Maldives’ natural topography is perhaps the main reason the archipelago has thrived as a tourist destination over the years. With over 1200 islands formed on top of sunken volcanoes; the country is unique in every sense of the word. Of course, with so many islands, the types of reefs, shores and surf breaks are highly varied and abundant.
This brings us to surfing in Maldives – a match made in heaven. With a plethora of surf resorts to pick from, each offering something different and exciting, options are aplenty. Here, you will find stunning swells which are not as aggressive as other contemporaries (Bali, Java etc.) and after surfing is done, the pristine islands will be your sanctuary – and by God, what a sanctuary.
Considering surfing is a mainstay in pretty much all of Maldives, we have listed our favorite spots that truly stand out.
Thulusdhoo
We start off on a budget at a local island called Thulusdhoo, the capital of Kaafu Atoll with a population of 1900. You won’t need to break the bank at this island, as guesthouses are readily available for as low as 50 USD per night.
Apart from the same white sandy beaches, turquoise water and colorful coral reefs one has come to expect of Maldives, this island is known to be one of the best places to surf in Maldives. The two main breaks in Thulusdhoo are Coke and Chicken – named after a Coca Cola factory and Chicken farm respectively. Coke is best suited to intermediate and advanced surfers whilst Chicken is a left hander, famous for its epic waves that can go as high as 14 feet.
Niyama Private Islands Maldives
Found in the Dhaalu Atoll, Niyama is an award-winning luxury resort sprawled across two islands: Chill and Play. Chill offers relaxation and serendipity and is suited for couples whilst Play is for families and groups. If you’re in the Maldives for surfing, Play is where the funs at. With Vodi – a powerful left hander and Kasabu – a hollow right hander located a few minutes away from the island, surfing has never been so convenient or luxurious.
Of course, since Niyama is a resort in Maldives, there is a certain level of luxury and prestige that will wait for you at the island. From the almost royal villas or overwater bungalows, or incredible dining options, including an underwater restaurant, it can be easy to absolutely forget surfing and bask in the elegance of the resort. What a tragedy that would be.
Located on the remote Laamu Atoll, Six Senses rife with almost unparalleled natural beauty composed of lush green vegetation, turquoise water and of course, snow-white beaches. The resort blends the natural beauty of the island with large ecofriendly villas – which never compromise on luxury or quality. Given the secluded nature of the resort, privacy and comfort are a given – more so than other resorts in Maldives.
Considering the Laamu and Huvadhoo Atolls are separated by a broad channel called One and a Half Degree Channel, swells are generated due to a lack of land on the south by Roaring Forties (a weather phenomenon). This in turn means these swells hit the islands creating near perfect waves – some of the best for surfing in Maldives.
The house reef has lefts which are a short paddle away from the beach and then there’s the popular Yin Yangs, a right-hand barrel which is powerful and magnificent. Machines, a hollow right is also located a short boat ride away and has some of the most picturesque waves in all of Maldives.
Located in the Southern Atolls of Maldives, Ayada is an award-winning resort in Maldives which offers guests everything from diving, snorkeling, surfing and plenty of dining options. This is not just a resort for surfing in Maldives, its for everything!
With unique architecture that blends Turkish and Maldivian designs, the accommodation is a breath of fresh air. Whether it’s the water villas with never ending, unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean or the Beach villas which open into the sea, you can never go wrong. And with 8 different dining options, satisfying your taste buds will not be a problem either.
Whilst the resort does offer a lot, it’s the surfing we are here for. Just a short boat ride from the resort the true allure of surfing in Maldives surfaces. With some truly breath-taking secret surf breaks including Antiques, Blue Bowls, Five Islands, Love Charms, Tow Ways and Tiger Strips, the options are seemingly limitless.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, an IHG Hotel
Owned by Holiday Inn, Kandooma Resort is located a short 45-minute boat ride from Male Airport. With a focus on eco-friendly practices, Kandooma (much like other resorts in Maldives) is popularizing the need to go green. With all white villas perfectly juxtaposed against the turquoise water of the ocean, the island is a sight for sore eyes.
With three bars and restaurant, a world class spa, a kid’s club and an affordable price tag, the resort is the perfect family getaway. Much like the other resorts on this list, surfing is a mainstay at Kandooma with a right hander that breaks right in front of the resort and is only a paddle ride away. Then there’s some world class reef breaks quite close by including Riptides, Twin Peaks, Kate’s, Quarters and Foxys.