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Surfing in the Maldives - The ultimate surf guide

Is your heart beating for a surf experience out of the ordinary? Onboard on our surf cruise you’ll literally live on the water and surf two to three times a day! Welcome to our surfing paradise in the Maldives. Have you been dreaming of living out your best surf life, living on a boat and surfing all day? This is the reality onboard our surf cruise in the Maldives. Here’s everything you need to know before heading out on the dreamy waves of the Maldives!

Quick Maldives facts: Things to know before you go

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Official languages: Dhivehi

Time zone: GMT+5

Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)

Capital: Malé

Population: Around 520,000 people.

Religion: The main religion in the Maldives is Islam. 

Electricity: The voltage in the Maldives is 230 V and the plug sockets are type D and G.

Flag: 🇲🇻

Surfing in the Maldives: Everything you need to know

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There’s something magical about living on a boat, where you’ll wake up bright and early, put your swimwear on, and head straight to the surf spot. Surfing in the Maldives really is an unparalleled adventure on the water.

Read more about our surf courses in the Maldives here


Seasons and surf conditions: When is the best time to surf in the Maldives?

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The Maldives offers world-class surf if you know the right time of year to go:

  • Peak surf season: April to October. This season brings drier, calmer weather with less rainfall and lower humidity.

  • Low surf season: November to March, with increased rainfall and stormier days.

  • Shoulder season: April and October


Peak surf season: Surf the waves of your life

During this season, the Maldives experiences drier, calmer weather with less rainfall and lower humidity. The consistent, stable conditions and clear skies make it an ideal time for intermediate and advanced surfers, with manageable yet fun waves. The conditions are generally favorable for a great surf experience!

Low surf season: Stormier days 

The surf generally drops off during these months, and the conditions can be stormy with fewer waves. It’s not the prime time for surfing, with less predictable swells and a more challenging environment.

Shoulder season: Prime waves with fewer crowds

April and October, the transition months, are often the real sweet spot for surfing in the Maldives. These months offer the best of both worlds: strong swells, lighter winds, and fewer crowds, creating ideal conditions for both high-intermediate and advanced surfers. The waves are powerful yet accessible, allowing you to enjoy the Maldives’ famous breaks without the heavy competition in the lineup.

When is the best time to surf in the Maldives for my level? 

Our Maldives surf cruise is suitable for surfers with at least 300 hours of experience on a surfboard. The best times to surf are April to October.

What’s the vibe like in the water?

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Surfing in the Maldives comes with an easy-going, respectful vibe. As for many places, as long as you respect your fellow surfers, you’ll find plenty of stoke and good vibes in the lineup. Remember, a little courtesy goes a long way in ensuring everyone has a great time!

Surfboard recommendations: Which surfboard should I bring to the Maldives?

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When heading out to surf in the Maldives, you’ll need to bring your own board, so make sure to pack accordingly! Our surf trip offers a variety of epic waves, so having the right board can make all the difference. Based on the waves and conditions, here’s what we recommend:

  • Shortboard: Perfect for tackling the fast and powerful waves that the Maldives is famous for. It is ideal for those who want to take on challenging breaks and ride the steepest waves.

  • Fish: Great for handling the versatile conditions in the Maldives. The fish board is well-suited for smaller and medium-sized waves, offering a fun and forgiving ride. The fish board can be a better pick on smaller days. 

  • Funboard/hybrid: If you want one board that can handle various conditions, a funboard or hybrid with a bit more volume and forgiving rails is a great all-rounder.

Each board has its strengths depending on the season and your skill level, so pick the one that best fits your style and the conditions you expect to encounter. Enjoy your surf trip, and you can always contact our customer care team if you have any questions regarding your board!


Local weather: Turquoise water and high temperatures

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The climate is tropical, with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. Expect pleasant weather perfect for surfing, but be prepared for the strong sun and occasional rain showers. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Air Temperature: The average air temperature ranges from 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F) year-round.

  • Water Temperature: The water temperature is consistently between 25°C and 27°C (77°F to 81°F), so no wetsuit is necessary. However, a rashguard is recommended to stay protected from the sun’s strong rays.

Regarding wetsuits and swimwear: What should I wear while surfing in the Maldives?

Surfing in the Maldives means enjoying warm, tropical waters, so you won’t need a wetsuit. However, there are a few essential items to keep you comfortable and protected:

  • Rashguard: Protect yourself from sunburn and rashes by wearing a rashguard. It’s a must-have for an extended time in the water.

  • Leggings and long sleeve: For additional sun protection and to prevent rashes from the surfboard, consider wearing leggings and a long-sleeve rashguard.

  • Surf hat: Keep your face, ears, and neck shielded from the sun with a hat—preferably one with a chin strap to keep it in place.

  • Reef shoes: To avoid stepping on sharp reefs, rocks, or sea urchins, protect your feet with reef shoes.

Surf safety: What should I be aware of?

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Surfing in the Maldives is an incredible experience, but there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable time:

Weather conditions: Be prepared for strong sunlight and high temperatures. The tropical climate can also bring sudden weather changes and rainfalls, so stay alert.

Water conditions: Expect some of the strongest currents and most powerful waves you’ll ever encounter. The water is generally warm, but the strength of the waves and currents can be intense.

Local hazards:

  • Powerful waves: Waves can be powerful, especially during peak surf season.

  • Shallow reef: Watch out for shallow reefs that can be dangerous if you’re not careful.

  • Sea urchins: Be mindful of sea urchins, which can be found around the reefs.

  • Seasickness on the boat: If you’re prone to seasickness, make sure to take preventive measures, as the boat rides can be choppy.

  • Heat strokes: Stay hydrated and protect yourself from heat strokes by wearing appropriate clothing and taking breaks in the shade.

  • Sunburns and strong rashes: The sun is intense, so apply sunscreen regularly and consider wearing a rashguard to protect your skin.

A final note on surfing in the Maldives: Pinch me-moments every day

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Surfing in the Maldives is nothing short of a dream come true. Picture yourself in a paradise where the crystal-clear waters meet some of the best waves in the world. It’s not just a surf trip—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. From the breathtaking beauty of the reefs to the unforgettable surf sessions, every day offers new “pinch me” moments.

Lapoint surf cruise: Living the surf boat life

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The experience on the surf cruise is different from the other surf camps because this camp is not a camp at all – it’s a boat! You will live onboard and breathe the ocean air every day while surfing in one of the world's most beautiful locations. What could ever beat that?

A home on water

Joining a surf trip to the Maldives is a unique surfing experience that will make you a better surfer while also having the time of your life living on the water. You’ll be living and breathing surfing together with like-minded people on a more advanced surf level.


Transportation: How do I get to the boat and the surf spots?

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Book your flight ticket to Male International Airport (Ibrahim Nasir International Airport), and from there you will get a transfer to the boat. You will receive all the information about which days and times the boat departs and returns when booking the trip. You will then spend the whole week on the cruise. When it’s time to surf you’ll jump onto a smaller boat that will take you to the surf spot!

Delicious local food: What to eat in the Maldives?

During your stay at the surf cruise, you’ll get all your meals onboard on the boat. The meals consist of local flavors and are freshly prepared by our own chefs on-site.

Traditional food in the Maldives

The Maldivian traditional cuisine is mainly based on fish (tuna in particular is very popular), coconut and starches like rice and tubers. 

  • Mas huni: A typical Maldivian breakfast that consists of tuna, coconut, onion and chili.

  • Kukulhu Riha: Coconut-based chicken curry.

  • Garudhiya: Clear fish broth/fish soup.

  • Mas riha: Fish curry.

  • Bajiya: A traditional tea-time snack. The Bajiya is a deep-fried dough with filling, usually tuna.

  • Masroshi: Another Maldivian fried dough snack with filling. 

  • Gulha: A deep-fried pastry in the shape of a ball filled with fish.

Packing: What should I bring for my surf cruise in the Maldives?

While getting ready for a trip it's always so easy to forget to pack important things, so we have prepared some things that you should remember to add to your bag:

Maldives: General packing

  • Passport

  • Water bottle: We want to limit our use of single-use plastic, so remember to bring a reusable water bottle.

  • Sea sickness pills: The one thing that you shouldn't forget is medicine for sea sickness! Even though the boat life is amazing, there's always a risk of you getting sick from the motion of the ocean. So keep it safe!

  • A hat: The sun is strong in the Maldives so remember to protect your head.

Maldives: Packing for the surf

  • Surfboards: The surf cruise is our only destination where you need to bring your own surfboard. Don’t forget to bring all the essentials too, like leashes, fins and wax bars. There are no surf shops around so we recommend that you bring enough things with you. A pair of reef shoes is also a good thing to bring since you’ll be surfing reef breaks. 

  • Swimwear: You won't need more clothes than beach clothes (and something comfortable for the flight) and swimwear.

  • Rashguard: It might be a good idea to bring a rashguard with you on the trip, to prevent yourself from getting burned during your surfsessions in the sun.

  • Sunscreen and zink: Don’t forget to pack reef-friendly 50+ sunscreen and zink!

  • Towel

Underwater shot of surfer sitting on surfboard

Sustainability

The beach is our home. We are leaving it better than we found it.

We have made a commitment to our ocean, beaches and community. They are our playground, our home and our livelihood. We are going to leave them better than we found them. That means that all our employees, friends and guests helps out with recycling and taking other actions for the environment. Each week there are beach cleaning and recycling activities to ensure that our home stays the way it was supposed to be.

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Read more about our sustainability

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