How to Plan a Surf Trip to the Maldives

The Maldives is perhaps not so famous for the surf as it is for the beautiful beaches and amazing resorts. However, there is much to be desired in these islands for surf enthusiasts and here is some key information to start planning a surf trip to the Maldives.

The best surf regions and times

The three central surfing regions in the Maldive is located on the Male atolls, central atolls, the southern atolls. Throughout the northeastern monsoon which is from April to May, the southern atolls have the most favourable conditions. While the central atoll such as Laamu and the northern atolls favour the southeasterly monsoon winds that develop from May into October. The largest wave activity is usually from June and August. The months of September and October are also favourable, with consistent winds and waves. However, don't expect the waves to be large as what you find in Bali, nevertheless, they can be enjoyably traversed. One thing to keep in mind is that most charter boats belonging to resorts usually anchor their vessels in certain parts of the sea according to the seasons.

Types of surf breaks in the Maldives

It is important to be aware of the type of surf breaks before planning your trip. Most reef breaks and reef points can be found in the Maldives. However, they are not as complex as the reef breaks found in destinations such as Tahiti, Hawaii, and Indonesia. Moderate gusts and small to average wave swells create rippled walls that are worth traversing for any surf enthusiasts. The level of difficulty can be classed as intermediate, most waves are user friendly and may even be helpful for beginners to start practising and honing their skills.

Top surf spots

To get the most out of your trip try to find accommodation in the central, southern or Male atolls. Within these atolls, some of the best surf spots can be found. At the Male atoll head to the Cokes, which is a right-hand reef surf break that produces barrels and significant swells for a clean surfing session. Chickens is a left-hand reef break and is located near Thulusdhoo Island.

Located near the former national prison, the aptly named Jailbreaks is a righthanded surf break.

Head to the islands in the central atolls for fewer crowds, fewer resorts and boats. This is the place to be if you would rather surf alone. Yin Yang is found in the Laamu area, and is consistent and provides great waves with hollows. Tsunamis is located eastward and gives off good surf breaks. It is a great choice to surf when the monsoon winds are at a decline.

Mikado in Thaa gives off many swells with plenty of hollows but can be exposed to a lot of wind at certain times.

Southern atolls are the most remote in the Maldives and are still being discovered. Many surfing liveaboards can take you to some of the most faraway locations in the archipelago. As they are located towards the farthest south, the waves swell more in the shoulder seasons as well. Winds can be problematic during May and August. Beacons offer some of the heaviest wave activity in the Maldives and is a place usually frequented by pros. Tiger Stripes is a more accommodative left-handed breakpoint that is best surfed during the northwestern winds but can be ridden during all tides. Voodoos is right-handed and is best when the southwestern winds are active. Maldives resort packages can offer all-inclusive holidays that includes charter trips to all the best surf breaks. Try the likes of Residence Maldives Falhumaafushi.