Last updated on December 3rd, 2023 at 10:34 am
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 to plan your surf trip to the Maldives, including general travel info, surf seasons, and surf spots in the Maldives.
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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 must surf in the Maldives at least once in his lifetime.
The Maldives Islands are situated about 700 KM southwest of Sri Lanka. All the international flights 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 on land), or to your yacht. Both ways are good, it’s just a matter of personal preference.
Surf Spots in the Maldives’ Northern Atolls
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 contain some of the most famous surf spots in the Maldives, while the South Male Atolls remain anonymous and pretty empty. In both areas, you will find long and perfect shape waves breaking to both left and right.
So, these are the main surf spots in the Northern Atolls of the Maldives:
Chickens:
Break type- Left point break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- This break is the most northern surf spot in the Maldives and one of 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 impressive 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:
Break type- Right point break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- 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. To surf at Cokes, you must be an advanced surfer, as the wave here is powerful, steep, and hollow. In fact, it is a right-hand wave that breaks over a shallow reef and will crush you unless you are fast enough to position yourself after the drop.
The biggest 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 a few nice surfing hotels, so you can stay here and paddle out to the peak without needing a boat.
Sultans:
Break type- Right point break.
Skill level- Intermediate to advanced.
Description- Sultans is a right-hand point break, the closest thing to pure perfection. Actually, many surfers claim it is the best surf spot in the Maldives. The reason surfers love it so much is definitely the fact that this wave is always open. Moreover, it has multiple sections, a great wall for maneuvers, and, of course, excellent barrels. Sultans perform 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:
Break type- Left point break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- 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:
Break type- Right point break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- The spot got its name 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 works 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, just a short distance from each other.
Gurus:
Break type- Left point break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- This left-hand break performs at its best when the big south swells hit the Maldives. Due to its proximity to Male, you can expect lots of locals in the water at all times.
Lohis’:
Break type- Left point break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- This spot is located on Lohifushi Islands. Unfortunately, its access is available only to the resort guests on the island. The wave 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:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- 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:
Break type- Right point break.
Skill level- Beginner to intermediate.
Description- Also called “Piddlies”, this wave is best for longboarders. This right-hand point break offers mellow and user-friendly rides and produces waves in better shape when the swell is small.
Pasta Point:
Break type- Left point break.
Skill level- Intermediate to advanced.
Description- Unfortunately, only those staying at Chaaya Island Dhonveli Resort can surf this spot. The wave offers a left barrel over a shallow reef and performs best on big swells.
Kandooma Right:
Break type- Right point break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- 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:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- This is the most southern spot on the Northern Atolls. This wave breaks in the middle of the channel, and you can reach it only by boat. Longboarders love this wave as it produces long right-hand rides with a soft wall, but it is also good for shortboards.
Surf Spots in the Maldives’ Central Atolls
The Central Atolls are much less popular than the Northern ones. However, in the last few years, surfers who come to surf in 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 waves with very few people in the water.
In detail, these are the main surf spots in the Central Atolls of the Maldives:
Muli:
Break type- Right point break.
Skill level- Intermediate to advanced.
Description- This right-hand point break produces great tube rides. Even though it requires a big swell to perform well, once the conditions are right, it is definitely one of the best surf spots in the Maldives.
Mulhaku:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- 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:
Break type- Left point break.
Skill level- Beginner to intermediate.
Description- This left point break is so-called beginner’s friendly. It offers a long ride and slow progress. Due to its shape, Longboarders love this spot.
Finnimas:
Break type- Left point break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- 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:
Break type- Left point break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- Maliks produces excellent barrels, and on a good day, it is one of the best breaks in the area. However, its consistency is very low, requiring a particular southwest swell and east wind. If those conditions show up while you are there, expect a really fun day.
Mikado:
Break type- Left point break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- Mikado is one of the most consistent surf spots in the Maldives. However, it is also exposed to strong winds, so it is better to surf it early in the 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:
Break type- Right point break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description-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:
Break type- Right point break.
Skill level- Intermediate to advanced.
Description- Ying Yang is a consistent spot located at the south end of the Central Atolls. This right-hander contains 2 different sections, the outside, and the inside. While the outside offers a mellow ride, the inside turns into a massive barrel over the reef. On the big days, the 2 sections become one and produce some unforgettable long rides.
Surf Spots in the Maldives’ Southern Atolls
The Southern Atolls are the undiscovered diamond of the Maldives. Usually, while surfing in the Maldives islands, most surfers hang out on the Northern Atolls, and few adventurers will go to the Central ones. However, hardly anyone actually makes it to the Southern Atolls. In fact, this area is so remote that other than a 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 explore the surf spots in the Maldives’ Southern Atolls, you must be at the top of your game.
These are the main surf spots in the Southern Atolls of the Maldives:
Tiger Stripes:
Break type- Left point break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- Also known as “Rockets”, this is a very consistent left break. It produces a fun wall for maneuvers and works well at any tide. Luckily, Tiger Stripes is well exposed to any swell and always a bit bigger than anywhere else.
Antiques:
Break type- Right point break.
Skill level- Beginner to intermediate.
Description- You will find this right-hander on the other side of Tiger Stripes. Unlike its neighbor, Antiques picks up less swell and tends to be small and soft. For that reason, it is an excellent spot for beginners and intermediates.
Beacons:
Break type- Right point break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- Some surfers consider this spot to be the most powerful surf spot 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:
Break type- Right point break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- Also called “Voodoos”, this right-hander is consistent and protected from onshore winds. Therefore, it performs at its best almost daily, producing exceptionally long rides.
Castaways:
Break type- Right point break.
Skill level- Beginner to intermediate.
Description- This is a relatively mellow wave, which opens up to the right side. Luckily, it can work well at all tides and is almost always empty of surfers.
Five Islands:
Break type- Right point break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- Also called “Gani Point”, this wave breaks to the right side. Since it is well protected from onshore winds, it produces clean, long rides and can handle a big swell.
Love Charms:
Break type- Left point break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- This spot is a “goofy paradise” as it breaks to the left with perfect shape. Unlike other spots requiring specific conditions, Love Charm performs well at any tide and wind direction.
Two Ways:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- Similarly to its name, this wave breaks to both the 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 suitable for any skill level.
Shangri-La:
Break type- Right point break.
Skill level- Intermediate to advanced.
Description- 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 extremely long rides with several tube sections.
If you are new to surfing and looking for beginner waves, check out our post about beginner surf beaches in the Maldives.
Surf Season in the Maldives
The best time to surf in the Maldives is between April and 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 that face different directions and receive different types of swells. Therefore, when you surf the Maldives, you can take a boat and choose the best spot according to the conditions on any given day.
Surf Camps in the Maldives
Although charter boats are the most common way to explore the surf spots in the Maldives, some surfers prefer to do it at a surf camp. So, here are a few of the most recommended ones:
1. Jail Break Surf Inn, Himmafushi– Staying on this island provides access to 3 world-class waves: Jailbreak, Sultans, and Honkys.
For more details about surf camps in Himmafushi Island, please click here.
2. Cokes Surf Camp, Thulusdhoo– The camp offers a perfect view of both Cokes and Chickens surf breaks.
For more details about surf camps on Thulusdhoo Island, please click here.
3. Lohifushi, Hudhuranfushi– 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.
For more details about Maldives surf camps, pleas click here.
Surf Hotels in the Maldives
When coming to surf in the Maldives, you want to stay in the right place, where the best surf spots are. So, here are some of the most recommended surf hotels in the area:
1.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.
2. Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives– Surrounded by clear waters, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers guests an exclusive experience. It has 5 dining options, a first-rate spa, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center.
3. 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 a currency exchange for guests.
4. 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.
What Skill Level is Required to Surf in the Maldives
There are plenty of world-class surf spots in the Maldives, and some of them can be pretty challenging. However, although it is not a typical beginner destination, surfers of all levels can find breaks that suit their skills. For instance, beginners can surf mellow waves in spots like Ninjas. Intermediate surfers, though, will find more challenging waves in spots like Chickens and Kandooma. And finally, if you are an advanced surfer, you can ride epic barrels at Cokes and Beacons.
Which Maldivian Island is Best to Stay At
There are so many surf spots in the Maldives that sometimes it can be hard to choose where to stay. If you stay on land, it is best to focus on one area to spend more time surfing and less traveling.
So, these are some of the most recommended Islands to stay:
1. Thulusdhoo– On this Island, you can surf the right-hander at Cokes or take a 5-minute boat ride to the left-hander at Chickens.
2. Himmafushi– Jailbreak is on this island, and on the nearby island, you can surf at Sultans and Honkys.
3. Lhohifushi– Besides the famous break on this island, you can also cross the channel to Ninjas and ride more mellow waves.
4. Chaaya Island– If you stay at Cinnamon Dhonveli Resort, you will have exclusive access to Pasta Point.
5. Kandooma– This is the most recommended one for families, with activities for kids and, of course, the great waves at Kandooma Right.
The Maldives- 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.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, surfing in the Maldives is something any surfer owes himself at least once in his lifetime. Whether you do it on a boat or stay on land, either way, you will enjoy fantastic surf conditions and ride perfect waves. We hope this guide helped you on your search for the best surf spots in the Maldives. Have a great surf trip!
