Surfing in the Maldives is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
With over 1,190 islands scattered across the warm Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a surfer’s paradise no matter what type of board you ride.
Think perfect waves, tropical backdrops and reef setups that fire on all cylinders during the surf seasons.
Whether you’re an intermediate dreaming of more mellow waves or a seasoned charger chasing the biggest swells and tubes, a Maldives surf trip offers the kind of world class waves and experiences that keep surfers coming back again and again.
Here's our breakdown of surfing the Maldives in under 7 minutes.
No fluff. All stoke.
Check out this article and remember to watch our Maldives surf movie below.
Why surf the Maldives?
Surfing Maldives waves means warm water, consistent swell and easy access to a wide range of surf breaks spread across the atolls.
From the short but intense barrels of Cokes to the speedy walls at Tiger Stripes, there’s an incredible variety of waves for intermediate and advanced surfers.
The Maldives also blends luxury with adventure.
Whether you’re checking into a Maldives surf resort, staying in local surf camps or cruising between atolls on a surf charter, you’re always within a short walk, paddle or boat ride of nearby surf breaks and some of the best waves in the world.
With palm trees, turquoise lagoons and minimal crowds outside of the North Malé hotspots, this truly is a tropical paradise for full-blown surf nerds and budding wave riders.
We love it so much we even made a Maldives surf film about our autumn boat trip!
When is the Maldives surf season?
The main Maldives surf season runs from May to September, driven by reliable SE swells and prevailing N wind conditions.
This is when the reef breaks across the atolls light up with long-period groundswells and clean offshore mornings.
Personally, we're big fans of the shoulder seasons. They're perfect for intermediates with less abundant big swells (and weather) and shoulder to head-high waves on tap.waist to shoulder-sized waves on tap.
Shoulder season (October – November and April – May)
- Ideal for intermediate surfers
- Medium-sized, super fun waves
- Fewer crowds and cleaner weather windows
Peak season (June – September)
- Best for more experienced surfers and pros
- Delivers the largest swells that trigger more powerful surf breaks
- Many of the Maldives's most exclusive wave spots turn on
Low-season (December – March)
- Influenced by the northeast monsoon
- Smaller and less consistent but still offers beginner waves at sheltered spots
- Great time for cruisy surf boat trips and funboard/longboard sessions
Maldives surf regions
We’ve already done a detailed breakdown on the different Maldives atolls. For a quick overview please see below.
North and South Malé Atolls
The Malé Atolls are the most accessible region, just a short boat ride from Velana International Airport. They’re home to some of the most famous surf spots and most quality waves in the country. They're perfect for quick strike missions or family surf holidays.
Top surf spots in North Malé
- Chickens: Long, fast lefts on Thulusdhoo Island
- Cokes: Hollow, powerful right over shallow reef. One of the Maldives’s most challenging surf breaks
- Lohis: A mechanically perfect left that’s an exclusive wave for guests at one of the top Maldives surf resorts
- Sultans: Consistent, playful right with multiple sections and a forgiving inside
Top surf spots in South Malé
- Kandooma Right: World-class right-hander, perfect for high-performance surfing
- Riptides: Fast and playful righthander in the middle of a deep channel near Guraidhoo Island
Why surf the Malé Atolls?
- Central to Maldives surf travel landing spots with easy access to many surf breaks
- A mix of surf resorts, surf camps and charter boat options
- Ideal for both intermediate and advanced surfers (not ideal for those seeking their first wave, btw)
- Many waves work on large swells and offer equal quality to more remote zones
Central Atolls (Meemu, Dhaalu, Thaa, Laamu)
The Central Atolls are less crowded than the North Male and South Male atolls and offer an excellent blend of performance waves and mellow peelers.
These atolls are best explored by surf charter boats/liveaboards, making them ideal for surfers who want adventure without sacrificing comfort.
Top surf spots in the Central Atolls
- Yin Yang: The jewel of Laamu, a powerful right-hander with a mellow takeoff and hollow inside
- Mikado: A quality right-hander that gets punchy with size
- Finnimas: A fast, high-performance left for confident shortboarders
- Muli (F1 and Mushrooms): Muli features two fun righthanders, Mushrooms and F1. Mushrooms (outside break) has a beach break feel while F1 (inside break) delivers everything from mellow longboard waves to barrels
Why surf the Central Atolls?
- Great for surfers seeking less crowded surf breaks and clean reef setups
- More relaxed than the busier Malé Atolls but still offers world class conditions
- Good mix of waves... great for intermediate surfers seeking faster progression
- Can be accessed via surf charter/boat tours or resorts/camps
- Delivers a feeling of exploration and remoteness with incredible waves and minimal traffic
Southern Atolls (Huvadhoo, Seenu, Addu)
The Southern Atolls are the most remote and least crowded surf zones in the Maldives.
With the widest swell window from SW to SE, they offer the most consistent and powerful surf in the country. Accessible only via domestic flight and boat charters, this region is all about chasing epic waves off the grid.
Top surf spots in the Southern Atolls
- Beacons: A heavy, barreling right similar to Indonesian reef breaks
- Tiger Stripes: A long, fast, down-the-line left
- Blue Bowls: Super rippable right with fun walls and a forgiving takeoff
- Love Charms: Smooth, playful lefts
Why surf the Southern Atolls?
- Delivers some of the best waves in the Maldives, especially for upper intermediate and advanced surfers
- Very few crowds... often just your surf boat trip crew
- Great wave variety packed into small zones
- Best way to explore is by private surf charter
- Best for advanced intermediates in the shoulder season, this zone gets great swell from multiple angles but strong winds make it less ideal during peak season
Surf camps, resorts or surf charters?
Surf resorts like Cinnamon Dhonveli (home to Pasta Point), Lohis and Kandooma offer luxurious accommodation with private wave access, premium food and proximity to world class reef breaks.
The only downside being that you'll be sharing the lineup with everyone else staying at the resort... plus a few more.
Surf camps and guesthouses on local islands like Thulusdhoo Island offer a more budget-friendly, authentic experience near some of the best waves in the North Malé region.
Surf boats and boat charters are the most adventurous way to surf the Maldives. On a surf charter, you chase the best conditions daily, exploring remote surf spots across the Central and Southern Atolls.
It’s the ultimate way to find incredible waves with just your crew in the lineup.
What to pack for your Maldives surf trip
- 2–3 boards
- Surf essentials (wax, spare leashes, fins, fin keys)
- Reef booties for shallower, low-tide waves
- Reef-safe sunscreen and zinc
- Rash guard, surf hat, breathable clothing
- Camera, Drone, GoPro or waterproof disposable
- Small personal first aid kit
- Dry bag for boat trips and dinghy runs
Travel tips
- Fly into Velana International Airport in Malé
- Use a domestic flight, speedboat or charter boat to reach the more remote central or southern atolls
- USD is accepted widely but bring Maldivian Rufiyaa for local islands
- Buy a local SIM or rely on Wi-Fi in resorts and boats
- Alcohol is only available at Maldives surf resorts and some charter boats
- Respect local customs and dress modestly on non-resort islands
- Check out our Maldives surf trip planning guide before you go
Final thoughts
Generally speaking, the Maldives is one of the most iconic and rewarding surf destinations in the world. After countless trips to this tropical paradise, we can confidently say it’s a dream come true for surfers.
Many of our guests share that 10 days of surfing here feels like months of progress back home. The reason?
Consistent, perfect waves, uncrowded lineups, and a supportive crew in the water. You'll spend hours each day in the ocean, building confidence, refining movements, and pushing your limits.
Our trips include expert local guides with deep knowledge of the Maldives, ensuring we find the best waves for your skill level every day.
Note: These trips don’t include surf lessons, so you’ll need to be at least an intermediate-level surfer.
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