All the island resorts in the Maldives offer snorkelling, scuba diving and some form of watersports. The resorts that prefer to maintain a more tranquil and peaceful setting offers non-motorised water based activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and catamaran sailing along with scuba diving and snorkelling. Resorts with extensive lagoons surrounding the coral reef, also offers wind surfing with some having well equipped wind surfing schools that conduct certified courses. The larger, more active and family oriented resorts have better equipped watersports centres and offer a wider range of activities such as water skiing, jet skiing, banana boating, water scooters, kite boarding, knee boarding, wake boarding, parasailing, canoeing, kayaking and rides on a traditional dhoni or catamaran. Some resorts get even more creative and offer waterbased sports activities such as water bicycle polo, extreme croquet, and underwater hockey.

North Malé Atoll: Mid-ranged resorts such as Bandos, Paradise Island and Adaaran Hudhuran Fushi; five-star Four Season’s Kuda Huraa; and the super luxury boutique resort One & Only Reethi Rah.

South Malé Atoll: Mid-ranged Adaaran Club Rannalhi, Holiday Inn Kandooma, Olhuveli; and the five-star Anantara Dhigu.

Ari Atoll: Budget resorts such as Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo, Sun Island and Holiday Island; five-star Lily Beach and Diva; and the super luxury boutique resorts Conrad Maldives Rnagali Island.

Northern Atolls: Mid-ranged Royal Island and Adaaran Select Meedhupparu; super luxury boutique resorts Island Hideaway, Beach House, Soneva fushi, and Four Seasons Landa Giraavaru.

Southern Atolls: Mid-ranged Chaaya Lagoon Hakuraa Huraa and super luxury boutique resort Shanrig-La Vilingilli.

Surfing is becoming increasingly popular in the Maldives, but still remains relatively low key compared to the more established activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving. While the more well known surf spots are located around North Malé Atoll and South Malé Atoll, there are several good surfing destination in the central region and the deep south. The best wave breaks usually are on the southeastern side of the atolls and in most cases, the surf spots need to be accessed via boat from the island resorts. The best period for surfing in the Maldives is during the south-west monsoon season from May - October when there are larger wave swells. Best surf periods can vary depending on the location of the atoll. The average size of the reef breakers in the Maldives are about 4 – 5 ft and rises from 8 – 10 ft during the monsoon period.

North Malé Atoll: The largest wave swells are around North Male’ Atoll and the surf spots are more accessible since there are many island resorts within the atoll. Some of the popular surf spots here are Pasta Point, Chickens, and Lohi’s. `Coke’ located near the island of Thulusdhoo and named after the Coca-cola factory located on the island, is a more demanding wave break which is more suitable for experienced surfers. The wave breaks surrounding North and South Malé Atolls are good for surfing from February to October with the best months being from March to August.

South Malé Atoll: The wave breaks off South Male’ Atoll are smaller than those of North Malé Atoll, but are also good for surfing and can be accessed by speedboat. The better known wave breaks are Guru’s, Kate’s, Last Stops, Natives, and Quarters.

Southern Atolls: The wave swell periods are the longest in the Indian Ocean waters off the south central atolls such as Meemu, which has several good surf spots including Muli Inside, Muli Outside/Mushrooms, Veyvah, and Mulha. In the deep south, Off Gaaf Dhaal Atoll, the remote and uncrowded wave breaks are some of the best in the Maldives. The ideal times for surfing in the southern region are during the months of March to mid-May and mid-August to November. Some of the better known surf spots in this region are Beacons, Castaways, Blue Bowls, Five Islands, Twin Peaks, love Charms, Antiques and Tiger.

Thorough knowledge of the surf spots and surfing conditions in the Maldives as well equipped surfing safari boats that cater to surfers, are key components to keep in mind when you are selecting your surfing destination in the Maldives. Some of the resorts are well geared for surfing and will organise special charter boats for surfing safaris. Island resorts such as Medhufushi on Meemu Atoll and Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi have surf spots nearby which are exclusive for their in-house guests. Chaaya Island Dhonveli on North Malé Atoll has several wave breaks just close by including Pasta Point, Sultan’s and Honky’s and is well organised for surfers. These island resorts have wonderful surfer’s bars overlooking the wave breaks where surfers can relax and exchange surfing experiences. Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi also hosts international surfing competitions.

Information on surfing spots and surfing conditions in the Maldives: Click Here