The Maldives is one of the premier surf destinations in the world. Warm water, blue skies and plenty of waves for all levels of surfers. What’s not to like?
Booking a Maldives surf trip should be on every surfer’s bucket list, but where are the best Maldives surf resorts located? What waves do they have access to? When is the best time to go on a luxury surf trip to this idyllic island nation?
We’ve got you covered with the top Maldives surf resorts and all the information you need to plan your dream Maldives surf vacation.
The Best Maldives Surf Resorts – Find Your Perfect Fit!
Where is the Maldives?
The Maldives is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India and Sri Lanka.
It’s made up of 26 atolls (ring-shaped coral reefs) and over 1,000 islands, making it a paradise for surfers looking for uncrowded tropical waves.
When is the best time to surf in the Maldives?
The last thing you (or we) want is for you to turn up at a Maldives surf resort and not score epic waves.
Although its possible to find waves for most of the year, the best time to go surfing is from March to October when the southwest monsoon brings more consistent swells and offshore winds.
Shoulder season (March-April) and Sept-Oct) is a great time to score more uncrowded sessions, with fun, playful swells and better weather to. Although, you can always head down into the deep south atolls if you really desire empty waves.
What is a surf resort?
Never stayed at a surf resort before? You’re in for a treat.
Surf resorts, especially those in the Maldives, are luxury accommodations that cater to surfers and their non-surfing friends or family members.
Picture this.
You wake up to a gorgeous sunrise and jump in a speedboat to surf your exclusive break. You ride perfect waves with only a handful of people in the lineup, and then return to the resort for a gourmet breakfast.
You surf again once or twice during the day while your kids play and your partner enjoys an indulgent spa treatment or simply lounges by an infinity pool. Then, you all recount your awesome day over a 5-star meal as the sun dips beneath the horizon… before doing it all again the next.
Sounds like heaven, right? Well, it’s just another day on a luxury surf trip to a Maldives surf resort!
The Top Maldives Surf Resorts
1. Cinnamon Dhonveli (aka Pasta Point) – North Male Atoll
The original Maldives wave machine, Pasta Point and its adjoining surf resort, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, is a legendary surf destination for surfers.
Pasta Point is renowned for its exceptional lefthander waves, and the resort’s commitment to sustainable surfing adds to the allure of this sought-after destination. A range of accomodation options also give you multiple price points to choose from – the Over Water Villas are always in demand, whilst the Garden Bungalows offer great value.
With multiple bars, swimming pools, an award winning spa and even an in house dive centre, the surf season at Cinnamon Dhonveli always books out.
The waves
Arguably the most consistent wave in the whole of the Maldives, Pasta Point itself is a long, walling left that can be surfed on smaller swells at mid to high-tide, but it does its best work when the waves are around head-high.
As for other breaks, the resort is located only a short boat ride to Sultans, Honkys and Jailbreaks. All of these waves are world-class and cater to different levels of surfers.
The best thing about staying at Pasta Point?
You have exclusive access to this wave, with a maximum of 33 surfers allowed in the lineup at once – for when you want to rack up a wave count that rivals Kelly Slater’s or Steph Gilmore’s…
Exclusive Wave? YES – Pasta Point (max 33 surfers)
Travel Time From Malé Airport: 25 mins (speedboat)
Dedicated Surfer Package? YES – including full board meals + on-demand surf transfers
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2. Adaaran Hudhuranfushi (Aka Lohis Resort) – North Male Atolls
Adaaran Hudhuranfushi Resort, aka Lohis, is one of the best value Maldives surf reosrts – with it’s premium all-inclusive surfer package.
This Maldives resort is a true surfing paradise with plenty of opportunities for surfing, adventure and relaxation.
Lohis has a well-earned reputation as being an idyllic escape for families, couples and friends looking to soak up the sun on pristine beaches, explore vibrant coral reefs or simply unwind in a tropical oasis.
And because it’s only located 30 minutes away from the main airport on Malé, you’ll be on your surfboard in no time!
The waves
If you fancy catching world-class waves without the hassle of overcrowded spots, the famous Lohis Left is just a stone’s throw from the Lohis villas.
This wave offers a long and fast ride, perfect for intermediate to advanced surfers… but it’s also ok for beginners when the waves are small and mellow.
Enjoy surfing with a maximum of 45 other surfers, which when taking into account Lohis Left’s consistency isn’t all that many.
Their surfer package also includes 2 daily surf transfers to surrounding breaks too, so if you want to venture further afield (or score some right handers) you’re all covered.
Exclusive Wave? YES – Lohis (max 45 surfers)
Travel Time From Malé Airport: 30 mins (speedboat)
Dedicated Surfer Package? YES – premium all-inclusive + extras for non-surfers in the group
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3. Niyama Private Islands – Dhaalu Atoll
Surf trips can be rough and ready adventures, but when you’re keen to enjoy the more dedcedant side of surfing, you can’t beat Niyama Private Islands
This luxury surf getaway offers all the amenities and activities you could want while still providing access to some of the best surf breaks in the central atolls.
The resort is divided into two islands, Chill and Play. Whilst Chill is dedicated to relaxation and hosts a range of stunning Maldives villas (including over water options), Play is home to a range of water sports activities, bars and restaurants.
Including the worlds first under water restaurant – Sub Six!
The waves
The biggest draw for surfers is the resorts exclusive left hander, Vodi, which is a firm favourite of world tour surfers in their off season – including the likes of Gabriel Medina and Kanoa Igarashi.
With a variety of uncrowded surf breaks to choose from, there is something for all levels of surfers and the surf team offer lessons for everyone too – whether you’re looking to take your first lessons or want some in water coaching as you progress on reef breaks.
And for natural-footers looking to explore further, a short boat ride will take you to one of the longest and most rippable righthanders in the Maldives, Kasabu.
One of the most popular Maldives surf resorts, Niyama Resort is the ultimate luxury surf trip experience.
Exclusive Wave? YES – Vodi
Travel Time From Malé Airport: 45 mins (seaplane) or domestic flight + speedboat
Dedicated Surfer Package? No – packages can be tailored to your accommodation & meal requirements
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4. Ayada Maldives – Dhaalu Atoll
Listed as one of the top resorts worldwide on TripAdvisor, Ayada is another luxury retreat on its own private island located in the deep southern atoll of Gaafu Dhaalu.
Again, it’s one of those places that looks too good to be real.
Sparkling, crystal clear water, lush vegetation and access to some of the most remote, uncrowded waves in the Maldives. The resort itself is an oasis of tropical indulgence, with spacious villas complete with private infinity pools and multiple dining options that cater to all tastes.
Oh… and did we mention the award-winning AySpa? You’ll love it after a long day of paddling and popping up, but it’ll also win over the missus if you’re planning a couples’ trip.
The waves
The best waves in the area include Beacons, Love Charms, Tiger Stripes, Blue Bowls and Five Islands.
Whilst you don’t have the convenience of a house wave to paddle out at whenever you please, being located 430 kilometres south of Malé means you’re unlikely to see many other surfers.
Beacons is probably the heaviest, with hollow rights that are best suited to advanced surfers.
Love Charms and Blue Bowls, on the other hand, are super reliable and fun for all skill levels. Love Charms is only a 5 minute boat ride from the island, while Blue Bowls is protected from prevailing SSW winds.
Exclusive Wave? No (boat to the surf required)
Travel Time From Malé Airport: roughly 2 hours (domestic flight + speedboat)
Dedicated Surfer Package? No – but pre-booking surf passes saves you 20%
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5. Holiday Inn Kandooma – South Male Atoll
Another great value option – Holiday Inn Kandooma is everything you could want in a Maldivian surf holiday and more.
Luxurious villas, delicious dining options, a variety of activities for all ages and stunning views of the Indian Ocean. It’s the perfect place to relax with the family or simply pamper your significant other.
Either way, brownie points for you whilst you enjoy the waves!
It’s also quite affordable compared to other luxury surf retreats in the Maldives. This price point, combined with the fact you have access to a number of fun, performance-oriented waves makes it one of the most popular stays in the country.
The waves
Here you’ll find the legendary wave, Kandooma Right, which is consistently ranked as one of the most popular right handers in the Maldives.
A long righthander offering a variety of sections and hollow barrels, it’s the quintessential reef break playground for surfers seeking epic waves in paradise.
But that’s not all.
You have exclusive access to this iconic wave. No need to share with charter boats or other resorts. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy though, the takeoff zone is just a stone’s throw away from the resort accommodation – a mere 30 metres from villa to the paddle out point!
Other nearby surf breaks include Quarters, Riptides, Twin Peaks, Foxy’s, Kate’s, Tucky Joe’s and Last Stop, but we’re tipping you’ll be more than satisfied with the world-class waves right in front of you.
Exclusive Wave? YES – Kandooma Right (max 40 surfers)
Travel Time From Malé Airport: 45 mins (speedboat)
Dedicated Surfer Package? YES – includes daily surf transfers to surrounding breaks as well
Click For More Info & To Book
6. Kuda Vilingilli Resort – North Male Atoll
Don’t let the tongue-twisting island name fool you – this elegant surf resort might be one of the newer resorts in the Maldives, but it’s quickly becoming a top choice for luxury travellers and surfers alike.
It’s only 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport on Malé, making it easily accessible for international visitors.
And with the longest pool in the Maldives, 7 unique dining experiences, a beautiful beachfront spa and a fun-filled kids club, it’s the perfect place to spend time with loved ones.
The waves
Wave wise, you have your pick of some of the best surf spots in the world, including the famous Chickens, which is located just off the island and an easy paddle out.
Named after the island’s former poultry farm, this wave is known for its long and lively lefthanders that were once pioneered by shipwrecked Australians – true story!
If you prefer righthanders, you’ll be pleased to know that Cokes is just across the channel. There are also other breaks such as Sultans, Honkeys, Ninjas and Jailbreaks nearby that can be accessed through surf transfers arranged by the resort.
For an idyllic, modern and luxurious island getaway close to the capital, we reckon Kuda Villingili is hard to beat.
Exclusive Wave? No. But Chickens is an easy paddle off the resort
Travel Time From Malé Airport: 30 mins (speedboat)
Dedicated Surfer Package? No
Click For More Info & To Book
And there you have it – a run down of the best Maldives surf resorts for your dream surf trip!
And of course if you have any questions about any of the resorts chat to your surf team and we can help find the best fit for your style and budget.
Just keep in mind that many of the exclusive surf packages do book out, so lock in your dates to avoid missing out!