Surfing in the Maldives
Daring travellers on the lookout for future adventures should start planning for a surf trip to the Maldives, where they can experience sensational swells and a true surfer’s paradise away from the crowds.
Unknown to many travellers, the Maldives is amongst the world’s leading surf spots thanks to its uncrowded waves, mellow barrels and long fun waves, as well as endless surf breaks. The surfing season in the Maldives varies between atolls, but typically the archipelago is ideal for surfing between March-May and October-November.
From the perfect breaks of the Northern and Malé Atolls to the off-the-beaten-track Southern Atolls, some of the best surfing spots in the Maldives include a left-hander named Chickens, Ying Yang which is the most consistent wave in Laamu and Jailbreaks which features a fast right-hand wave. Adventurous travellers can take on Five Islands/Gani Point which breaks over a shallow reef, whilst beginners can enjoy gentle swells at the seasonal summer The LUX* Break, just a five-minute jet ski ride away from LUX* North Malé Atoll.
Those looking to turn their surfing dreams into reality when going on a future holiday can choose from the following packages:
Turn dreams into reality when honing your skills on the only surf simulator in the Maldives
First-time surfers or those looking to brush up on their balance can try out Cheval Blanc Randheli‘s new surf simulator, the first of its kind in the Indian Ocean destination, before riding the impressive waves over the resort’s outer reefs.
After experiencing the only surf simulator in the Maldives, adventurous guests will take off onboard a private Cheval Blanc Randheli seaplane for an exclusive surfing excursion (dependent on the COVID-19 measures in place by the Maldives government and at present is temporarily suspended due to the limitation of inter-resort movements). Led by a local professional, travellers can surf over colourful Maldivian coral reefs and capture the moment with a photo and video session. Suitable for guests of all ages and skill levels, the experience is bookable from March – October.
Empty lineups are guaranteed at Six Senses Laamu
As the only resort in the Laamu atoll, surfing at Six Senses Laamu guarantees future travellers empty lineups, where the only crowds to be encountered are a pod of passing dolphins. Whether it’s your first time in the water, or you’re a seasoned pro, the breaks around Six Senses Laamu offer a huge range of waves suitable to every ability.
Shoulders is one of the few ‘paddle to’ beginner waves in the Maldives and is the perfect left-hand surf break to start a surfing journey. For those with more experience, four intermediate to advanced reef breaks (Turtles, Petrols, Jetty C and Yin Yang) are just a ten-minute boat ride from the resort. Six Senses Laamu is partnered with TropicSurf and facilities provided by the team include equipment rental, beginner lessons, boat excursions and in-water intensive coaching. For those looking to take their surfing to the next level, the ‘Hot 100’ is Tropicsurf’s unique surf coaching system to progress adventurers towards new breaks and higher levels of adrenaline.
Experience North Malé Atoll’s spectacular surf spots on Voyages Maldives’ Surfing Safari
Avid surfers keen to try their hand at numerous Maldives surf sites can set sail onboard one of Voyages Maldives‘ surfing safaris. Home to some of the Maldives’ best breaks, the North Malé Atoll tour will see surfers take on the right-hander ‘Jailbreak’ wave at Himmafushi Island, infamous as the longest wave in the region. The following day, travellers can experience the Maldives’ most popular breaks off Thamburudhoo Island, known as Honkys and Sultans.
Whilst Sultans is said to be the best wave in the Maldives thanks to its long rides and an inside section that barrels heavily on big swells, Honkys offers adrenaline-junkies a once-in-a-lifetime experience because when conditions are perfect, the wave curves at almost 90º. On day three of their Maldives surfing adventure, travellers can surf off Kani Resort and Lhohifushi Resort before heading towards Thulusdhoo Point for an early morning surf at Colas – the heaviest wave in the region which gives advanced surfers the opportunity for snaps and cutbacks. Voyages Maldives also offers a Laamu Atoll and Huvadhoo itinerary and caters to both the professional and the amateur surfers.
Well you learn something every day. Admittedly, I’ve not been to the Maldives but I’d never even thought of the islands as a surfing destination, I didn’t know that you’d get those sorts of waves.
It’s got to beat surfing off the Pembrokeshire coast which is where so far I’ve done most of my surfing.
I’d need a lot of time on the simulator. It’s so, so long since I’ve surfed. Me and cold waters really don’t get on.
It is probably for the best if the only spectators for my ugly surfing is that pod of passing dolphins.
You write about getting away from the crowds. We hear a lot about pent-up demand for travel though there will be people who can’t travel, two of my friends have lost their businesses this year, and there are those who are still too nervous to travel. So I wouldn’t worry too much about crowds as yet.
Love the idea of a surfing safari where you are moving up through the challenges.
When I think of Maldives, I think of that serene crystal clear beaches. Little did I know that there are great waves there awaiting us surfers! It’s always been a dream destination of mine.