Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 09:36 am
If you are looking for a surf camp in the Maldives, you came to the right place. In this post, we listed our top picks for a surf camp in the Maldives, where you can have the perfect surf vacation and improve your surfing skills.
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About the Maldives
The Maldives is a world-class surf destination. With about 1192 small islands spread over the Indian Ocean, warm crystal water, and spectacular waves, this is exactly what surfers dream about when going to a surf camp.
To clarify, the waves in the Maldives are not suitable for beginners. With fast breaks over coral reefs, this is not the place to pop up on a surfboard for the first time. However, if you are an intermediate surfer and above, you will have the time of your life here. Perfect waves, long rides, and epic barrels are common things in the Maldives, and that is why it is one of the best surf destinations in the world. Although most surfers choose to explore the Maldives on a boat trip, it is not for everyone. Some people prefer to stay on land, either on a fancy resort or a local island. Luckily, there are several great accommodation options right before the waves.
So, let’s get right to it, in detail; these are the most recommended surf camps in the Maldives:
A List of the Best Surf Camps in the Maldives:
Cokes Surf Camp
On the island of Thulusdhoo, the right-hand break at Cokes is one of the most popular breaks in the Maldives. This wave is fast, hollow, and extremely powerful. For that reason, many good surfers who come on a surf camp in the Maldives choose this island as a home base.
Cokes Surf Camp offers a perfect view of both Cokes and Chickens surf breaks. It has 2 areas to relax in while looking out to the waves. The top floor has a common area and balcony and is equipped with a home theatre system, library, and games. The ground floor and reception area offer a juice bar and cafe with more room to refine the art of chilling out before or after an intense surf session. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner is available in the outdoor restaurant.
For more details about surf camps on Thulusdhoo Island, please click here.
JAIL BREAK SURF INN, HIMMAFUSHI
Staying on Himmafushi Island will provide easy access to 3 world-class waves. While the right-hander at Jail Break is within a paddle distance, you can also take a 5-minute boat ride to Sultans and Honkys, located on a small nearby island. The most significant advantage of staying here is that each of these 3 spots performs better in different wind conditions, so you can score perfect waves in one of them almost daily.
Jail Break Surf Inn offers affordable accommodations on the island. Although it is not as luxurious as the big resorts, it is very surf-oriented and a great place to meet surfers like yourself. In short, this is one of the best surf camps in the Maldives for the budget surfer.
For more details about surf camps in Himmafushi Island, please click here.
Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort
Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort Offers high-end accommodations in the heart of south Male Atoll. It has over 100 beach villas and over-water suites. Out of the many indoor and outdoor activities available, the resort also operates a surf school for all levels of surfers.
The most accessible surf spots for the guests are the left-hand barrels of Veli Left, The mellow break at Quarters (Nonyas), and also the famous Riptieds and Gurus. A boat ride to any of these spots and others is available at the reception.
For more details about surf camps in the Maldives, please click here.
Lohifushi, Hudhuranfushi Surf Resort
Although the official name is Hudhuranfushi Surf Resort, it is mainly known as Lohifushi, and it is one of the favorite places among surfers. With a perfect left wave in front of the resort, it is truly a surf paradise. Situated on a beautiful island, Lohifushi is a mid-range resort. It is surrounded by tropical nature, white sand beaches, and incredible blue lagoons.
Lohi’s Left is a world-class wave, and it is a few steps from your room door. It is super consistent, long, hollow, and amazingly, never too crowded. As for the accommodations, you can choose between standard rooms, beach villas, or ocean villas.
For more details about Maldives surf camps, please click here.
Cinnamon Dhonveli
Cinnamon Dhonvely is one of the best options you can choose for a surf camp in the Maldives. It offers luxury accommodations right in front of the famous break of Pasta Point. In fact, you can choose either a beach bungalow or a water bungalow. Both are at the highest level possible.
As for the wave, it is world-class. This left-hander is long, open, and pretty much perfect. Moreover, it is accessible for the resort’s guests only, and therefore it is never crowded.
For more surf camps in the area, please click here.
Holiday Inn Kandooma
Holiday Inn Resort in Kandooma is probably the best solution for surfers with little kids. This beachfront hotel offers more than 150 spacious and modern overwater, beach, or garden villas with stunning views of the Maldivian Sea. On top of that, it provides a wide range of activities, such as a Padi-certified 5-star Dive Center, a fantastic spa, and more.
The break at Kandooma is a beautiful right-hander. It is considered relatively mellow and easy to ride, making it an excellent choice for intermediate surfers. While riding on the waves, Kandooma Kids Club will watch your kids with fun activities for all ages.
For more details about staying in Kandooma Island, please click here.
Niyama Surf Resort
Just off the edge of Niyama Island, you’ll find Vodi, a powerful left-hander. Vodi is one of those underrated waves that break with perfect shape and yet, somehow, remain uncrowded. Vodi performs at its best when the wind blows from the northeast. Actually, in the right conditions, you can catch some pretty hollow barrels here. Any surfer can have fun on this wave when the swell is small, but when it gets bigger, it can be challenging. Then, you can take a short boat ride to another great spot, Kasabu, which is always smaller and softer.
For more camps in the area, please click here.
Ayada
Situated on a stunning private island with pristine beaches, Ayada Maldives offers a truly luxurious retreat in Maldivian style. Other than high-end accommodations, it provides a variety of water sports, excursions, and activities for all guests.
If you are looking for a surf camp in the Maldives for any skill level, Ayada is a perfect destination. It has an unlimited surf program, which includes daily transfer every 2 hours to one of the following surf breaks – 5 islands, Love Charms, or Two Ways. The break will be selected by the surf manager according to weather conditions. In addition, there is one trip per day to one of the farther surf breaks – Tiger Stripes, Antiques, and Blue Bowls.
For more surf camps in the Maldives, please click here.
FOUR SEASONS AT KUDA HURAA
Four Seasons Resort in Kuda Huraa Island offers top-quality stays and a costume program for surfers. It provides guided boat transfers to local surf breaks, after-session massages, surf coaching depending on your skill level, complimentary use of surf equipment, stand-up paddleboards, and basically everything you need for a perfect surf vacation. So learn to surf or hone your existing skills with the local pros, then head to the Island spa to ease surf-weary muscles with a unique surfer massage.
For more details about surf camps and resorts, please click here.
Club Med Kani
Club Med Kani offers luxury all-inclusive holidays in the Maldives. In addition to all the apparent things Club Med has for its guests, it also provides whatever a surfer needs. Transfers to all surf breaks are available daily, and surf packages are adapted to all levels, from beginners to advanced. If you are coming with family, Kids Club is also included to give you some quality time with yourself on the waves.
For more details about Maldivian surf camps and hotels, please click here.
What is the Advantage of Surf Camps in the Maldives?
Going on a surf trip on a tropical beach in the Indian Ocean is one of the best things a surfer can do for himself. There is no greater fun than leaving everyday life and dedicating a week or two to simply riding waves. However, planning a surf trip can be quite a hassle, especially when you lack local knowledge. Tasks like booking hotels, finding restaurants, and knowing which surf spots to go to can be pretty exhausting.
This is precisely where a surf camp kicks in. By booking a surf camp in the Maldives, you simply take the annoying part out of the equation and focus only on the fun part. While the camp will take care of transportation, accommodation, meals, equipment, and surf lessons, you can relax and enjoy your vacation time. In addition, surf camps in the Maldives allow you to meet surfers from all around the world.
What is the Cost of Surf Camps in the Maldives?
When choosing a surf camp in the Maldives, the cost of the camp is definitely worth considering. Although the Maldives are not cheap, you can still find a variety of camps and packages to suit different budgets. Actually, most of the surf camps in the Maldives offer excellent value for your money. What determines the cost of a surf camp are factors like the quality of the accommodation, number of days, seasonality, and additional services. Therefore, depending on your budget, you can customize the package that best suits your needs. In most cases, booking a surf camp in the Maldives will actually cost you less than it would be if you booked all services on your own. As for the numbers, a one-week package in a surf camp in the Maldives should cost somewhere between $700 to $2500.
Are Surf Camps in the Maldives Suitable for Beginners?
Although there are many different surf spots in the Maldives, there are no typical beginner breaks. It is not because of the wave’s size but mainly because the waves tend to break over coral reefs. Therefore, if you intend to pop up on a surfboard for the first time, it might be better to do it at a different destination. However, for intermediate surfers and above, this is a true surf paradise. If you can catch a green wave and make a bottom turn, you can find anything from soft peeling waves to hollow barrels and ride the longest waves you ever had.
What Time of the Year is Best for a Surf Camp in the Maldives?
The surf season in the Maldives starts around April and lasts till the end of October. During these months, the swell is very consistent, and the winds are light offshore. In the peak of the season, July and August, The waves can get huge and challenging, so these months are mainly recommended to advanced surfers. For the intermediate ones, it is better to come at the beginning or the end of the season when the waves are more “user-friendly”. Of course, this is just a general estimation according to past experience, but swells and weather can always surprise you, for better or worse.
Which Island in the Maldives is Best for a Surf Camp?
Although there are many good surfing islands in the Maldives, these are the most recommended ones for a surf camp:
1. Thulusdhoo- This island hosts one of the most powerful breaks in the Maldives, Cokes.
2. Himmafushi- This is where you can surf Jail Break spot, and also Sultans and Honkys on the nearby island (a 5-minute boat ride).
3. Lohifushi- On this Island, you will have access to Lohi’s and to Ninja’s.
4. Kandooma- You can surf Kandooma Right, a great intermediate spot.
To clarify, there are so many more incredible surf areas in the Central and the South Atolls. Feel free to explore them; you might find perfect waves with no one riding them but yourself.
Essential Things You Should Check Before Choosing a Surf Camp The Maldives
Before choosing a surf camp in the Maldives, it is vital to understand exactly what the camp provides, so don’t forget to check the following:
1. What is the student-to-instructor ratio during the surf lessons? The smaller the group is, the more personal guidance you will get from the instructor. Therefore, look for a ratio of 5 to 1 or less.
2. Are surfboard rentals provided by the camp, or must you bring your own surfboard? Also, can you use the camp’s equipment for practice on your own?
3. Are airport transfers included, or should you get there on your own? What about transfers to different surf spots during the camp?
4. Is the package all-inclusive, or should you pay for meals? If it is an all-inclusive, which meals are included, and which ones are not?
5. How many surf lessons are included in the package each day? Is there a precise schedule?
6. What type of accommodations will you be staying at? Is it a private room or a dorm? How many people will you be sharing the room with?
7. Does the coaching program suit your skill level? Is there a separation between beginners and advanced surfers during the sessions?
8. Which qualifications do the surf instructors have? Are they certified? Remember, your safety is above everything.
9. Which coaching tools will be used during the camp? Is there a theoretical part? Video analysis? Enough practice time?
10. Are there any add-ons or additional services you should know about, or does the initial price of the camp cover everything?
How to Book a Surf Camp in the Maldives?
Once you choose your preferred surf camp in the Maldives, booking it is pretty easy, as everything is available online. The main question, though, should be what type of surf camp you are looking for, and these are the two main options:
1. If you are a beginner or an intermediate surfer and you are looking for a coaching program, then the best website to book your surf camp is www.booksurfcamps.com. This is where you can get the most reliable information about the surf instructors, weekly schedule, and general guidance.
2. If you are an experienced surfer and all you need is a place to stay close to the waves, then you can simply book your stay on www.booking.com.
Both websites are trusted and user-friendly, so you can feel comfortable using them for booking your surf camp in the Maldives.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, these are the top surf camps in the Maldives. It doesn’t really matter which one you choose because you will have an incredible surf vacation anyway. The islands are beautiful, the water is warm and crystal clear, and the waves… well, you got the idea. Go and have fun!
Before you leave, read our post about beginner surf beaches in the Maldives, or the one about the best surf resorts in the Maldives.
