Maldives Surf and Travel Guide / Plan Your Surf Trip to Paradise

A Maldives surf trip serves up the brilliant combination of amazing, user-friendly waves, island paradise perfection, and barefoot luxury. Whether you’re looking to take a group trip with friends or a family-friendly surf vacation, the Maldives is one of the most stunning surf destinations on the planet.

Surfing the Maldives

Located in the central Indian Ocean off the west coast of India, the Maldives are a string of nearly 1,200 coral islands spread across 26 atolls that have come to epitomize the tropical paradise experience. Picture-perfect white sand beaches dotted with palm trees and five-star resorts are the norm in these largely uninhabited atolls. Accessed through Male (the capital), the Maldives provide the quintessential beachcomber lifestyle—with every luxury you can dream up, of course.

The waves in the Maldives were discovered in the 1970s by Tony Hussein Hinde, who famously stumbled upon the surf potential there when he was shipwrecked in the area while sailing from Sri Lanka to Reunion Island.

The region’s original surfer and surfing pioneer, Tony established the Maldives surf tourism industry in the area, which quickly grew as new waves were discovered and the Maldives was put on the map. Today, there are dozens of charter boats and surf resorts catering to thousands of satisfied wave riders each year. 

Where to Surf in the Maldives

There are three main surf zones in the Maldives—the central atolls, the southern atolls, and the Male atolls. During the northeast monsoon in April and May, the southern atolls (such as Huvadhoo) tend to enjoy the best conditions.

Meanwhile, the central (Laamu) and northern (Male) atolls prefer the southeast monsoon, which typically stretches from May through October. Charter boats tend to base themselves down south during the early season, and then in the central and north atolls during the mid- to late season.

Surf Seasons & Swell

South swells out of the Indian Ocean are common from March through October. The cleanest conditions typically come early in the season, before the wind picks up, while the largest swells tend to arrive between June and August. September and October enjoy consistent swell with variable winds. Because the Maldives are so much farther north than Indonesia, these swells tend to be smaller than what you would find on Bali or in the Mentawais. However, they also tend to be more organized.

Types of Surf Breaks

The waves in the Maldives are predominantly reef breaks and reef points, although typically not as heavy as the reef breaks in Hawaii, Tahiti, or Indonesia. Light winds and small to moderate swell produce sculpted, rippable walls for the everyman surfer, making this a great destination for a family surf trip.

Level of Difficulty

Although surfers will need to be comfortable over coral reefs, the waves tend to be relatively user-friendly and don’t often get above 8-12 feet on the face. There are also a handful of hollower waves that will appeal to experts, although the majority of pros who visit the Maldives do so to stack high-performance clips. The region also has a large variety of beginner waves for those who are new to the sport.

Crowds

Depending what region and waves you are surfing, you could be alone or with a few dozen other surfers. The more popular breaks tend to get more visits from charter boats, but some land camps have exclusive rights to the breaks out front.

Water Temperature

The water in the Maldives is pretty much perfect, as long as you enjoy surfing in a tropical aquarium. Winter water temps get down to around 77 Fahrenheit (25 Celcius), while summer tops out at around 81 Fahrenheit (27 Celcius)—so a bit warmer than Hawaii, but not as hot as Indonesia.

Getting to the Surf

Nearly all of the waves in the Maldives are accessed through resorts, surf camps, and liveaboard boat charters. While it is possible to do the Maldives independently, by the time you have traveled all that way, it’s well worth it to book a tour with a professional to ensure that you score.

Top Surf Spots in the Maldives

Male Atolls

The original Maldives surf zone, the Male atolls are home to some of the country’s best-known waves:

• Cokes: A right-hand reef break that handles size and can produce barrels, Cokes is one of the more consequential waves in the area.

• Chickens: A long left-hand reef point that is best in the head-high+ range, Chickens is located near Thulusdhoo Island, and can sometimes peel for upwards of 500 meters.

• Jailbreaks: Located adjacent to what used to be the national prison, Jailbreaks is a fast, hollow right-hander that grows as it goes down the line.

Central Atolls

The least crowded surf zone in the Maldives, the central atolls feature a number of quality waves, despite having far fewer resorts and charter boats. This is a great area to check out if you prefer to surf alone.

• Yin Yang: The most consistent spot in the Laamu area, Yin Yang starts off as a mellow wall before growing into a hollow, powerful inside section.

• Tsunamis: Protected from westerly and northerly winds, Tsunamis is the most consistent east-facing break in the region, and is a good option for days when the monsoon winds aren’t blowing.

• Mikado: The go-to spot in Thaa, Mikado is a hollow right-hander that picks up a lot of swell, but is somewhat exposed to the wind.

Southern Atolls

The southern atolls are the last frontier in the Maldives. They are still being explored, and predominantly visited by surf charter boats. Because they are located farther south than the rest of the country, they tend to pick up more swell, even in the shoulder seasons. However, they can also suffer from wind issues between May and August, when the southeast winds blow the strongest. Fortunately, there are numerous spots facing different directions, so there is almost always somewhere to surf.

• Beacons: One of the heaviest waves in the Maldives, Beacons is a shallow, hollow, expert-only peak.

• Tiger Stripes: A user-friendly left-hander, Tiger Stripes is a long, consistent wall that works best in west and northwest winds and can be surfed at all tides.

• Voodoos: This long, hollow right-hander handles southwest wind and all tides, and is best at around head-high.

Where To Stay

The Maldives is one of the most luxurious travel destinations in the world. Home to remote five-star resorts with every amenity your heart desires, tropical island perfection, and overwater bungalows galore, the islands of the Maldives attract jetsetters, honeymooners, and families in search of a luxury vacation with all the bells and whistles.      

Because resorts in the Maldives attract a wide variety of travelers, Maldives “surf resorts” don’t meet the definition of a typical surf resort where the property and the majority of guests revolve around surfing. In the Maldives, there aren’t many resorts dedicated to surfing. Rather, you’ll find luxury resorts with access to nearby waves (a few properties even have exclusive waves breaking off the islands). 

While the Maldives is known to be a popular couples destination, it’s also a fantastic destination for families, as many resorts have complimentary programs and activities for kids.     

At Lush Palm, we specialize in bespoke luxury surf trips to the Maldives, tailored to your surf level and preferences. Enjoy a 5-star surf vacation with insider surf intel, the best surf coaches, stunning luxury resorts, surf photography, and more. We’ve vetted and curated the best the Maldives have to offer and brought everything together to create dream surf getaways. Get in touch here to start planning your trip.

Below is a sampling of the many stunning properties we have available for your surf vacation in the Maldives.

Six Senses Laamu

Located in the central atolls, Six Senses Laamu has stunning overwater amenities and luxury accommodations in overwater bungalows and beachfront villas. Surf-wise, there are a couple of waves only a short paddle from the resort beach. Right across the channel is Yin Yangs (a consistent spot with potential for perfect right-hand barrels). There are also surf boats to access other nearby waves.

Niyama Private Island Maldives

Niyama Private Islands is a luxury resort in the Central Atolls with a powerful and sometimes hollow left point (Vodi) breaking at the edge of the island. The resort provides a five-star experience with beachfront villas, overwater bungalows, and the Maldives’ largest kids’ club.

Anantara Veli & Anantara Dhigu

Anantara Veli and Anantara Dhigu are five-star sister resorts on two neighboring private islands. Anantara Veli has a fast, barreling left peeling off the island, and both resorts have surf programs with access to nearby surf breaks. Anantara Dhigu is family-friendly, with a great kid’s club, while Anantara Veli is one of the few adults-only resorts in the Maldives.

COMO Maalifushi

COMO Maalifushi is a luxury resort located on a private island in the remote Thaa Atoll in the southwest Maldives. A luxe speed boat provides access to three different nearby atolls with over 20 surf breaks.

Maldives Travel Basics

Seasons and Weather

The climate is warm and sunny, with pleasant water and light trade winds to cool you down during the midday heat and humidity. The sun is a real factor in the Maldives, so make sure you bring adequate sun protection (rash guards, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.). Water temps stay around 80 Fahrenheit (27 Celsius) all year, so there is no need for a wetsuit. While the surf season is also the “wet” season, the clouds and squalls tend to blow over the islands relatively quickly, which means that the weather stays pretty close to perfect most of the time, with air temps between 68° to 86° F (20° to 30° C).

Currency

The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa, which trades at approximately 6 cents USD. That equates to around 15 Rufiyaa per US dollar.

Staying Connected

Nearly all visitors to the Maldives stay at resorts, which typically provide Internet access/Wi-Fi. Independent travelers can purchase SIM cards at the airport upon arrival. These come preloaded and are much cheaper than using roaming services on most foreign data plans.

Good to Know

Although the Maldives is a tropical beach destination, it is also a Muslim nation. While the resorts are accustomed to Western traditions and have no problem with guests lounging all day in board shorts or bikinis, it is advised that you dress modestly when outside of your resort and amongst the local population.

Eat and Drink

As a dedicated luxury destination, the Maldives is full of amazing chefs, five-star restaurants, and cuisine from all over the world. Most resorts will have food included, or at the very least have restaurant and room service options at an additional charge. Local Maldivian food is also widely available, including a diverse range of seafood, rice, curry, spices, and coconut-based dishes. 

It is important to note that the Maldives is a dry country, which means that alcohol is not permitted on local islands. However, many resorts that cater to tourists have permission to serve alcohol.

Maldives Surf Trip Costs

The Maldives are one of the most beloved luxury vacation destinations on the planet and home to some of the world’s best-appointed resorts. Expect costs to range between $400 and $1,000+ per person per day, depending on where you stay and what level of luxury you opt for. Some stays will include food and drink, transportation, and multiple activities.  

Boats to access the surf are often not included if you’re staying at a resort. There are only a couple of resorts with surf breaks right at the island, so staying at most places will require a boat to access the surf (or a seaplane if you really want to go for it). Surf boat rates vary depending on the resort, but typically range from $100–$250 per surf transfer.

Transportation

Nearly all surfers visiting the Maldives do so through resorts or charter boats, so your transportation in the Maldives is typically taken care of by your provider. Surf resorts will have boats to get you to the surf, and liveaboard charters are obviously always out on the water in search of perfect waves.

Most international flights come into Male’s Velana International Airport (MLE), with connecting domestic flights to numerous atolls throughout the country, including Laamu, Thaa, Huvadhoo, and Dhaalu.

Things To Do in Maldives

(besides surfing)

Snorkeling and Freediving
The Maldives is one of the world’s best destinations for snorkeling, thanks to its shallow reefs, calm lagoons, and vibrant marine ecosystems. Swim with reef sharks, turtles, eagle rays, and schools of tropical fish just a few steps from shore—or straight off your overwater villa.

Scuba Diving
With hundreds of dive sites scattered across the atolls, the Maldives is a world-class destination for scuba divers. Explore coral walls, underwater caves, and manta cleaning stations, or drift dive through channels rich with pelagic life. Diving is possible year-round, though visibility and marine life vary slightly by season.

Island Hopping by Boat
Charter a dhoni (traditional boat) or speedboat and explore nearby islands—whether to visit a local island village, a private picnic island with no one else in sight, or a sandbank that appears only at low tide. Multi-island day trips are an incredible way to experience the diversity of the atolls.

Sunset and Dolphin Cruises
Set sail on a sunset cruise with champagne in hand and watch the sky explode with color. Many resorts also offer dolphin-watching tours, where you can spot pods of spinner dolphins leaping beside the boat.

Underwater Dining or Overwater Cocktails
The Maldives is home to some truly unique dining experiences. Dine under the sea in a glass-walled restaurant, enjoy fresh seafood on the beach under the stars, or sip cocktails in an overwater bar with 360° ocean views.

Wellness and Spa Experiences
From oceanfront massages to Ayurvedic treatments, the Maldives is a wellness destination like no other. Whether at a luxury resort spa or a boutique island retreat, pamper yourself with treatments inspired by nature and local traditions.

Lagoon SUP and Kayaking
The calm, shallow waters around the islands are perfect for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Paddle over coral reefs and spot sea life below, or drift through quiet lagoons as you take in the serenity of island living.

Traditional Maldivian Cultural Experiences
On local islands, you can experience traditional Maldivian music (bodu beru), crafts, cuisine, and daily life. Many guesthouses and tours offer authentic experiences that let you connect with local culture beyond the resort scene.

Stargazing and Bioluminescence
Due to the lack of light pollution, the night skies in the Maldives are incredibly clear and perfect for stargazing. On certain nights and beaches, you might also catch a glimpse of bioluminescent plankton lighting up the shoreline in glowing blue.

FAQs

Is the Maldives safe? Yes. Not only is the country politically stable, but it also has a relatively low crime rate. In addition, most visitors will be staying at exclusive resorts or on liveaboards, which take the safety and comfort of their guests very seriously.

Is the Maldives a family-friendly destination? The Maldives are one of the most family-friendly destinations in the world, with safe, tranquil water, beautiful white-sand beaches, and tons of luxury resorts full of aquatic activities for all ages.

What’s the best time of year to surf in the Maldives? The southern hemisphere winter (April through September) is the main swell season in the Maldives, with lighter wind earlier in the season.

Are there options for beginner surfers in the Maldives? Most of the waves in the Maldives are relatively user-friendly and qualify in the beginner to intermediate range, although visiting surfers need to be comfortable surfing over coral reefs.

Where should I stay in the Maldives for surfing? There’s really no wrong choice when it comes to surfing in the Maldives. There are waves throughout the country, so it’s just a matter of choosing a region and the waves you want to surf, then booking yourself into the closest resort. Get in touch with our expert surf travel planners for the top recommendations for your surf and travel style.

Travel Insurance

While we’d rather not think about getting injured while traveling, there are too many cases of people who didn’t think about insurance and get nailed with crazy medical bills after the matter.

You know the deal—better safe than sorry. Battleface or World Nomads Insurance offer very comprehensive travel insurance and cover lots of activities, including surfing and ocean sports. You can easily check them out and get a fast quote below.

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