SOUTHERN MALDIVES (Outer Atolls)

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 teaming 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 - The Maldives are warm year round, and 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.

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.

Region - The Outer Atolls, approximately 300 miles to the South of the capital, Male, contain at least a dozen, potent world class reef breaks that are rarely surfed. This zone is fickle, with the right wind and swell conditions only reliably occuring during the months of February, March and April. This area can only be accessed by means of a well-equipped surf charter vessel. The surf in the Outer Atolls is usually a few feet bigger than the North Male Atoll, more hollow and more shallow, similar to Indonesia style breaks.

The Maldives’ remote "Outer Atolls", a.k.a. Southern Atolls, centering on the region of Ghafu Dhaal, is one of surf travel’s last great frontiers, offering world class surf with NO CROWDS. This area is far removed from the busier Nth Male Atoll where all the resort based surfing and the majority of Maldives surf charter boats are based. The surf here consists of world class reef bottom breaks comparable to Indonesia and the Mentawais favoring righthanders like Barracudas (see photos below), but with a few world class lefts as Gazeera Lefts (see photos below). This region is politically stable and generally regarded as a "safe haven" for surf travel where Indian Ocean destinations are currently concerned.

Wavehunters will have two boats for the 2006 season and beyond: 90ft Luxury vessel "Handhu" & the 78ft Luxury vessel “Handhu Fahli”. They both cruise at a steady 10 knots powered by 2 x 350hp Cummins (Handhu) or 2 x 250 hp Cummins (Handhu Fahli). They alsoboth have an onboard restaurant and fully-airconditioned guest cabins (doubles) with attached toilet and shower with hot and cold water. Each crew of 7 consists of 2 Captains, 1 Chef, 1 Assistant Chef, 2 Deckies, and 1 Surf Guide.

It is only possible to get perfect waves in this region during the months of February, March and April. From May to September the winds are wrong for this remote region, and October and November have proved fickle, and in December and January there is generally not enough swell. Aussie guide, Stu Johnson, has 10 seasons of experience surfing and guiding surf charters throughout the Maldives and will ensure that you are dialed in to the area’s best surf. Our 2005 charters are sold out, so book early for 2006. This is one of the hottest tickets in surf travel.

All tours are 12 days/nights onboard and include RT flights from Male to Ghafu Dhaal Atoll, 3 meals, bottled water, and services of Aussie Surf Guide Stu Johnson.


"See article on Swell.com from Rani Ekah - Southern Maldives/Outer Atolls trip - April 2001. Surfers: Steve Cook, Bill Kendall, Steve Kendall, John Cotner, and Eric Arneson."