Owing to its location in the Indian Ocean, Maldives has waves that are best suited for surfing adventures. Each region in Maldives offers you a different experience. Though it might not provide higher waves, it offers long fun waves perfect for both advanced and intermediate surfers. The swell reaches up to head to shoulder, hence Maldives is safe for surfing. Most resorts in Maldives offer surfing packages, often through local operators. However, if you want to surf on a budget or learn to surf locally, Thulusdhoo and Himmafushi are the most popular surfing islands in Maldives. There are several surf schools and camps on these islands along with the capital Male. For a unique experience, luxury surf charters are also available in Maldives, but they cost a lot.
Surfing Season in Maldives
The best time for surfing in Maldives in from March to October. This period experiences the roaring forties which are strong westerly winds. They bring the largest swell to Maldives. The biggest waves occur in June, July and August. Surfing in Maldives is affected by the Northeast and Southeast monsoons. From March to April (northeast monsoons), it is best to surf in the Southern Atolls while from May to October (southeast monsoon) the best surfing area in Maldives is in the Northern Atoll or Central Atoll.
Level of Difficulty
Surfing in Maldives is ideal for intermediate and advanced surfers. However, there are some surf schools in Maldives that offer packages for beginners.
Best Places for Surfing in Maldives
The entire cluster of islands in Maldives is divided into three surfing zones, and each zone has its own surfing spots. Most of the spots are closer to each other, therefore, finding a good surf isn't a cumbersome task. You can reach these points via boat easily.1. Northern Atolls- North Male and South Male
a) North Male Atoll has a vast range of left to right reef breaks that suit most intermediate and advanced surfers. The Maldivian waves aren't as intense as Indonesian waves, but any break over 6 feet deserves respect! If here, you'll be able to access breaks such as Lohis, Chickens, Cokes, Sultans, Honkys, Ninjas, and Jailbreaks. Also, Jailbreaks is probably the fastest wave in the Maldivian region. It has three tube sections and long walls. The range of surfs increases during the late summers.
b) South Male Atoll has waves smaller than that of the Northern region of the Atoll. The waves are excellent, and the area can be reached by a charter boat from Male. Twin Peaks, Quarters, Natives, Kate’s and Riptides are a few surfing spots here in South Male.
Best time to visit- The surf season runs from March to October. It peaks between April and August extending great swells for surfing.
Best Wind- South West
Skill- Intermediate
Total Breaks- 15
2. Central Atolls
1) Muli-
It breaks in two ways, Inside (F1) and Outside (Mushrooms). Where the F1 is a fast barrelling righthander with long walls and is hollow, the Mushrooms has an easy exit on its corners. It picks up more swell very quickly.
2) Mulhaku Rights/Lefts
These other two waves are great for beginners. The left is faster, shallow and works only in limited conditions. On the contrary, the right holds bigger swells making it easy to ride.
3) Veyvah
It is a perfect left-hander. Surfers enjoy these waves for they aren't too heavy, therefore, easy to handle.
4) Mikado
It is a very powerful right-hander wave and is most consistent in Thaa. Mikado has hollow walls that produce great barrels for a surf. Pumping it gives you a surf worth being remembered for a lifetime.
5) Tsunami's
The left-hander wave picks the most swell from Laamu atoll's easy-facing spots. You can say it is an excellent wave with a perfect right angle. It is secured from westerly to northerly winds hence, offering three amazing sections to surf.
Other stand out spots are-
a) Laamu Atoll- Machine, Refugee's Rights, Refugee's Lefts, Bedhuge, Ying Yang
b) Thaa Atoll- Malik's, Bowling Alley, Outside Mikado, Inside Mikado, Finnimas
c) Dhaalu Atoll- Hocus Pocus, Vodi, Kasabu
Best Time to Surf- The season is extended from March to November. In the northern hemisphere, huge waves arrive during the months between June and September.
Best Wind- South West
Skill- Intermediate
Total Breaks- 15
3. Southern Atolls
1) Tiger Stripes or Rockets
Not very hollow and a fun-filled left-hander, Tiger Strips have long walls and a complicated take off too. The consistency of its level is perfect making it possible to surf in any kind of tides. It works best with northwest winds. While it is smaller, it remains simple, and when the swell gets stronger, it becomes challenging.
2) Antiques
If you wish to divert your surf from lefts in Tiger Stripes, then you can head up to Antique's rights. This is a second choice wave which is a couple of feet smaller and more forgiving than the left-handers.
3) Voodoos or Blue Bowls
A very long and huge right-hander, this wave welcomes all seasons, swells, and tides. It has a good length offering comfortable rides and great sections for some amazing surf moves.
4) Beacons
Caution- Advanced surfers only! Unlike other Maldives' waves, Beacon isn't friendly. It slams the closeout sections with South East swells and breaks down the reefs with South-West swells. This is not meant for both the beginners and the intermediates.
5) Gaukendi Bridge
Located on the south side of the bay; this left-hander is the right choice on the days when the swell is small. The rides are short but majorly full of fun. It is a spoiled wave creating two sections and many take-off points. The waves break through the deep waters, providing heavy barrels on the reef.
Best time to surf- The time between March and April is considered an optimal time for challenging the waves of South Atolls.
Best Wind- North East
Skill- Advanced
Total Breaks- 23
Cost of Surfing in Maldives
Surfing in Maldives can cost anywhere between USD 300 to USD 1000 per person, per day. The price depends upon where you are staying and where you choose to surf. Also, there are very few resorts in Maldives with a surf break right on the island, so you will need to charter a boat or opt for a catamaran cruise to reach the surfing spots. This will cost an additional USD 100 to USD 250.
Surfing Operators & Surf Schools in Maldives
1. Hulhumale Watersports Club & Excursions/Seaholics Maldives/surf school
Location: Dhigga Magu Hulhumale' City, 20057, Maldives
Contact: +9607687473
Website: https://hulhumalewatersportsclubexcursionsad.business.site/
2. Maldives Tours & Experiences
Location: Huvandhumaa Hingun, Hulhumale 23052, Maldives
Contact: +9607529101
Website: http://www.secretparadise.mv/
3. Sea Star Diving Maldives
Location: Rahdhebai Magu, Thulusdhoo 08040, Maldives
Contact: +9609101313
Website: https://seastarsdiving.com/
4. Cokes Surf Camp
Contact: +960 755 3102
Website: https://www.cokessurfcampmaldives.com/
Tips for Surfing in the Maldives
- The best surfboard to opt for is the one you are comfortable on in your regular surfing. The most conventional surfboard used is 6ft range
- Do some training before surfing
- Carry your own gear if you plan to do snorkelling and/or fishing along with surfing
- Drink lots of water. Stress and dehydration can leave you feeling a bit unwell, especially in the first few days
Above was a little yet detailed information about the things that are related to surfing in Maldives. So now that you know much about it, Get your board and Surf!