Where and When to Surf in the Maldives
The surf in the Maldives has become world-renowned among surfers for the perfect reefs fringing the stunning atolls that make up this remote chain of low-lying islands. Since first being surfed in the 80s by surf pioneer Tony Hussein Hinde, the perfect peeling waves and crystal clear barrels have been calling surfers to their shores.
With so many waves spread across a large area of ocean, knowing where to go and when makes all the difference in getting the best waves! In this guide, we have laid out the main surf regions in the Maldives, when is best to surf in each, and the best waves for you!
AWAVE Travel’s range of Surf Charters and Resorts covers all areas in the Maldives with options for all budgets. Speak with one of our team today for help finding your perfect surf trip in the Maldives!
When to Surf in the Maldives
The Maldives can be split into 5 main surfing regions, each one with its own distinct season for traveling. These areas are North Male, South Male, Central Atolls, Southern Atolls, and Northern Atolls. The main season for surfing the Maldives runs from February to November. During this time you will be able to find waves somewhere throughout the atolls, with swells even coming outside of this season for this ready to jump on a plane at short notice!
Maldives Surf Region
Surf the Classic Maldives waves in North Male Atoll
Best Months: March – November
North Male is the classic surf area in the Maldives and the closest to the international airport. This wave-rich area has been drawing surfers to the Maldives ever since its discovery! There is a wide range of quality waves in the region which attracts all kinds of surfers. Unfortunately, this easy access and availability of accommodations do mean the area can get crowded!
The Season for North Male runs from March to November with the peak swell months of June-August getting the biggest swells! Wave-wise North Male is an intermediate plus, surfers dream but with waves to suit all levels!
North Male Waves:
- Pasta Point – The wave that started it all, a long left-hander with an amazing wall and tube sections. You must stay at Cinnamon Dhonvelli to surf here
- Lohi’s – World-class left-hander, breaking privately for Hudhuranfushi! You must book to stay at the resort to surf here
- Cokes – A world-class right-hander breaking on Thulusdhoo, expect fast walls and barrels
- Chickens – Long walling left that can barrel breaking on the opposite side of the channel to Cokes
- Sultans – Classy right-hand reef break
- Honkys – Quality lefthander breaking near Sultans
- Jailbreaks – Intermediate friendly right-hand reef break on the Island of Himmafushi
- Ninjas – Perfect right-hander for beginners on small days and for aspiring intermediate surfers!
Check the surf forecast here for North Male!
Enjoy Quieter Waves in South Male Atoll
Best Months: May – September
Less busy than its neighbour North Male, South Male is a real gem for the ones looking for more user-friendly waves in the proximity of the international airport. The atoll has a great variety of waves for all levels, from more mellow breaks to hollow and barreling waves.
Being quite protected from the swells, the Season for South Male is much shorter compared to the other areas of the Maldives. The prime months for surfing are June to September, with the shoulder months being more suitable for beginner/intermediate surfers.
South Male Waves:
- Kandooma – The only private right-hander wave in the Maldives delivering epic barrels and long rides. You must stay at Holiday Inn Kandooma Resort to surf here
- Quarters – A fun right-hander with two sections, suitable for all levels of surfers!
- Foxies/Natives – Fast and hollow left-hander breaking on shallow reef providing many barrel opportunities
- Riptides – Right-hander wave with playful walls breaking for 150 metres on a reef in the middle of a channel. Beware of strong currents!
- Gurus – Left-hand reef break picking up the most southerly swells. it has a long, fast, workable wall.
- Twin Peaks – the reef here breaks left and right. The left is best on high tides, the right is more consistent and popular among local surfers.
- Kates – short left-hander that needs a big swell to start working. Nice, steep take-off with a fast wall.
Have a look here for the forecast for the only private right-hander in the Maldives, Kandooma Right!
Escape the Crowds in the Central Atolls
Best Months: March – October
The Central Atolls are located due south of North/South Male and where the crowds really start to thin out. In this region, there are very few budget options so the majority of surfing is done from luxury resorts or onboard boat charters. Generally, the waves are more spread than in the North Male area. With reef passes facing almost every direction, there is very rarely not an offshore wave here!
The Central Atolls follow a similar season to that of North Male, with the best waves breaking March – November. Swell usually peaks in the months of June – August, when the larger swells arrive. We recommend the Central Atolls for all levels of surf looking for adventure and quieter surf!
Central Atolls Waves:
- Muli Mushrooms – Meemu Atolls – Consistent Right Hander in the Northern Central Atolls
- Muli F1 – Meemu Atolls – The inside section of Muli. A fast, high quality, right hander breaking in super clear water
- Vodi – Dhaalu Atoll – Experience the pleasure of a private wave at Niyama. This super fun left breaks directly on the resort island just for their guests
- Kasabu – Dhaalu Atoll – Super playful righthander breaking near Vodi
- Mikado’s – Thaa Atoll – Two distinct right-handers offer fun waves for all levels
- Machine – Laamu Atoll – A beautiful right, that when conditions align is one of the most perfect small waves you will ever see
- Ying Yangs – Laamu Atoll – A pretty special righthander located in Southern Laamu, can produce big barrels and beautiful walls
- Secret Spots – Tons of secret spots that we won’t share with you here!
Surfing in the Remote Southern Atolls
Best Months: March-May and September-November
The remote Southern Atolls are approximately 350 miles from the capital of Male and offer unspoilt nature, beautiful waves and much lower crowds. This area is exposed to all swell, so gets the largest surf in the country. The best months here are March-May and then again, September-November. In the months in-between, good surf can be found but it is usually quite big and can be very windy!
There is only one resort in the area and very few charter boats travel to the area due to the expense. This means that the lineups are significantly quieter year-round than North Male!
Southern Atolls Waves:
- Blue Bowls – a fast and well-shaped right-hander that is very consistent
- Love Charms – a long left-hander breaking over a well-covered reef
- Two Ways – A-frame peak, good for beginners to intermediates when small
- Tiger Stripes – Quality left, breaking over beautiful coral
- Beacons – Arguably the Maldive’s heaviest right, deep tubes are on offer here when conditions align
- Secrets – more waves are waiting for you in the right conditions with a good guide
The Elusive Northern Atolls: Baa, Lhaviyani and Noonu Atoll
Best Months: May – September but waves have been found year-round
With other regions of the Maldives starting to get more surfers traveling, attention has turned past North Male to Baa Atoll. Baa, Lhaviyani, and Noonu Atoll Atolls are rarely surfed areas more famous for their diving and snorkeling than waves.
The area is more sheltered from swell than all other regions in the Maldives but in the peak season, there are waves to be found in the region. This area suits those who really want to escape the crowds and are happy to forego some consistency! The snorkeling is world-class, with regular whale shark sightings!
The options to surf here on land are limited to the world-class Soneva Fushi, one of the most luxurious resorts in the world! With most surfers opting for private surf charters!
How to get there
All international arrivals to the Maldives arrive at Velana Airport in Male. From here you will either jump on board your chosen charter, take a speedboat to your resort, or camp if staying in North or South Male.
For trips starting in the more remote Central, Southern, or North Atolls, you would then take a domestic flight to the starting point. For more information about arrivals, AWAVE Travel’s Expert Surf Team is on hand to assist you!