Alpha Maldives Blog

The Maldives, which are more formally known as the Republic of Maldives, are a collection of islands in the Indian Ocean southwest of Sri Lanka and India. In the 1970s, two Australian surfers, Mark Scanlon and Tony Hussein Hinde were shipwrecked on one of the islands. While they repaired their boat, they investigated the Maldives’ potential as a surfers’ destination, and they liked what they saw. In 1989, Hinde began a tour company, Atoll Adventures, bringing surfers and others to the Maldives. Also known as Atoll Travel, Atoll Adventures has the distinction of being the oldest touring company for surfers in the Maldives.

Surfing season in the Maldives runs from mid-February to November. The early part of the season has the calmest weather, while June, July, and August produce the most storms. Those three months also have the biggest swells.

Although the water is warm enough to make swimming with a wetsuit unnecessary, doing so is still recommended, for the suit will protect the wearer from both sun and coral. There is a lot of coral around the Maldives, so surfers should also wear booties and a helmet. Since the Maldives are in the tropics, surfers should take the usual precautions in terms of sunscreen and water.

The Six Senses Laamu Resort is the only one in the Laamu Atoll, and hosts one of the most southern waterspot centers in the Maldives. A wide range of activities are offered, which will surely suit everyone’s tastes and experience levels. Keen surfers will truly be in paradise at the Six Sense Laamu; the most famous wave in the atoll, the Ying Yang, breaks off just offshore on the outer reef of the local island Hithadhoo, and daily trips are provided to this location for surfing enthusiasts.

The Four Seasons at Kuda Huraa is another resort, which is ideal for surfing. Experienced surfers will enjoy riding the waves on Kuda Huraa’s pristine shores and surrounding world-class breaks. Don’t fret if you’re not so experienced, or you have never surfed before! You can still join in the surfing fun as the Four Seasons host Surf School, run by professionals from Tropicsurf of Noosa, Australia. They offer courses for guests aged six and older. The best waves occur all year round for beginners and from April to October for experienced surfers.

Although the water is warm enough to make swimming with a wetsuit unnecessary, doing so is still recommended, for the suit will protect the wearer from both sun and coral. There is a lot of coral around the Maldives, so surfers should also wear booties and a helmet. Since the Maldives are in the tropics, surfers should take the usual precautions in terms of sunscreen and water.

The North Male’ Atoll has the most popular and best-known breaks, and it also has the most resorts. Among them are the Chaaya Island Dhonveli which can accommodate up to 250 guests. It boasts such amenities as a spa, three bars, several restaurants, a certified diving school, and Wi-Fi Internet access. It offers its guests exclusive access to the Pasta Point break which is one of the most consistent of the breaks on the island.

The Hudhuranfushi Island Surf Resort is also on the North Male’ Atoll, and it accommodates 45 guests. There are three bars, two restaurants and a spa on the premises. The Hudhuranfushi Island Surf Resort also has a dive centre with access to 40 dive points. It offers access to the Lohis break which as an excellent reputation. There are six or seven other breaks on the North Male’ Atoll.

Surfers who want to spend all of their time on the water may rent charter boats, and some of these can be quite luxurious. Passengers should bring all of their own gear, for the boats don’t provide it. Boat tours have the advantage of dodging the crowds at the resorts on the North Male’ Atoll, and some tours visit the Central Atolls and Outer Atolls which get far fewer people. Outer Atoll breaks can only be accessed by boat. Huvadhoo Atoll, one of the islands of the Outer Atolls, boasts at least a dozen named breaks.