The best surfing Maldives resorts you MUST visit
There’s nowhere better to surf than the Maldives, with the most with its crystal clear waters, luscious beach surfing Maldives resorts and perfect waves in the Indian ocean. Here are the best surfing Maldives resorts you MUST visit in 2024! It is the ultimate surf destination, and, of course, comes with excellent bragging rights too.
It’s suitable for everyone, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate surfer or one of the more advanced surfers; there’s loads of options available no matter your skill level. Whether you’re looking for a luxury surf camp, or your no frills surfing Maldives resorts, then don’t fret, because there’s something for everyone! There’s the infamous surf spots like Tiger Stripes surfing point, Maldives. In this article we’ll cover the best surfing Maldives resorts and surf camps, places to catch the best waves and where you can learn a little more from some surf guides from some of the best surfing Maldives resorts.
This blog post may contain affiliate links.
You might be interested in my other blog posts on the Maldives:
Quick links
| Here’s everything I use when I travel abroad: Tours – Compare tour prices on Viator and Get Your Guide Hotels – I always use Booking as the more hotels I book, I get a higher Genius discount. I also compare prices on Expedia. E-Sims – purchase an e-sim with Airalo on your phone so you can make calls and have mobile data abroad! There’s no need to remove your current sim card! Travel insurance – don’t ever go on vacation without travel insurance, you never know when you might need it! Travel essentials – have a look at a full list of travel essentials that I use, including the best power bank! |
The best surfing Maldives resorts
Is it worth booking onto a surfing Maldives resorts camp?
The simple answer is yes! Surfing in the Maldives is a dream come true for surf heads. This is the ultimate tropical paradise that has some of the best surfing points in the world and of course, it attracts surfers from all of the far reaching corners on planet Earth. Why is a Maldives surf trip a stand out for ridiculously epic surfing you might ask? Well, there’s a lot of reasons!
World class waves
There are certain islands and atolls that are well known in the Maldives for their perfect waves that are suitable to surfers of all abilities, from beginners to advanced surfers. The waves tend to be found on the eastern and southern sides of the atolls due to the winds and currents around the Maldives.
The infamous atolls of the Maldives
The Maldives has a total of 26 atolls, each (not sure what an atoll is? have a look below) which has its own surf breaks. The way the atoll is laid out means that each islands have a wide variety of waves; so if you’re looking for something super challenging, or just some gentle beginner waves (like me, when I started!), then the Maldives is a good shout.
World class Surfing Maldives resorts
Many surfing Maldives resorts offer surfing packages and access to some of the most epic surf spots on the planet, and they often come with unique extras, like luxury massages after a long day of hitting the surf. If you’re after a luxury resort with one of the famous water villas, mid range surfing Maldives resorts or a no frills beach hut, there’s something that’s suitable for everyone!
Surf Charters
Did you know? They actually have surf charters that can take you on boat trips and excursions to explore some of the more remote and uncrowded spots. If this is something you’re interested in, it’s best to book in with your resort for a boat trip to a secluded spot!
Popularity
The popularity of surfing in the Maldives has grown over the years, meaning that the social vibe is here! Especially during the peak surfing season. But if you prefer the quieter places where you can get on with it and surf, there are lots of hidden gems where you can enjoy the adventure sports!
Accessibility
The Maldives is remote enough to not be too popular and overcrowded, but also well-connected to major international airports around Africa, the Middle East and Asia, making it relatively easy for you to reach the islands and your surfing Maldives resorts. Once you hit Male International Airport, the resorts/hotels usually will organise your transfer to the islands for you so it’s fairly hassle free. You can often reach islands by speedboat transfer, internal domestic flight or by sea plane.
Diverse marine life
When you’ve had enough of surfing on top of the waves, consider dropping beneath them for some scuba diving. I actually got my scuba diving license here and I did not regret it; I saw the biggest sting ray, measuring in at over 2.5 meters; it’s well worth a dive. If you don’t fancy diving, then it might be worth doing a snorkel tour or two. They have excellent colourful reefs, exotic parrot fish, sting rays, eagle rays, manta rays, dolphins, turtles and more!
Eco-consciousness
As surfing and tourism brings more visitors to the islands, it seems to have had a positive effect, which is not often associated with tourism! There is a growing spotlight on sustainable practices to protect the delicate marine life and the ecosystem, which can only be a good thing; the Maldives is one of the world’s most stunning places, and it’s clear that it needs to be protected.
What is an atoll?
If you’re wondering what an atoll is, like when I first visited the maldives, it’s usually a ring formation of shallow coral reef, islands, or series of islets. It is defined by the below attributes:
- Doughnut shape: Atolls generally have a distinctive circular or ring-like shape, and is recognised mostly by their “doughnut” shape.
- Coral Reefs: Atolls are usually great for teeming coral reefs, fish and other marine life; The coral reef forms a continuous ring around the central lagoon, and it acts almost as a ‘wave break’, protecting the islands and location from the open sea.
- Volcanic history: Atolls are usually formed from historic volcanoes that have eroded over time. As some of the shallows are found under the water, the coral reefs grow upward, forming the atoll.
- Biodiversity: Atolls are home to a diverse range of marine life, and it is essential for a thriving, vibrant and active marine life, which is why they are so scrupulously protected by the ‘green tax’ in the Maldives; and rightly so!
When is the best time of year to go surfing in the Maldives?
When is surf season, you might ask? The best time for surfing in the Maldives is generally from April to October, also known as the southwest monsoon season as it tends to have the right conditions for consistent swells and the most consistent waves. The waves are generally bigger and more powerful, but the weather is a little more rainy and cloudy. Don’t let that put you off though; it often rained for only 2 hours a day when I went in October, meaning there was still plenty of sunshine and daylight hours when we were there.
Why I always book through Booking.com
Have you heard of Booking’s genius programme? They have a Genius rewards programme, meaning you get access to exclusive discounts and the best rate when booking hotel stays. I am now on a Genius level 3, meaning I get the highest available discount when I book through my account.
Where are the best surf camps and surf resorts in the Maldives?
There are plenty of surf tours and surf holidays for you to pick from, you’ll be spoiled for choice! I’ve hand picked the best location to ensure you have an incredible surf holiday, whether you’re hoping for beachfront villas, over water villas or a no frills surf camp.
Luxury surf resorts in the Maldives
The best surfing Maldives resorts are right here, look no further for the ultimate, epic surf trip.
Kuda Villingili Maldives – Premium Luxury Resort, North Male Atoll
Hotel class: 5 star hotel
Price range: Luxury, premium
Estimated price: Prices for upcoming dates start at $1870 per night, and they price match.
If you’re seeking the epitome of luxury in a Maldives surf resort, Kuda Villingili Resort is the perfect choice, complete with indulgence, incredible experiences, and, of course, fantastic surf with some of the biggest swells around! This is one of the best places where you can visit the infamous Cokes Surf Camp!
Kuda Villingili is ideally situated amidst the finest surf breaks the Maldives has to offer. Located on Kuda Villingili Island, the resort’s home break is called Chickens surf break, boasts one of the country’s longest and as it turns out, is one of the most enjoyable left-handers.
Chickens surf break caters to surfers of all skill levels; beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers. Chickens has extra long, carveable walls and even some thrilling cover-up sections on larger swells. The area features two other premium surf breaks: Cokes surf break and Sultans surf break.
Cokes surf break is located just across the channel with a quick 3-minute boat transfer, is pretty famous as one of the most famous surf spots in the Maldives, offering rapid, reeling, right hander tubes.
Sultans which is just a tiny bit further along (about a 10-minute boat ride away), is another epic place for fast, hollow right-hander, and just a short paddle up the reef from the left of Honkys surf break.
Six Senses Laamu Atoll
Hotel class: 5 star hotel
Price range: Luxury / mid range / budget
Price range: Prices for upcoming dates start at $649 per night, and they price match.
Surf the infamous yin yang at this sustainable luxury 5 star surfing Maldives resorts that comes in with a travel sustainable level 2, meaning it’s good for the soul and good for the ecosystem too!
This is a popular choice because of their luxury, idyllic setting; perfect waves, white sandy beaches, excellent outdoor swimming pools and outdoor BBQs where you can fill up after a long day of hitting the surf!
Como Maalifushi, Thaa Atoll, Maldives
nHotel class: 5 star hotel
Price range: Luxury
Price range: Prices for upcoming dates start at $910 per night, and they price match.
Current deal on Booking.com: Partner travels FREE for 7 nights or more (Buy one get one free offer!)
This resort also has some of the most beautiful private pools and outdoor pools you could wish for, meaning you can relax after long day of hitting the surf. Book onto their Tropic surf’s world renowned coaching system, suitable for surfers of all ages. It’s also worth snorkelling around their house reef or booking onto one of their whale shark tours! You’re guaranteed to have an epic time! It also is a sustainable luxury 5 star surfing Maldives resorts that comes in with a travel sustainable level 2, meaning you are doing good things for the environment.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, North Male Atoll, Maldives
Hotel class: 4 star hotel
Price range: Luxury
Estimated price: Prices for upcoming dates start at $261 per night, and they price match.
Some of the luxury surf camps have exclusive access to world class waves on their beaches, which is why you should consider booking with Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives.
You can book onto their ‘Atoll Adventures surfing holiday’ at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, and you’ll find some of the most perfect waves in the Maldives here. This ‘wave machine’ is regarded as the best in the North Malé Atoll and has been an internationally regodnised surf destination since 1992. It is well known for high quality left hander waves that run down Pasta Point reef next to this resort in the Maldives.
Peak season is March to October when swells can reach up to four to eight feet. Check it out to compare prices for your Atoll Adventures Pasta Point surfing experience at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives.
Also, they offer, so try to request it when you book
- Complimentary meal upgrades
- Complimentary room upgrades
- Complimentary dolphin-watching excursion
They ask that you contact them in advance of surfing, surf transfers and surf accommodation.
Adaaran Select Huduran Fushi, North Male Atoll, Maldives
Hotel class: 4 star hotel
Price range: Luxury, premium all inclusive
Estimated price: Prices for upcoming dates start at $205 per night, and they price match.
This Hudhuranfushi Surf Resort is no longer an exclusive surfing Maldives resorts; you must book surf activities through Surf Travel Operators. Their house reef is also banging and absolutely worth a snorkel or scuba dive, if you can! The pristine white sandy beaches are also something else! It is also a travel sustainable level 2 property, so you can relax knowing it is eco friendly!
What’s not to love? Check it out
Anantara Veli, South Male Atoll, Maldives
Hotel class: 4 star hotel
Price range: Luxury, premium all inclusive
Estimated price: Prices for upcoming dates start at $1600 per night, and they price match.
If you’re looking for easy access to the most perfect waves in the Maldives, check out Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort on the South Male Atoll. Here you’ll have direct access to some of the best white sandy beaches on the planet, and of course, some of the best waves in the country. It has a fairly big swell, the most consistent waves and is the ultimate luxury surf trip you could hope for. They have world-class diving, freediving and a bunch of adventure water sports.
Niyama Private Islands, Dhaalu Atoll
Hotel class: 5 star hotel
Price range: Luxury, premium all inclusive
Estimated price: Prices for upcoming dates start at $1600 per night, and they price match.
Travel sustainable level: 3
This is quite possibly the world’s most luxurious and private surfing Maldives resorts and camps. This comes packed with the most private and exclusive white sandy beaches, stunning over water villas, complete with your own private butler who you can WhatsApp direct for any requests you might have. The exclusive surf break on the island is known as Vodi, it’s great for left handers.
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
Hotel class: 5 star hotel
Price range: Luxury, premium all inclusive
Estimated price: Prices for upcoming dates start at $1094 per night, and they price match.
The Four Seasons Kuda Huraa is one of the best surf resorts in The Maldives because it offers for year-round sun, surfing and diving and it’s only a short distance from Male in the Central atolls. If you’re looking for a then look no further, it comes with excellent surf guides and some of the best waves. This is a great place if you’re looking for some of the biggest swells.
Gili Lankanfushi North Male Atoll, Maldives
Hotel class: 5 star hotel
Price range: Luxury, premium all inclusive
Estimated price: Prices for upcoming dates start at $1254 per night, and they price match.
This is one of the best surfing Maldives resorts, you can’t go wrong if you book here!
This is one of the best resorts in the Maldives for a dream surf trip. Experience the thrill of surfing and riding the waves at some of the most exceptional surf breaks in the Maldives, which are only a five-minute ride from Gili Lankanfushi Maldives. You’ll be guaranteed to have the best experience; long rides, perfect waves, beach villas… what more could you want? And better than that, it’s only 20 minutes from Male airport!
Ayada Maldives, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll
This isn’t strictly a surf island, but it is very close to the infamous Blue Bowls Maldives, an excellent surf spot; it’s only a 10km boat ride (very short boat ride away), so you can book tours to Vaadhu island, just make sure to message the hotel in advance to check they can schedule you in. Ayada surfing Maldives resorts is an excellent, 5 star resort with idyllic pristine beaches and is located on the South Male atoll.
Hotel class: 5 star hotel
Price range: Luxury
Price range: Prices for upcoming dates start at $550 per night, and they price match.
Mid Range & Budget Surf Camps
If you’re looking for a Mid Range or budget surf camp or surfing Maldives resorts, then there’s plenty to choose from if you visit Thulusdhoo island. This is one of my top picks for a surf and beach retreat in the Maldives and you are sure to have the trip of a lifetime!
If you’re on a budget and looking at Maldives islands you might be interested in my other blog posts:
Thulusdhoo island, Kaafu Atoll
Thulusdhoo island is just a short boat ride away from Male airport, meaning you’ll be at your destination fairly quickly without too many transfers. Thulusdhoo comes with many budget options, and is a firm favourite of mine, thanks to the incredible white sandy beaches and cerrulean blue waters!
How long is the ferry from Male to Thulusdhoo?
It takes 2-2.5 h and the distance between Malé and Thulusdhoo is 27 km.
Compare prices for all hotels on Thulusdhoo island below:
Here are the top hotels that are associated with epic surf camps on Thulusdhoo island, and the prices range from $64-102.
Left hander surf in the Maldives
Best left-handers
Which left-hander holds the title of the finest in the Maldives? Lohis Left stands out as the winner in the North Malé Atolls. As a smooth and peeling wave breaking right off Hudhuranfushi surfing Maldives resorts, it has gained a reputation for being one of the most dependable and steady waves in the entire Maldives.
Right hander surf in the Maldives
Muli Outside, also known as Mushrooms, tends to catch more swell and is favourable in south westerly winds. It presents itself as a right-hander with long walls and a smooth exit too. Coke’s surf break, a renowned wave, boasts world-class right-hand barrel action and ranks among the finest surfing Maldives resorts in the Maldives. Situated on the North Male Atoll, this wave is both hollow and shallow, requiring a sharp take-off and rewarding surfers with exhilarating barrels. Found adjacent to Chickens and near Thulusdhoo Island, the best time to relish its delights is from April to October.
Weather in the Maldives
The Maldives is great all year round (I would know), I’ve been during high and low season.
Surfing is best in the Maldives during low season (May-October) due to the consistent swells, waves and surf breaks. The weather will possibly be a bit rainier, but you’ll find excellent surfing conditions; the rains often don’t last too long.
Maldives Weather in January:
- Average Temperature: 27°C (81°F)
- Average number of Rainy Days: 5 days
- Sunlight Hours: 9 hours
- Sunrise time: Around 6:15 AM
- Sunset time: Around 6:15 PM
Maldives Weather in February:
- Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F)
- Average number of Rainy Days: 3 days
- Sunlight Hours: 10 hours
- Sunrise time: Around 6:15 AM
- Sunset time: Around 6:30 PM
Maldives Weather in March:
- Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F)
- Average number of Rainy Days: 5 days
- Sunlight Hours: 9 hours
- Sunrise time: Around 6:00 AM
- Sunset time: Around 6:30 PM
Maldives Weather in April:
- Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F)
- Average number of Rainy Days: 9 days
- Sunlight Hours: 9 hours
- Sunrise time: Around 6:00 AM
- Sunset time: Around 6:30 PM
Maldives Weather in May:
- Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F)
- Average number of Rainy Days: 15 days
- Sunlight Hours: 8 hours
- Sunrise time: Around 5:45 AM
- Sunset time: Around 6:15 PM
Maldives Weather in June:
- Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F)
- Average number of Rainy Days: 15 days
- Sunlight Hours: 7 hours
- Sunrise time: Around 5:45 AM
- Sunset time: Around 6:15 PM
Maldives Weather in July:
- Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F)
- Average number of Rainy Days: 15 days
- Sunlight Hours: 7 hours
- Sunrise time: Around 5:45 AM
- Sunset time: Around 6:15 PM
Maldives Weather in August:
- Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F)
- Average number of Rainy Days: 15 days
- Sunlight Hours: 7 hours
- Sunrise time: Around 5:45 AM
- Sunset time: Around 6:15 PM
Maldives Weather in September:
- Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F)
- Average number of Rainy Days: 15 days
- Sunlight Hours: 7 hours
- Sunrise time: Around 5:45 AM
- Sunset time: Around 6:00 PM
Maldives Weather in October:
- Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F)
- Average number of Rainy Days: 15 days
- Sunlight Hours: 8 hours
- Sunrise time: Around 5:45 AM
- Sunset time: Around 5:45 PM
Maldives Weather in November:
- Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F)
- Average number of Rainy Days: 10 days
- Sunlight Hours: 8 hours
- Sunrise time: Around 5:45 AM
- Sunset time: Around 5:45 PM
Maldives Weather in December:
- Average Temperature: 27°C (81°F)
- Average number of Rainy Days: 8 days
- Sunlight Hours: 8 hours
- Sunrise time: Around 6:00 AM
- Sunset time: Around 6:00 PM
That’s it! I hope you found this useful and know where to find the best surfing Maldives resorts! 🙂
If I’ve missed any epic surfing spots, let me know?
Travel resources for your trip that are actually really handy!
Here’s everything I use when I travel abroad, I strongly advise you to have travel insurance, and the other recommendations are also super handy!
- Travel insurance – don’t ever go on vacation without travel insurance, you never know when you might need it!
- Tours – Compare tour prices on Viator and Get Your Guide
- Hotels – I always use Booking as the more hotels I book, I get a higher Genius discount. I also compare prices on Expedia.
- Airport transfers – I book through Viator or Kiwi Taxi.
- E-Sims – purchase an e-sim with Airalo on your phone so you can make calls and have mobile data abroad! There’s no need to remove your current sim card!
- Car rental – if you’re booking a car, I compare prices on Discover Cars.
- Travel essentials – have a look at a full list of travel essentials that I use, including the best powerbank!
You might be interested in my other blog posts on the Maldives:
Full disclosure! Some of the links here are affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission from every booking made. This is at no extra cost to you. It helps keep me writing and sharing my travel guides free of charge to you 🙂 Thank you for your support! Read our affiliate disclaimer here.
