Listen to the article
“Let’s go surfin’ now
Everybody’s learning how
Come on and safari with me
(Come on and safari with…)”
Beach Boys – Surfin’ Safari
The Beach Boys’ classic surfing song could very well have been written about the Maldives. Yes! The world’s top diving destination is also an emerging surfing location, with the archipelago offering a spectrum of surf breaks for everyone from beginners to professionals.
Even more impressive is that diehard surfers have the option to skip staying on any one island and take specialized surf safaris. These cruises sail across various Maldivian atolls, stopping at the best places to catch a wave.
There are two ways to approach a surf vacation in the Maldives. Since most of the essential surfing spots are around North and South Malé Atolls, you need not venture far from the capital. Therefore, if you bring along your surfboard, it’s plausible to hit some of these waves without having to spend too much on transportation or housing.
Renting a surfboard isn’t too hard either. Island resorts typically have boards for their guests and also offer training sessions for beginners. When staying on an inhabited island, you can rent a surfboard from any of the operators at a nominal cost.
However, it is necessary that when visiting the Maldives for a surf holiday, you get an insurance policy that covers any accidents and transportation costs that might be needed to transfer you to a hospital.
On the other hand, Surf safaris are equally brilliant and showcase a different side of the Maldives. You get to voyage between different islands, live on the boat, waking up at a new destination every day. For a bit of change, it might be worth booking a liveaboard that features multiple activities such as diving, snorkeling, and surfing. As a result, you enjoy a wholesome vacation, exploring sports that let you appreciate what’s above and below Maldivian waters.
There are countless surf breaks across the Maldives. As is the case elsewhere, some get formed when the wind direction or the tide is appropriate, while others are available almost throughout the year.
Surfers mostly consider March to October as the best months to surf in the Maldives. March to April is ripe for experiencing the waves in the Southern Atolls. May to October guarantees impressive swells in the Central and Northern Atolls. June, July, August during the South-West monsoon is peak surf season, and popular breaks do get crowded around this time.
We’ve listed below for you some of the best surfs in the Maldives. These are waves every self-respecting surfer would want to conquer while on the islands. However, there are many more surf breaks to discover, and asking the locals about them before heading out into the sea is always a great idea.
Cokes – Thulusdhoo
One of the most famous surfs breaks in the Maldives, Cokes gets its name from the Coca-Cola factory on the island nearby. A right-hander, the surf is best experienced during the summer months, especially June/July when the swells are big and mighty. While it is not the longest wave in the region, professionals love the challenge of breaking off into a shallow reef.
Jailbreaks – Himafushi
No tales about prisoners using the surf to jailbreak here. This right-hander gets its name because the island it lands on once had a prison. As expected, the area was off-limits for a long time, but tourists can visit it now as part of surf tours. Jailbreaks typically features a choice of waves ranging from two to eight feet, which occasionally merge together into one spectacular break.
Twin Peaks – Gulhi
One to explore when the tide is high, Twin Peaks sometimes offers a surprisingly high swell. One significant advantage of adding Twin Peaks to your list of must-do surfs in the Maldives is that it remains uncrowded during peak surf season. This is mostly because you need a boat to reach this left-hander, which is slightly off Gulhi. For those not in the knowhow, the island is the perfect place to stay if you want to have a budget holiday in the Maldives.
Sultans – Thamburudhoo
An offshore break at a little distance from the uninhabited island of Thamburidhoo, Sultans, is a surfing gem with regular four to six feet high waves. Best experienced during a south-westerly wind, Sultans’ waves might not be ideal for novices but are perfect for anyone who has had some surfing experience.
Guru – Gulhi
Another surfing treasure near the dreamy island of Gulhi, Guru, is a medium break that many surfers enjoy at the start of their surf trip in the Maldives. It gets its name from the popular Gurus guesthouse on the island. The left-handed break has waves reaching around four feet during its high point. Guru is a bit of a show-off break wherein experienced surfers like to perform aerial tricks while riding its waves.
Kasabu – Kudahuvadhoo
A surf break for everyone, there are sections of Kasabu excellent for beginners while others that are best reserved for professionals only. The waves here tend to be right-handed but are easily accessible. Kasabu is next to the island of Kudahuvadhoo, which has Dhaalu Atoll’s only airport.
Bowling Alley – Vandhoo
The left-handed break in this Thaa Atoll surfing hotspot is a great option for surfers who want more from their holiday than merely riding the waves. The break here offers a wide range of surfing options. Waves start around waist level and sometimes even go up to 10 feet.
Hocus Pocus – Maaenboodhoo
The magically named Hocus Pocus is in the southeast of Dhaalu Atoll. It’s a right-hander that shows its true colors when the tide is high. Since the break tends to barrel, only confident skilled surfers should attempt this one. Both Hocus Pocus and Kasabu make for idyllic surfing spots in the Maldives, especially for guests of the nearby Niyama Private Islands.
Antiques – Gadhdoo
Antiques is best when the wind blows in the northwesterly direction. This right-handed break is close to Tiger Stripes, a famous left-handed break that resembles the stripes of a tiger. Although the Southern Atolls aren’t frequented by surfers too much, these two breaks are quite popular since they cater to different surfing levels. Antiques, in particular, is excellent for novices with its gentle two to five feet waves.
Beacons – Fiyoaree
In the south of Huvadhoo Atoll, Beacons is a right-handed break with what many believe the “most powerful wave in the Maldives.” So expect Beacons to barrel rather spectacularly, especially when the waves reach a height above eight feet.
Shangri-La – Villingilli
Named after the only resort in its vicinity, the surf break is accessible mostly to hotel guests of Shangri-La Villingilli Resort & Spa, Maldives. The right-hander isn’t too hard, and hobby surfers can go for it without worrying too much. The best time to conquer this particular break is between June and August. You can expect regular waves to hit four or five feet around then, especially when the wind blows towards the northeast.
