The Maldives’ archipelago is comprised of 1,200 islands scattered across the middle of the Indian Ocean. The omelette-like tiny islands are surrounded by sea, with tropical weather and excellent ocean swell – irrefutably a surfers’ paradise. Arranged in a vertical line, there are 26 natural atolls; each region has its own unique characteristics and offer different experiences.

On June 19, the world celebrated International Surf Day. We saw surfers across the globe pick up their boards or doing their ‘shaka’ sign. Despite the persisting Covid-19 pandemic, people shared their best surf memories through nostalgic photos or videos at ‘Raalhugandu’ surf point in Male’.

The surf culture in the Maldives dates back to prehistoric times. Stories about our forefathers surfing the waves with wooden planks were gleefully recalled by our grandparents. Modern surfing as we know it, began in the 70s and 80s when we got hold of fibreglass surfboards and proper equipment. The man largely credited for this is the late Tony ‘Honky’ Hussain Hinde. After getting shipwrecked in the Maldives in late 1973, Tony explored the islands, eventually settled in Himmafushi island and during that time encouraged the first generation of Maldivian surfers.

Almost two decades later, in mid-90s, the country’s first female surfer, Navaal Ahmed, cruised the waves. She was just 15 years old when her elder brother and surfer Hamid took her out to Male’ surf point, ‘Raalhugandu’. Navaal, was the only female bodyboarder yet the surf community pooled in to help her by lending her boards, even her first rash guard. She was a fearless rider, even taking waves considered dangerous by senior surfers. Although she does not surf anymore due to family and work commitments, Navaal had inspired a new group of Maldivian female surfers.

There is no shortage of ocean swells in the country and each region reveals a different experience in terms of swell size, consistency, currents, crowds and the distances. The southern group of atolls, mainly Huvadhoo and Addu atoll, offer pristine waves. Most of them are located on the southern rim of the atoll: Beacons, Tiger Stripes, Castaways, Blue Bowls, Airports, Five Islands, Two Ways, Love Charms and Antiques are some of the prominent surf points. There is a great chance in catching a wave somewhere as the region captures both South West and South East swells. The best season to travel to the South Eastern region is early March-April and later October-November.

The central atolls are easily accessible compared to far away Northern and Southern atolls. This region comprises of Vaavu, Faafu, Meemu, Dhaalu, Thaa and Laamu atoll. Known to have more surf breaks central atolls are well exposed to West swell, they are known for their long, regular barrels and offers a peaceful less-crowded surfing experience. There are around fifteen major surf spots: Hocus Pocus, Muli, Vodi, Kasabu, Bowling Alley and Yin Yang to mention a few.

One of the most prominent surfing regions in the country, North Male’ atoll boasts long and perfect swells. The best waves in these areas starts around April / May and continues to peak between June to September. There are ten major surf spots some of the famous ones are called; Chickens, Cokes, Sultans, Honkeys, Jailbreaks, Pasta Point and Lhohis. It is believed that Tony Hussain Hinde was the one behind the western names. The surf breaks in this region are considered easily accessible since Velana International Airport is located in North Male’ atoll. The first tourist resorts were also built in the same atoll; hence these breaks have been surfed by tourists since the early days of tourism in the Maldives.

Commercial surf tourism, as we see it today, began in 1991 when Tony Hussain Hinde established Tari Village resort Kanuoiy Huraa island and started Atoll Adventures, the first land based surf tour operation in the country.

The resort has now transformed to Cinnamon Dhonveli and still flaunts its world class waves, Sultans, Honkeys and Pasta Point. The breaks are close to each other and consistent.

Located in North Male’ atoll, just a 30-minute boat ride from Velana International Airport is Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi resort. One of the best surf resorts in the Maldives that is recognised for the most consistent breaks and offers a peaceful island escape with lush tropical vegetation and pristine white beaches that leads to a turquoise lagoon.

Ayada resort in Gaafu Dhaal atoll offers a luxury experience with access to world class surf breaks just 30 minutes from each other. The resort itself runs a professional surf program with experienced surf guides and instructors. Soneva, a world-leading eco-friendly resort operator, also runs a surf programme in Maldives. Dubbed the first sustainable surf programme in the world, discover secret surf breaks in the Noonu Atoll accompanied by professional surf instructor and guides, and using fully sustainable equipment.

In 2009 after changes in regulations by the government of the Maldives, tourists were allowed to stay on local islands, prior to that it was exclusive to resorts. This opened new employment opportunities for locals. Thulusdhoo island in North Male’ atoll prospered as a popular surf island. With a number of guesthouses, inns, cafes and new batch of surf guides and instructors; tourists can get an authentic experience of the local way of life.

The Maldives reopened to international visitors in July 2020, with travellers being offered free 30-day tourist visas upon arrival. Many airlines have now resumed flights to Male, offering connections to and from destinations such as Doha, Dubai, Colombo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mumbai, Istanbul, London, Zurich and Frankfurt. To book your holiday in paradise, please visit www.perfectvoyage.travel, email [email protected], or contact us on our hotline +960 7770802 directly or on WhatsApp.