There are principally 2 major surfing areas in the Maldives: The North Male Atoll (season: April-October)
Outer Atolls (season: Feb-Apr)
The North Male Atoll contains the more well-known breaks such as Lohis, Cokes, Chickens, Sultans, Jailbreaks, Honkys and Ninjas. These breaks offer a mix of rights and lefts for both the recreational and the high performance surfer, averaging 3-8ft and featuring some long point breaks as well as some hollower reefs. The North Male breaks can be accessed from the Hudhuranfushi Island Resort (formerly Lohifushi), which lies within 30 minutes by dhoni boat from the principal waves, or by Surf Charter boat.
The Hudhuranfushi Island Resort An ideal option for couples, families or upscale travelers who desire the luxury of a 4.5 star international class resort which offers private beach and overwater bungalow accommodations, gourmet cuisine and wines, scuba diving, watersports center, and a plethora of other resort facilities, amenities and services. Staying at Hudhuranfushi also offers at least 2 distinct advantages over going with a charter boat.
Wavehunters Maldives Charter Fleet Offering surfers several advantages
#1 Tactical advantage to surf ANYWHERE in the North Male or South Male Atoll (the South Male Atoll is several hours sail from the Nth Male Atoll and offers uncrowded lineups but w/slightly less consistent slightly inferior waves to the North Male Atoll in exchange for no crowds whatsoever). Handhu also offers 12 night crowd dodging itineraries to the remote Central Atolls.
#2 Ability to anchor at all North Male Atoll breaks and surf without crowds prior, between and after arrival of resort-based surfers who generally surf mid-morning (9am-noon) and mid-afternoon (2pm-5pm). On anchor you definitely have the advantage with the dawn patrol while resort guests are still waking up and getting organized and the sundown session when the boats leave the breaks and hour before sunset to return to the resorts!
Charter boats offer the surfer direct access to the waves from the channel, so you can be ON IT whenever the waves get good throughout the day. The charter boats are large enough to have plenty of space to yourself, and give you immediate access to surfing, snorkeling or in some cases diving and the mobility to cruise throughout the islands of the Maldives.
Male Atolls Surf Boats & Charters The finest range of surf boats in the Maldives
Manta Cruise Maldives Charters
Manta Cruise is luxury at its best and was launched in 2006 season and refurbished for the 2009 season. She can accommodate up to 18, but we put a maximum of 12 surfers onboard to maximize standard and comfort. Manta offers very spacious living with 3 levels of rooms & entertaining areas.
Let the Handhu Fahli guide you to the best waves on offer in the Male atolls. This is the best budget trip in the Maldives with a crew with vast experience catering to surfers.
Male & Central Atolls Surf Boats Experience a wider variety of waves, surf up to
six atolls in one surfing holiday!
Ocean Divine Charters
Surf up to six atolls in 12 days
110 feet of opulent luxury, Ocean Divine offers unparalleled facilities for both surfers and non surfers. Owned and operated by Frenchman David Mesnard, himself a scuba diver and keen surfer, and assisted by a highly professional full time crew that includes a live aboard masseuse, top level chef, and experienced crew, your life aboard will be an experience never to be forgotten.
Launched in February 2004, Handhu is a 90 ft vessel built SPECIFICALLY for surf charters. Unlike other Maldivian vessels that operate diving charters plus some surf trips, Handhu is 100 percent dedicated to surf trips. The crew know exactly what surfers want and the boat design is excellent and very comfortable.
The Country - Scattered across the equator in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the gem like islands of the Maldives depict the rare vision of a tropical paradise. Palm fringed islands with sparkling white beaches, turquoise lagoons, clear warm water and coral reefs teeming with abundant varieties of marine flora and fauna and hosting a variety of world class waves that are now accessible to the travelling surfer. Measuring 820 km's north to south and 120 km's east to west, the closest neighbors are India and Sri Lanka. There are over 1,192 islands in the Maldives Republic. People who have never been to the Maldives often have trouble comprehending that there is almost NO land. It is sea with little pockets of coral dotted on top of an old volcanic mountain range. Only 202 of the islands are inhabited; there are no hills or rivers: the highest point above sea level is less than 10 feet.
The Climate -of the Maldives is warm year round, determined by the monsoons. The air temperature varies little with an average daily maximum of 90F and the minimum at 79F. There are two monsoon seasons: the northeast from November to April (February is the driest month), and the Southwest from the end of May to October. Water temperatures remain about 80F year-round.
THE SURF - The Maldives experiences a similar surf season to Indonesia. The best waves can be had from April to October, with the biggest swells likely to occur in June-September. During these months the conditions are predominantly off-shore all day due to the monsoonal winds from the Indian Subcontinent and the swell generated from the south. The surf generally ranges in size from 3-8 feet, however bigger days have been experienced. A great variety of reef breaks exist ranging in intensity from quite mellow shreddable walls to gnarlier hollow pits. There is something for everyone. More info on the surf.
EQUIPMENT - You'll need to take everything. Nothing is available in the Maldives. Board size is a personal thing, but it would be wise to bring an assortment for various conditions. Recommended quiver is 2 boards: A normal shortboard and a mid-range gun (6-8 to 7-0). It rarely gets over 8ft. The warm crystal blue waters make it possible to swim without a wetsuit, but a vest or long-sleeved rashguard is advised for protection from the sun. Booties are a necessity due to the sharp coral found all over the atolls. A helmet is also recommended. Be sure to bring plenty of waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
2010 WAVEHUNTERS SURF TRAVEL . all rights reserved
Wavehunters Surf Travel, Inc. is a registered California Seller of Travel, C.S.T. Registration # 2060272-40.
