If you are looking for the best surf spots in the Maldives, you came to the right place. In this guide you will find all the information you need in order to plan your surf trip to the Maldives. From general travel info, to surf seasons, surf spots, and everything else you need to know about surfing in the Maldives.
About Surfing in the Maldives
Surfing in the Maldives Islands is probably the best vacation a surfer can get. With 1192 small islands spread over the Indian Ocean, warm crystal water, and perfect waves, any surfer owe himself to surf the Maldives at least once in his lifetime.
The Maldives Islands are situated about 700 KM south west from Sri Lanka. All the international flight to the islands land in the Capital Male, and from the airport you will need to take a taxi boat to your Destination Island (if you stay in land), or to your yacht. Both ways are good, it’s just a matter of personal preference.
Travel Information
Language- Dhivehi.
Currency- Maldivian rufiyaa.
Population– about 550,000.
Calling code- +960.
Time zone- GMT +5.
Pros- perfect waves, warm water, and crystal water.
Cons- none.
Surf Season in the Maldives
The best time to surf Maldives is between Marchs to October. In fact, during these months the swell is extremely consistent and the winds are light offshore. July and August usually get the biggest swells, so if you are looking for a great challenge, try to get here as close as possible to these peak months.
The Maldives Islands are well exposed to the same south swells that hit Indonesia. However, the surf here is a little less aggressive and more “user friendly”. Due to the shape of the Islands and the solid swell, all the waves in the Maldives are perfect point breaks with beautiful waves rolling over a reef shelf. Therefore, on any surf session in the Maldives you are likely to enjoy long rides, open walls, and barreling sections.
The Maldives Islands are divided into the North Atolls, Central Atolls, and Southern Atolls. Moreover, in each one of those Atolls there are many Islands, which face different directions and gets different type of swells. Therefore, when you surf the Maldives you can take a boat and choose the best spot according to the conditions at any given day.
Surf the Northern Atolls of the Maldives
The Northern Atolls, also known as “Male Atolls”, are the most popular ones in the Maldives. Due to its proximity to the main airport in Male, the surf scene in this area is pretty developed. In fact, the North Male Atolls contains the most famous surf spots, while the South Male Atolls remained anonymous, and pretty empty. On both areas you will find long and perfect shape waves breaking to both left and right.
These are the main surf spots in the Northern Atolls of the Maldives:
Chickens:
This spot is the most Northern one in the Maldives, and one the longest left points in the area. Therefore, it is considered a “goofy paradise”. The ride at Chickens can last for about 1 full minute, and offers 2 different sections over a flat reef. On the good days both sections tend to provide amazing barrels. The best time to surf at Chickens is during mid to high tide, and the swell size is typically between 3 to 8 feet.
Cokes:
Just on the other side of the channel from Chickens you will find Cokes, or “Colas”, as some call it. It got its name after the Coca Cola factory that is on the island. Actually, this is one of the most powerful waves in the Maldives. In order to surf Cokes you must be an advanced surfer, as the wave here is very strong, steep, and hollow. In fact, it is a right hand wave that breaks over a shallow reef, and will crush you down unless you are fast enough to position yourself after the drop.
The big advantage of Cokes is that it is always bigger than any other spot in the area. Therefore, on the smaller days you can always count on this spot to produce some good surf.
Thulusdhoo Island, where Cokes is situated, offers few nice surfing hotels, so you can stay here and paddle out to the peak, no need for a boat.
Sultans:
Sultans is a right hand point break, which is the closest thing to pure perfection. Actually, many surfers claim it is the best surf spot it the Maldives. The reason surfers love it so much is definitely the fact that this wave is always open. Moreover, it has multiple sections, great wall for maneuvers, and off course, amazing barrels. Sultans performs best during high tide, but you can surf it also when it’s low. Furthermore, you can take a short paddle to the other side of the Island to ride a left break at Honkys.
Honkys:
Honkys is located on the same Island as Sultans, just next to it. While it offers a long barreling ride to the left side, Honkeys performs best actually at low tide. Therefore, by taking a boat to the Island of Thamburundhoo, you get both Sultans and Honkys, which promise you perfect conditions in at least one of them.
Jailbreak:
The spot got its named after the National Prison which was situated on the Island next to it. Jailbreak produces long right hand walls, with both mellow sections and barreling ones. In fact, this spot is extremely consistent and work well at all tides. Moreover, there are few surf hostels on this Island so you can actually stay here and surf Jails, Honkys, and Sultans, with just a short distance from each other.
Gurus:
When the big south swells hit the Maldives this left hand break performs at its best. Due to its proximity to Male, you can expect lots of locals in the water at all times.
Lohis’:
This spot is located on Lohifushi Islands, and unfortunately, the access to it is available only to the guests of the resort on the Island. The wave itself is a world class left point break, with several sections over the reef. Moreover, Lohis’ hosts the yearly O’Neill surf competition every summer.
Natives:
Also called “Foxys“, this spot tends to be a bit smaller than the other ones. However, when a big swell hits, it can produce some 150 Meters rides, and great tubes as well.
Ninjas:
Also called “Piddlies”, this wave is the best one for long boarders. This right hand point break offers some mellow friendly rides, and actually produces better shape waves when the swell is small.
Pasta Point:
Unfortunately, only those who are staying at Chaaya Island Dhonveli Resort are allowed to surf this spot. The wave here offers a left barrel over a shallow reef, and perform at its best on big swells.
Kandooma Right:
This is a fast and hollow right hander south of Male. The break here is not as big as the other spots in the area, but if there is a decent swell, the shape of the waves here is absolutely perfect.
Riptides:
Surf the Central Atolls of the Maldives
The Central Atolls are much less popular than the North ones. However, in the last few years, surfers who come to surf the Maldives tend to reach them more often than in the past. While the North Atolls became so popular for surf trips, those who dare to explore the Central ones get to avoid the big crowds and surf perfect wave with very few people in the water.
These are the main surf spots in the Central Atolls of the Maldives:
Muli:
This is a right hand point break, which produces great tube rides. Even though it requires a big swell in order to perform well, once the conditions are right, it is definitely one of the best spots in the Maldives.
Mulhaku:
Unlike most breaks in the area, this spot offers both rights and lefts. While the right wave is mellow and more forgiving, the left is fast, hollow, and breaks over a shallow reef.
Veyvah:
This left point break is so called beginners friendly. It offers a long ride and slow progress. Due to its shape, Longboarders love this spot.
Finnimas:
This spot is recommended for advanced surfers only. While breaking to the left side over a very shallow reef, it produces a steep barrel that can easily break your board unless you are at the top of your game.
Maliks:
Maliks produces great barrels, and on a good day it is one of the best spots in the area. However, its consistency is very low, and it requires a very specific southwest swell and east wind. If those conditions show up while you are there, expect a really fun day.
Mikado:
Mikado is one of the most consistent waves in the Maldives. However, it is also exposed to some strong winds, so better surf it early morning. The spot is divided into 2 different waves, the outside and the inside. Each one of them will work best in different conditions.
Bedhuge:
This spot is relatively remote and distant. In fact, it is accessible only by boat. Since it tends to pick up less swell, the best time to surf this right hander is when the waves are too big at the other spots.
Ying Yang:
Surf the Southern Atolls of the Maldives
The Southern Atolls are the undiscovered diamond of the Maldives. Usually, while surfing in the Maldives islands, the majority of surfers will hang out on the Northern Atolls, and few adventures ones will go to the Central ones. However, hardly no one actually makes it to the Southern Atolls. In fact, this area is so remote, that other than few surfers’ boats that occasionally come here, you will probably be alone in the water. Moreover, the waves at the South Atolls are much more powerful and aggressive than the North and Central ones, and tend to crush over some very shallow reefs. Therefore, if you want to surf Maldives’ Southern Atolls, you need to be at the top of your game.
These are the main surf spots in the Southern Atolls of the Maldives:
Tiger Stripes:
Also known as “Rockets”, this is a very consistent left break. It produces a very nice wall for maneuvers, and work well at any tide. Luckily, Tiger Stripes is well exposed to any swell, and it is always a bit bigger than anywhere else.
Antiques:
Just on the other side of Tiger Stripes you will find this right hander. Unlike its neighbor, Antiques picks up less swell and tend to be small and soft. For that reason, it is a great spot for beginners and intermediates.
Beacons:
Some surfers consider this spot as the most powerful break in the Maldives. This wave breaks over an extremely shallow reef and barrels up with great speed. If you are a very good surfer it can easily be the highlight of your surf trip to the Maldives. However, if you are an intermediate or less, this spot is not for you.
Blue Bowls:
Also called “Voodoos”, this right hander is very consistent, and also protected from onshore winds. For that reason, it performs at its best almost every day, and produces extremely long rides.
Castaways:
This is a relatively mellow wave, which opens up to the right side. Luckily, it can work well at all tides, and almost always empty of surfers.
Five Islands:
Also called “Gani Point”, this wave breaks to the right side. Since it is well protected from onshore winds, it produces a clean long rides, and can handle a very big swell.
Love Charms:
This spot is a “goofy paradise” as it breaks to the left with perfect shape. Unlike other spots, which requires specific conditions, Love Charm perform well at any tide and any wind direction.
Two Ways:
Similarly to its name, this wave breaks to both left and right sides. It is situated just across the channel from Five Islands, and produces some long mellow rides over relatively deep water. Therefore, this spot is good for any skill level.
Shangri-La:
This surf spot is located on Villingili Island, and named after the resort Shangri-La that is in there. The surf here is basically exclusive to the guests of the resort, but there is no formal rule about it. The wave here is a world class right hander with perfect shape. On a good day you will get here extremely long rides with several tubes sections.
If you are new to surfing, and you are looking for beginner waves, check out our post about beginner surf beaches in the Maldives.
Surf Hotels in the Maldives
When coming to surf in the Maldives, and you want to stay in land, you better make sure you stay in the right place, where the best surf spots are. These are some of the most recommended surf hotels in the area:
Batuta Maldives Surf View, Thulusdhoo– Batuta Maldives Surf View Guest House is situated across a beach and lagoon. It is accessible via a speed boat ride from Male International Airport or a 1.5-hour ferry ride from the capital city of Male.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives– Surrounded by clear waters, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers guests an exclusive experience. Featuring 5 dining options, it boasts a first-rate spa, an outdoor pool and fitness center.
Aloha Beach Inn, Himmafushi– Facing the beachfront in Himmafushi Island (where Jail Break is), Aloha Beach Inn has a shared lounge and a garden. Boasting room service, this property also provides guests with a children’s playground. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, a shared kitchen and currency exchange for guests.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma– Named after the abundant Kandoo Tree, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma enjoys beautiful views of the Indian Ocean in the South Malé Atoll. With 6 dining options, it also presents a chic ocean-facing infinity pool, and a great location next to one of the best breaks in the area, Kandooma Right.
For more surf hotels in the Maldives check out our post about surf resorts in the Maldives, or simply look for the best deals on Booking.com.
You can also visit our post about the best surf camps in the Maldives.
To sum up, surfing in the Maldives is something any surfer must do at least once in his lifetime. Whether you do it on a boat or staying in land, in the North Atolls or the South ones, either way, you will enjoy amazing surf conditions and ride perfect waves.
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