this is complete perfection. Unfortunately, this wave is always modest, and currents can get quite strong, making surfing impossible. It is divided into three sections: the exterior, the corner, and the inside. When the swell is ideal, all three pieces connect and make the wave a lot of fun.
The reef here is quite straight and shallow, but you may draw into the barrel shortly after take-off. To go to the corner and complete turns in a mellower wave, you must gain some speed. Continue on to the interior to find another lengthy and massive barrel part
2.12. Tsunami's
This left-hander gets the greatest surf of any east-facing point in the Laamu Atoll.
With the appropriate swell angle, it’s a terrific wave, but because the reef is very straight, it tends to shut off. Winds from the west to the north are adequately shielded. Offering three really enjoyable parts, beginning with a great barrel on the takeoff, followed by a nice wall for several spins, and ending with another barrel.
2.13. Yin Yang
Yin Yang is Laamu’s most consistent wave, performing best in strong SE swell with thick barrels and a powerful inner section.
The wave begins with a good wall, then backs off for a bit before becoming aggressive, with a long inner section that may generate some incredible hollow barrels. Outside, a gentle wall provides safe riding in deep water.
3. The South Atolls
While most atolls in the Maldives have a peak season from April to September, the South Atolls enjoy a longer season from February to November. Some claim the ideal months are February to April, just before the southwest monsoon arrives, and September to November, when it finishes. Wind can be a difficulty on the south-facing places from May to August, but this is when you motor to the east-facing side of the atoll for better protection. Because it is peak swell season, the east-facing breakers will still have plenty of size. South Atolls are still the last frontier for surf vacations.
This is one of the most isolated spots on the globe, and the only way to get there is via charter boat, making this an elite and very pricey surf excursion. A specific government authorization is necessary for boats to go here due to political concerns. Although the first surf boat charters began in 1993, the most of the surf places are still secret and have yet to be discovered. Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll (also known as the Huvadhoo Atoll) is often regarded as having the greatest surfing conditions in the Maldives since it receives more swell from all directions than any other atoll.
3.1. Antiques
If you don’t want to surf Tiger Stripes’ lefts, move up to Antique’s rights.
This is called a backup wave since it is always a couple of feet smaller and much more forgiving than the lefts.
3.2. Beacons
Only for advanced surfers! This wave, unlike many others in the Maldives, features an unforgiving shallow reef. Remember that although SW swells will tear down the reef, SE swells will build peaks that will bash right into close-out portions of coral.
3.3. Voodoos or Blue Bowls
A lengthy right-hander with a lot of excitement, especially at 4 to 6 feet and shielded from SW-W breezes. This wave is surfable at all times, in all waves, tides, and sizes. It’s a terrific length for a relaxing ride with some fantastic portions for some moves.
3.4. Castaways
Due to its shallow reef, it is a gentle right-hander that can be ridden at all tides but is best surfed at high tide when the surge is greater than 4 feet. It gets nice with N wind, just like Beacons. Surfing in the Maldives is an exquisite environment with abundance of marine life and a secluded island directly in front of the line-up.
3.5. Five Islands/Gani Point
Another right-hander, this one shielded from the south-southwest breezes. A hollow wave that breaks fiercely on a shallow inner reef, best ridden at mid-high tide. This is maybe the wave that can handle the largest surges at all tides.
3.6. Love Charms
This incredibly steady left-hander works on any surf size and is just adjacent to Two Ways. This wave may be ridden at every tide and in any wind direction, but the greatest circumstances are when it is tiny, low tide, and facing east. Beautiful long wave with two sections: take-off on the hollow wall and some beautiful interior tubes.
3.7. Tiger Stripes or Rockets
A fantastic left-hander with lengthy working walls and a tricky take-off into a long rapid wall before presenting an inner tube section that gets smooth and easily breaks out in the channel. It is quite consistent and can be surfed at all tides, with the best conditions being west-northwest breezes. When tiny, this is an easy and overlooked wave, yet it can be really difficult in a heavy swell.
3.8. Two Ways/Twin Peaks
This is a right-hander, but the rights are better, funnier, and longer. It’s not hollow, and it requires a large swell to be excellent. As a result, this is one of the intermediates’ favourite waves. Fun, peeling, lengthy walls with some water depth.
3.9. Gaukendi Bridge
On days with little wave, a left-hander on the bay’s south side may be the best option. You may expect short but enjoyable rides.
3.10. Madihera
This may be called a spoilt wave because it receives a lot of swell, however it must be ridden under very particular conditions. It provides a fantastic left-hander with two portions and multiple take-off positions in the correct wind directions. The waves begin breaking in deep water and produce some hefty barrels on specific reef places. The reef’s bottom is a little bumpy, which causes the wave to shift from heavy to gentle in only a few metres.
3.11. Shangri-la
This wave is the name of a new resort on the island of Viligili. On modest clean westerly waves, a great right-hand reef-break wraps around the island’s east shore.
The Best Maldives Surf Resorts
Because Maldives resorts cater to a diverse range of tourists, Maldives surf resorts do not fit the traditional definition of a surf resort, where the property and the bulk of guests concentrate around surfing. There aren’t truly surfing resorts in the Maldives; instead, you’ll find luxury resorts with access to neighbouring waves (and a few properties have a private wave breaking off the resort’s island).
Budget Surfing Islands
Male Atoll
Central Atolls
South Atolls
Maldives Travel Basics
1. Weather
The weather is beautiful and bright, with nice water and gentle trade breezes to keep you cool during the noon heat and humidity. The sun is a significant factor in the Maldives, so carry plenty of sunscreen (rash guards, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.). Water temperatures hover about 27 C (81 F) all year, thus no wetsuit is required. While the surf season is also the “wet” season, clouds and squalls tend to move over the islands quite fast, which means that the weather stays very near to ideal most of the time, with air temperatures ranging from 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 30 degrees Celsius)
2. Currency
The native currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa, which is worth around 6 cents USD. This works out to about 15.42 Rufiyaa per US dollar.
3. Staying Connected
Almost all visitors to the Maldives stay at resorts, which usually provide Internet/Wi-Fi connection. When arriving at the airport, independent travellers can purchase SIM cards. These come preinstalled and are far less expensive than utilising roaming services on most overseas data plans.
4. Good to Know
The Maldives are a Muslim country as well as a tropical beach getaway. While the resorts are used to Western conventions and have no problem with tourists lazing all day in board shorts or bikinis, it is recommended that you dress modestly when you leave your resort and interact with the locals.
5. Travel Insurance
While we’d all prefer not to think about getting hurt, there are far too many examples of folks who didn’t consider about insurance and ended up with massive medical expenditures.
Things To Know About Surfing
1 – As many of you are aware, the Maldives are made up of 1,200 islands stretched across an 800km vertical line in the Indian Ocean.
2 – When I first saw the Atolls from above on my first trip to the Maldives in 1996, my first thought was, “Wow, here is the actual surfers paradise.”
3 – If you’re seeking for a bit more laid-back version of Indo that is far more user-friendly and politically relaxed, the Maldives is an incredible trip location that may be just as ideal.
4 – Due to its location in the centre of the Indian Ocean, a long way north, the Maldives does not normally carry as much punch and strength as Indonesia.
5 – During peak season (April to October), the Maldives still gets more than enough swell to keep the bulk of vacationers happy.
6 – They provided this breakdown on the important subject of where and how to best get uncrowded waves in the Maldives, including the best months and best spots.
Each section of the Maldives (southern, middle, and north/south Male) has its own distinct qualities and experiences to offer.
7 – What board size, volume etc. is best? Two best boards to bring?
The Maldives include a lengthy list of surf spots that range from hollow, fast, and shallow to enjoyable, forgiving waves. The best surfboard to carry is the one you are most at ease on in your daily grovelling at home. There is no need for large weapons because most sites allow for a simple take off even with some size. You’ll be riding waves in the 2-4ft range with long playful walls the majority of the time, so a short hot-dogger and a more traditional board in the 6ft range are ideal.
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