Surfing Maldives

The Maldives is a unique group of 1,200 coral islands based around 26 atolls.  Typically the reefs passes are deeper than in Indonesia and the South Pacific, with classic set-ups abound. 

NORTHERN ATOLLS:

The northern atolls region consists of the North Male atolls and the South Male atolls. Both regions are littered with world-class left and right reef breaks suitable for surfers of all abilities.  The North atolls are generally more crowded due to the well-known waves in the area such as Pasta Point, Chickens and Cokes.

The best time to surf the northern atolls is from April - October with the best months being May - August for swell, and March - May the cleanest conditions.

CENTRAL ATOLLS:

The Central Atoll region is relatively uncrowded compared to the northern atolls due to minimal resorts in the area. The surf season in the central atolls is the same as the northern atolls with 3-6ft waves consistently hitting the Thaa & Laamu atolls March through to October.

If you are a natural footer you will love the central atolls as the waves are mostly right-handers and high-quality reef pass setups.

SOUTHERN ATOLLS:

While most of the atolls in the entire Maldives have their prime season between April and September, the Southern Atolls have a more extended season from February until November.  Some say that the best conditions occur between February to April just before the south-west monsoon begins and also from September to November when it ends.

Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll (also known as the Huvadhoo Atoll) is generally known to have the best conditions for surfing in the Maldives because it picks up more swell than any other atoll in the Maldives and from every direction.