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Best time to Go
The best period for surfing in the Maldives is during the south-west monsoon from March to October with the best and biggest waves from June through to August. The Maldives gets much the same swells as Indonesia except the higher latitude and its south-east location gives cooler and less 'big wave' hardcore surfing but all the same some VERY impressive surfing can be had in the Maldives!
The O'Neil Deep Blue Contests recently held here has also now placed the Maldives firmly on the world's surf map with professional and amateur surfers alike now travelling to the Maldives in ever increasing numbers. Most of the recognized surf breaks are in and around Male' Atoll, however more new areas are constantly being discovered.
Most of the surfing in the Maldives is on the outer atoll reefs, with specialised surfing operators organising especially tailored multi-day boat trips thus allowing surfers to be able to move quickly from one location to the other to maximise the changing conditions.
Best Place to Stay
Our recommendation for surfing in the Maldives is to stay at the Chaaya Dhonveli on Kaafu atoll reputedly having the best surfing in the Maldives. The resort has access to two of the best surfs in the Maldives and is reached via a 16 kilometre (20 minutes) fast speedboat transfer from Male Airport. Newly redeveloped, the resort is 4 star stylish and comfortable, with a relaxed atmosphere and a quiet safe lagoon one end of the island with the classic 'Pasta Point' surf break at the other end of the island reached via unlimited boat trips with extremely knowledgeable staff.
The ambience at the resort is intimate and exclusive but not overtly expensive, with delightful two-storey, air-conditioned bungalows. Most importantly the number of surfing guests is limited to a maximum of 30 at any one time. The resort is unique in that it caters to surfers as well as non-surfers and the resort facilities are available to all guests and their families, with great food and a choice of restaurants, full-service bar, swimming pool, swimming beach, fitness centre, tennis court and PADI dive centre as well as full spa facilities. The resort is ideal for everyone - surfers, divers, honeymooners, couples and families and children as well with its superb location, wide sandy beaches and safe lagoon.
An all inclusive buffet meals and drinks option is recommended, offering a variety of international dishes at the Koimala, Maakana and Rehendi restaurants. After meals, relax with a cocktail or chilled beer at the 2 ocean-front bars.
The Surf: (North Male Atoll)
Pasta Point, is a long peeling left, with Honkys and Sultans five miles away. Honkys is a long wrapping left and is reputed to be the best wave in the Maldives with Sultans a right with barrels. The average size of reef breakers is around 4-5 feet, rising up to 10 feet during the monsoon season (March-October). Surfers are advised to bring all their equipment with them, as there is a VERY limited choice of good surf equipment available in the Maldives.
If you want to surf outside of this area (North Male' atoll), you will have to book a reservation on a live aboard 'surfari' cruise vessel which we can also advise you on.
Here are some of the more famous surfing points in the Maldives:
(From Chayya Dhonveli)
Honky's
Thamburudhoo (Uninhabited Island), Eastern Reef of North Male' Atoll.
Sultans
Tari Village Resort (Kanu Huraa) . Eastern reef of North Male' Atoll.
Other areas:
Chickens
Villingilimathi Huraa (Kuda Villingili), Uninhabited island. Eastern reef of North Male' Atoll.
Cokes
Thulusdhoo, Atoll Capital. Eastern reef of North Male' Atoll.
Gurus
Male', the capital. Eastern reef of Male', Southern tip of North Male' Atoll.
Kate's
Boduhuraa, Uninhabited Island near the Palm Tree Island Resort. Eastern Reef of South Male' Atoll.
Lohis
Lohifushi Island Resort. Eastern reef of North Male' Atoll.
Male' Island Point
Full Moon Beach Resort, Furana Fushi Island, Eastern Reef of North Male' Atoll.
Natives
Kandooma Resort, Eastern Reef of North Male' Atoll.
Piddlies / Ninjas
Kanifinolhu Resort. Eastern Reef of North Male' Atoll.
Quarters
Gulhigaathuhuraa, uninhabited island attached to Palm Tree Island Resort.
Riptides
Guraidhoo, Inhabited Island. Eastern Reef of South Male' Atoll.
Tomb Stones
Thamburudhoo (Uninhabited Island), Adjacent to 'Sultans'. Eastern Reef of North Male' Atoll.
Twin Peaks
Miyaru Faru near the island of Gulhi, inhabited island, Eastern Reef of South Male' Atoll.
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