The best surfing spots in the Maldives: where, when, for surfers of all skill levels

Surfing in the Maldives is highly regarded by the international surfing community. It is home to world-class spots that attract professional athletes from all over the world and hosts international competitions in this exciting sport.

The territory of the archipelago can be roughly divided into three zones suitable for surfing: North, South and Central atolls. We will tell you about the best surfing spots in each of them in this article.

Jailam Rashad

Northern atolls

According to one of the versions, it was from the Male Atolls that the history of surfing in the Maldives began, when in the 70s an Australian surfer was shipwrecked off the coast of the Maldives capital, who later stayed to live in the Maldives and develop surfing in this picturesque region.

Today, the spots of North and South Male Atolls are highly popular with surfers. Let's take a closer look at some of them.

North Male

Pasta point

This location is considered the best in North Male Atoll and has been ranked among the world's best surfing locations since 1992. It features good quality left-handed waves and is suitable for surfers of all experience levels. Interestingly, the place got its name from an Italian bistro that was once located in the area.

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives provides exclusive access to Pasta Point for up to 30 surfers at a time. Therefore, the reservation must be taken care of in advance. Pasta Point surfing holidays can only be booked through Atoll Travel or one of its accredited agents.

The peak season is between March and October.

There are three popular destinations within a 10-minute boat ride from Pasta Point: Sultans, Honkeys and Jailbreaks.

Nearby : Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives Resort .

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

Sultans

A popular and often crowded location near Thamburudhoo Island. Offers a fast right-handed wave forming two sections. Best for surfing from March to October, especially June to August.

Honkeys

This left hand wave spot offers a wide variety of different sections. It is often quieter than neighboring Sultans. But the ocean waters near Thamburudhoo Island sometimes have quite strong currents, which must be taken into account when visiting the Sultans and Honkeys.

Jailbreaks

Offers perfect right-handed waves for intermediate to advanced surfers. The largest waves in the Jailbreaks area occur between June and August. The Jail Break Surf Inn is 5 minutes from this spot on a budget.

Nearby : Himmafushi Island, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives Resort .

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

Chickens

The location is located next to the island, which was once famous for its poultry farming, which is reflected in its name. Today Chickens is known as one of the longest left-handed waves in the Maldives.

Best time to visit: May to October.

Nearby : Villingili, Huraa, Thulusdhoo, Four Seasons Kuda Huraa .

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

Coke's

A popular world-class surfing spot, named after the Coca Cola factory located on the nearby island of Thulusdhoo . The location provides large right-handed waves and is suitable mainly for experienced surfers.

Best Time to Visit: March to October, peak in July and August.

Nearby : Thulusdhoo Island .

Ninjas

Offers right-handed waves and is considered the best longboard and beginner destination in North Male Atoll.

Nearby : Club Med Kani resort .

Lohi's

Named after the island of Lohifushi, it offers left-handed waves for adrenaline lovers with a minimum of intermediate skill level. Exclusive access to the location is provided by Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi Resort , which limits the maximum number of surfers per day to 45.

At the same time, the resort offers accommodation in beach or ocean villas or in one of the recently renovated Lohi’s rooms, which are literally twenty seconds away from the location.

Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi

South Male

Guru

A fast left-handed wave crashing against a reef on the east coast of the atoll. Located 15 minutes by boat from Anantara Dhigu and Naladhu Private Island Maldives .

Riptides

A popular location with a right-handed wave. Located 35 minutes by boat from Anantara Dhigu and Naladhu Private Island Maldives .

Nearby : Guraidhoo Island 

Anantara Dhigu

Southern atolls

Located in the southernmost part of the Maldives archipelago, the Huvadhoo and Addu atolls are less populous than the North Atolls.

Huvadhoo

Beacons

The Beacons are considered by many surfers to be the most powerful wave in the Maldives . This right-handed wave can only be conquered by experienced athletes. It also serves as the first stop for charters departing from the central atolls to Huvadhoo Atoll.

Castaways

Located south of the Beacons, this right-handed wave allows you to ride at any tide. The location is on the outer reef and is not as heavy and dangerous as the Beacons. In addition, while surfing, you can meet a lot of marine life here.

Tiger stripes

A relatively stable and calm left-sided wave. You can ride at any tide, but you need an average level of training. Located between the islands of Gan and Gaddu, and got its name from the fact that it passes through the reef, decorated with narrow grooves, similar to the striped color of a tiger.

Mishal Ibrahim

Addu

Approach Lights

The spot is located on the southern edge of Addu Atoll , close to the airport runway, the lights of which serve as a good reference point for athletes. To conquer this right-handed wave, you need to have an advanced level of skill.

Madihera

To the east of the Approach Lights, a long left-handed wave of Madihera awaits athletes. For skiing, you need an average level of training.

Shaafi Ali

Central atolls

The Central Atolls, which include Taa and Laamu , are not as famous as the Male Atolls, which is why surfers flock here to avoid the crowds of the North Atolls.

Among the most popular surfing spots in Laamu Atoll , Ying Yang is worth highlighting . The powerful and stable right-handed wave challenges advanced athletes.

Taa Atoll is known for the surfing spot called Mikado , which in turn is divided into the outer and inner parts (Inside Mikado and Outside Mikado). Inside Mikado is a good right-handed wave for athletes of intermediate fitness and above, the disadvantages of which can be attributed to inconsistency during low tide. While the Outside Mikado is a fast right-handed wave, it is considered one of the most powerful in the area. Therefore, to ride here, you need to have confident, advanced skills.

Easa Aloof Ibrahim