The best period for surfing in the Maldives is the Southern Hemisphere winter, which lasts from March ’til October. The peak of the swell being in August. During the North-East monsoon (from March ’til April), conditions are optimal in the “Southern Atolls“. From May to October, during the South-West monsoon, the best surfing area is in the “North Atoll Male” or the “Central atolls”.

This paradise is exposed to the same swells as Indonesia is, except that its higher latitude and its South-East exposure offers cooler and less hardcore surfing. The waves break on mostly dead reef, and very rarely will you come in contact with it unless you are surfing on a very low tide. So it makes an ideal destination for intermediate surfers.

An intermediate surfing level is recommended to enjoy the surf in the Maldives. If you want to surf the Southern Atolls, the waves can be quite powerful and therefore a good level is required.

The Maldives have in general more rights than lefts (60% – 40%) and the most consistent wind is off shore for the rights and cross shore for the lefts; it means that you probably will surf more rights than lefts. However it is possible to surf some incredible world class lefthanders.

The waves are all reef breaks; the average size is from 2 to 6 foot with long runs and some barrels sessions. The waves are crystal clear, the water is hot and you’re surfing in front of paradisiacal islands. The Maldives have dozens of world class waves.

A two board quiver is sufficient, with a short board and a semi-gun (6’8” to 7’2”) for bigger days.

No, the waves are close to each other from 15 to 30 minutes distance and there are at least 2 good surf spots in each corner. The distance between atolls is around 5 to 8 hours cruising depending on the weather.

If something happens, you will be brought to the nearest resort or local island as each one of them has its own doctor. If the case is serious, you will be brought to the main hospital in Male. Note that a first aid kit box is available on board the surf boat.