TailorYourTrips
- Light
- Dark
Let us inspire you.
Find the perfect travel destinations for your next trip, based on what you want to do or what you want to see. Select an activity or category, a region where you want to go and a timespan.
Click here to select an activity or category
Select one
Search area:
Select one
When?
Select one
Surfing at the Maldives
The Maldives is an exceptional destination for surfing, offering pristine turquoise waters, consistent swells, and world-class surf breaks. Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives comprises 26 atolls with over 1,200 islands, many of which offer excellent surfing conditions. The waves range from intermediate to advanced, making it an ideal spot for seasoned surfers looking for a tropical paradise combined with thrilling surf experiences. Some of the most popular surf spots include Honky's, Chickens, and Pasta Point, each showcasing unique characteristics from long barrels to speedy reef breaks.
The isolation and beauty of these islands mean you can often enjoy sessions with relatively fewer crowds compared to other surfing hubs, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, the luxurious resorts and liveaboard charters provide comfortable accommodations and easy access to diverse surf spots, making the Maldives not only perfect for surfing but also for a relaxing holiday. Given the idyllic settings and wave consistency, the Maldives is definitely a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure on the waves, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and marine life.
Cokes Surf Point
Cokes Surf Point, located on Thulusdhoo Island, is renowned for its powerful right-hand waves that attract experienced surfers. It's named after the nearby Coca-Cola plant, and the break is consistent from March to October with swells ranging between 3-10 feet. The wave offers a long wall with barrel sections, perfect for surfers looking for a challenge. Its picturesque surroundings offer an added bonus for those looking to soak up the natural beauty of the Maldives.
Chickens Break
Chickens Break is a left-hand wave point located near Thulusdhoo Island. This spot is ideal for surfers who enjoy fast and long rides, making it popular among both intermediate and advanced surfers. The waves can reach up to 10 feet with multiple barrel sections, especially during the southwest monsoon from May to October. Named after a chicken farm on the island, this location is well-loved for its consistent swell and stunning tropical backdrop.
Jailbreaks
Jailbreaks, located on Himmafushi Island, is a famous right-hander known for its speed and perfect barrels. It's named after a former prison facility nearby. This spot attracts mostly experienced surfers due to its fast and hollow waves, reaching up to 7 feet during peak surfing season. The reef break offers long, tubing rides, especially between May and October, creating an exhilarating experience amid the crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.
Sultans
Sultans, on the eastern reef of North Male Atoll, is a celebrated right-hand reef break that hosts some of the Maldives' most consistent waves. It offers great rides for intermediate to advanced surfers, with waves ranging from 3 to 8 feet. The clean, fast peelers feature perfect swells that break off the reef with consistent barrels. This spot is highly popular between March and October, providing surfers with picture-perfect conditions amidst a stunning oceanic vista.
Honky's
Located adjacent to Sultans, Honky's is a left-hander offering long walls with sections ripe for carving and occasional barreling sections. This breaks opposite to Sultans provide variety; it's famous for having two distinct sections: one with a softer, longer wave and another with faster, more intense breaks ideal for experienced surfers. Optimal from May to October, the vibrant setting and consistent waves make Honky's a must-visit for surfers in the Maldives.
Ninjas
Ninjas, found near Lhohifushi Island, caters to beginner and intermediate surfers. This mellow right-hander is less intense compared to other Maldivian surf spots. Offering slower, softer waves, Ninjas is perfect for practicing new skills or enjoying a relaxed session. While it lacks the adrenaline-pumping speed of other spots, its gentle swells, usually around 2 to 4 feet, provide a perfect playground for easy rides from April to October, set against the island's serene beauty.
The best time to surf in the Maldives is generally between March and October. During this period, the region experiences the southwest monsoon, resulting in consistent and reliable swells, especially on the eastern fringes of the atolls. This season is when most of the famous waves hit their peak, offering thrilling rides and some impressive barrels. Among these months, June to August tends to feature the biggest swells, which are more suitable for experienced surfers looking for a challenge.
However, the shoulder months of March to May and September to October also offer excellent conditions, with slightly smaller swells and more manageable waves, which are ideal for intermediate surfers. Overall, visiting during these months allows surfers to take full advantage of the prime surfing conditions while also enjoying the Maldives' warm tropical climate and clear waters.