Surfers in the Maldives

Maldives has established itself as a destination for surfers in the past decade. In recent years Maldives has hosted several surf competitions. The O’Neil Deep Blue Contest which was held in the Maldives also placed Maldives firmly on the world’s surf map.

Male’ Atoll hosts most of the well recognised surf breaks in Maldives. However there are certainly more to be discovered. If you like to spend your stay in a resort and surf it is recommended to choose one of the resorts on the eastern side of North Male’ Atoll where you could get access to a number of excellent breaks. Some of the resorts operate exclusivity rights to the breaks on their resort reefs and host limited number of surfers. Therefore it is best to check with the resort or the operator before you travel to the resort.

For surf enthusiasts the best way to discover and experience the many surf breaks it is best to book in to a live-aboard or a Surfari. Surf cruises have the ability to travel and relocate to the best waves depending on the whether conditions.

Surf conditions
The seasons in Maldives is influenced by two monsoons; the northeast monsoon and the southwest monsoon from November to April brings fine weather coincides with the peak tourist season. The southwest monsoon from May to October is often wet and rainy. However, the northwest monsoon season period provides the best surf.

Some of popular surf spots

Chickens
Villingilimathi Huraa (Kuda Villingili), Uninhabited island. Eastern reef of North Male’ Atoll:

Requires speed. Long, excellent left-hander that has two sections. A pleasant thin, peeling, racing lip. However conditions must be perfect, otherwise it’s not make able. Best winds are NW-NNE (offshore). Named because of a poultry farm on the island. Access by boat.

Cokes
Thulusdhoo, Atoll Capital. Eastern reef of North Male’ Atoll:

A short but intense ride. A big wave tube spot. A steep barreling takeoff, then a very shallow inside section that opens up even more than the takeoff. Best on mid to high tide, however, can be surfed at low tide if the swell is big enough. Ideal on a straight south swell and winds NW however, can be surfed in winds from any direction W – N.
Named after the Coca-Cola factory on the island, beautiful view of palm fringed beach from the surf zone. Access by boat.

Lhohi
Lohifushi Island Resort. Eastern reef of North Male’ Atoll

Good and hollow left-hander with two sections. Need big SE swells and high tides to work well. Best during NW-NE offshore winds. Named after the island resort Lohifushi. Access by boat or from Lohifushi Resort.

Piddlies / Ninjas
Kanifinolhu Resort. Eastern Reef of North Male’ Atoll

Slow right-hander, good for beginners and long-boarders. Best on W-NW winds with a moderate S swell. However swells larger than 4 feet spoils it. Named Ninjas because many Japanese surfers seem to like it. Access by boat.

Sultans
Tari Village Resort (Kanu Huraa) . Eastern reef of North Male’ Atoll

Perfect long left, which picks up more swell and is more consistent than any other break. ‘Macaroni Bowl’-a second tube section, which develops after the fast take off section, mellows out for a cutback. ‘Lockjaws’ – if you are game try out this very fast and shallow end section, which comes after the ‘Macaroni Bowl’. Rides are 75 to 100 yards long. Reserved for the exclusive use of the resort guests. (Strictly enforced by Tari Village Resort management) Best winds; N, but can be surfed with NE-NW. Best months – February, March and April. Accessible from the shore.

Honkey’s
Thamburudhoo (Uninhabited Island), Eastern Reef of North Male’ Atoll

Excellent, long, world-class right-hander. One of the most consistent waves of Male’ Atoll, which never closes out, even on the biggest swells. The take-off is a steep outside peak called ‘Phantoms’, which slingshots into a very long, walled, super fast section called the ‘Pinnacles’, over four feet. All three sections can be thrilling, almost insane tubes. Rides are 100 to 150 yards. Best on high tide with any wind from W to N. Access by boat.

Tomb Stones
Thamburudhoo (Uninhabited Island), Adjacent to ‘Sultans’. Eastern Reef of North Male’ Atoll

Long, left-hander. Starts small and increases in size and intensity as it wraps 90 degrees around the island. A six feet wave on the take-off will end up at least eight feet on the end section, called ‘Fred’s Ledge’. Long rides and tubes through all sections. Best on low tides unless swell is huge. Best winds, ENE-N (this is the only wave that works on a ENE wind). Best swell, straight S. Best months for this wave, February, March and April. Affected by strong currents in the Southwest monsoon from May to October. Access by boat.

Male’ Island Point
Full Moon Beach Resort, Furana Fushi Island, Eastern Reef of North Male’ Atoll

Long, right-hander, offshore in winds S to W. Breaks rarely and only large swells. At three feet it has a dry reef to surf on. In the big swells of 1987, when many of the islands were flooded, this was surfed at a perfect six to eight feet.

Gurus
Male’, the capital. Eastern reef of Male’, Southern tip of North Male’ Atoll

A couple of shifting peaks, popular with locals, riding surfboards and boogie boards. The reef picks up plenty of swell. Best in W winds. Accessible from the shore.

Twin Peaks
Miyaru Faru near the island of Gulhi, inhabited island, Eastern Reef of South Male’ Atoll

Sectiony left, which picks up more swell than most of the breaks in South Male’ Atoll. Can have a good end section in a big S swell. Best in N winds, the higher the tide, the better. Access by boat.

Quarters
Gulhigaathuhuraa, uninhabited island attached to Palm Tree Island Resort. Eastern Reef of South Male’ Atoll: Really nice, fast little right-hander that picks up less swell than most other places.
Best in winds W to NW. Named after the resort workers’ quarters on the island.

Kate’s
Boduhuraa, Uninhabited Island near the Palm Tree Island Resort. Eastern Reef of South Male’ Atoll: Small short left. Best in winds NW to N.

Natives
Kandooma Resort, Eastern Reef of North Male’ Atoll

A short right, that needs a big swell. Best SW winds.

Riptides
Guraidhoo, Inhabited Island. Eastern Reef of South Male’ Atoll

Small reef in the middle of the channel on the southern side of the island; fast right-hander, one of the best waves in the area. The area is subject to strong currents. Best on W to SW winds. Access by boat.

Snorkelling

The water of the Maldives is pristine clear with excellent visibility. Snorkelling over the reefs of the islands is an ideal way to explore the splendid marine life. The house reefs of most of the islands are just a few meters away from the beach shoreline.
With clear water and excellent visibility one can simply walk up to the reef to enjoy its beauty and multicoloured fish it hosts. Snorkelling gear is available from all the resorts and all cruise boats. You may have to pay a charge for the gear. Most of the resorts organise regular guided snorkelling excursions to give visitors a chance to experience the diversity of marine life and reef structures in the Maldives.

Some snorkelling tips

1. Select a mask that fits comfortably.
2. Choose a pair of fins that fit your feet comfortably and a snorkel that fits easily in to your mouth.
3. Get advice on the best snorkelling spots and how to reach them from your resort.
4. Find out the potential problems such as waves, currents and difficult entries and exits.
5. Wear a t-shirt to protect yourself from the sun and a waterproof sunscreen on exposed areas of your skin such as the neck and the back of your knees.
6. It is always recommended to snorkel with a partner or not leave the site of the people or life guard.
7. Do not walk or step on the corals, to protect yourself from injury and the corals from damage.
8. And finally respect the marine environment and enjoy the experience.

Traditional fishing dhoni

Fishing is a popular pastime among locals Maldivians as well as visitors. In the Maldives visitors can enjoy a variety of different types of fishing. The most popular among locals and visitors are night fishing. In a night fishing trip the boat leaves the island and anchors at a reef before the sunsets and darkness sets in.

The lines are tethered with hooks and sinkers (weight) and dropped overboard from both sides of the dhoni. Traditionally Maldivians use small dhonis. Recreational fishing in resorts provide modernised version called yacht dhoni for night fishing. This is an exciting experience as night fishing will test your stamina and skills. Nigh fishing experience can also gives you an excellent opportunity to unwind under the night sky as the dhoni gently rocks with the waves.

Sports fishing enthusiasts prefer morning fishing or big game fishing which involves trolling, usually outer edge of the atoll along the reef. Fishing enthusiasts may prefer to bring their own equipment if they wish to experience the excitement during their stay in the Maldives.

Fishing of any kind is normally prohibited in the vicinity of the resort house reef. However, almost all the resorts islands organise night fishing trips at least once a week. Most of the resorts provide big game fishing or morning fishing, on request basis.

For dedicated fishing enthusiast the best way of exploring the Maldives fishing will be spending the holiday in an exclusive fishing charter or cruise boat. These cruise boats have the freedom to travel the best spots in the Maldives waters.

A cruise yacht

Cruise is the best way of appreciating the unique beauty of the Maldives, 99% of which is water.  A typical cruise holiday in the Maldives can offer several possibilities. You may choose between a diving safari and a relaxing cruise through the atolls, which lets you be in total harmony with nature as your boat winds its way through the multitude of islands.

Most of the vessels are equipped with modern diving equipments and staffed by qualified diving instructors. While some vessels offer standard accommodation and facilities, others offer luxury accommodation with all the modern amenities.

A cruise holiday makes it possible for you to sample many varied dive sites at different atolls and locations and present you with the chance to sample island life, visit virgin uninhabited islands and appreciate the unique beauty of different resort islands.

A resort in Maldives

In the Maldives, a visitor can find different types of accommodation to suit his or her needs. The resorts of the Maldives are located in self-contained islands and offer wide choice of rooms. Even though there is no official star rating given to the resorts, there are resorts providing facilities and services equivalent to levels ranging from two-star to five-star. There are 87 resorts for you to choose your dream island.

For a different experience, the Maldives offers the opportunity to spend your holidays in liveaboards. These vessels are specially designed to accommodate tourists on board and provide diving, cruising and other activities. The liveaboards vary in the size and facilities provided onboard. Some may have merely six beds while others can accommodate over hundred people. There are more than 100 vessels to choose from.

In the capital city of Malé, the only inhabited island permitted to accommodate tourists, there are hotels and guest houses catering to different tastes. Hotels provide bed and breakfast and usually have restaurants in which you can have your choice of delicacies. Other amenities of city hotels are also included. The guesthouses are more limited in the facilities provided. The facilities offered in the guesthouses also differ from place to place. Some provide only accommodation while few provide food. Some places have air conditioned rooms while others are fan cooled. It is wise to check the facilities of the place before checking in.