The atolls of the Maldives are some of the most enticing, wave-rich and pristine surf destinations in the world.
But with 26 atolls and 1,190 coral islands with countless reef breaks spread over 90,000 square kilometers of deep blue Indian Ocean, knowing where to go to maximise your surf vacation is notoriously tricky.
Fortunately, after multiple boat trips and years of research, we've cracked the code when it comes to the atolls of the Maldives.
So, which Maldives atolls have the best surf?
Here's our breakdown of the best atolls for anyone looking to book a Maldives boat trip. Check it out and don’t forget to peek at our ‘What to know before you go’ article too!
Malé Atolls (North Malé and South Malé)
- Where: Sandwiched between the Northern and Central Atolls. You'll fly into Malé International Airport. From there you can jump on a boat charter, to a resort or to one of the guest houses on Thulushdoo and Himmafushi islands.
- Best surf breaks: How much time have you got? There are so many epic surf breaks here. The downside is that, given their accessibility, they can get quite busy. The North Malé Atolls have more options, more swell and more crowds. The South Malé Atolls have less wave options, are quite a bit more fickle but you'll find less crowds too. Kandooma Right, Chickens, Sultans, and Cokes are probably the most famous waves of the bunch
- Who is it good for: Surfers who love big barrels and know how to navigate a crowded lineup. Also great for intermediate surfers looking to progress and challenge themselves
- When to go: June to August is the peak season, but you can score great waves in the shoulder months of May and September
Looking for an easy but exciting surf trip? Look no further than the Malé Atolls. There's heaps to do for surfers and non-surfers alike, from stunning coral reefs to abundant marine life. But the main drawcard is definitely the waves. With consistent swell and a variety of breaks to choose from, this is a great spot for advanced surfers seeking big tubes as well as intermediate surfers looking to up their skills at more technically challenging breaks.
Central Atolls (Meemu, Dhaalu, Thaa and Laamu)
- Where: Located in the central region of the Maldives, these atolls are a bit harder to access than their northern counterparts. You can fly into Malé International Airport and take a domestic flight or cruise down in a charter boat
- Best surf breaks: These atolls are home to some of the best righthanders in the world, including Mikado (inside and outside), Ying Yang, Malik's and more. Long walls perfect to practice your turns. Less crowds. Decent tubes
- Who is it good for: Intermediate to advanced surfers who love righthanders and want to avoid crowds. Also great for those looking for a more adventurous surf trip
- When to go: Peak season sees consistent waves, but it also sees stormier conditions and more boats. Early season (mid-March to May) and late season (September-October) sees less swell but better winds (especially in the early season) and less crowds. You'll often have the lineup with just your boat in the water
The Central Atolls are accessible to the intermediate surfer, and there's even a few beginner-friendly spots if you know where to look. Our favourite aspect of these Maldive atolls for surfers? Not as many people venture down here, which means more waves for you and your mates to enjoy. When we go by charter boat, we often stop to score some of our favorite waves in South Malé like Riptides before the 6-hour-long crossing. Check out our Central Atolls surf trips.
Southern Atolls (Huvadhoo, Seenu and Addu)
- Where: As the name suggests, these atolls are located in the southern region of the Maldives. Your best bet here is to fly into Malé, take a 55-minute domestic flight south and hop on a charter to explore these outer atolls. Huvadhoo is the most consistent and has the most spots out of the Southern Atolls
- Best surf breaks: These isolated reefs are fun and thrilling breaks... and they're all located within a short boat ride. Blue Bowls, Beacons, Castaways and Tiger Stripes are worth noting
- Who is it good for: The southern atolls are more powerful than the central atolls which makes them suited to more advanced surfers familiar with reef break waves
- When to go: Anytime during the early season (mid-March to May) and late season (September-October) as they can get quite wind affected during the main summer swell season
The Southern Atolls offer a raw and rugged surfing experience. If your dream surf trip is jumping off the boat and paddling towards an uncrowded lineup, this is the atoll for you. Here you’ll find some of the most powerful breaks in all the Maldives, and the waves are just as consistent as other areas of the Maldives (although wind can be a factor). The big upside is that you can literally surf all day with only your close friends and surf buddies in the lineup.
Final thoughts
From the Malé and Central atolls to the southernmost atoll, the Maldives offers a diverse range of surf spots for all levels and preferences.
If we've said it once, we've said it a thousands times... for surfers seeking reef break waves, their first tube or tropical waves with no crowds, the atolls of Maldives are unbeatable.
Do yourself a favour and book your ticket. It's no exaggeration to say that you're likely to ride the best waves of your life here.
