Joanna James
Often considered the best surfing hotspot in Asia, the Maldives boasts excellent conditions for engaging in all forms of wave riding for most of the year. Regardless of one's experience or skill level, there are surfing hubs across the archipelago that is tailor-made for every type of surfer. From finding a strategic base to hitting all the best surf spots, here is a comprehensive guide to planning an unforgettable surfing holiday in the paradise islands.
The Maldives is a year-round surfing destination for the masses but that does not mean that the quality of the surfing is top-notch every month of the year. There are particular time periods when surfing is just about ideal while there are others when the waves are below par. Those who wish to make the most of their surfing holiday in the Maldives should select travel dates from March to May or between June and August. These two periods are when the swells are massive and the weather and water conditions combined offer a pristine surfing experience. September and October offer reasonably good conditions although those who head to the islands from November to February are likely to encounter quite a few flat days.
While there are a great many Maldives all-inclusive packages available for surfers, it is important to select a resort base that offers easy access to some of the country's top surf sites. Whether it's the Atmosphere Kanifushi or any other resort base, your hotel should not be too far from the finest surfing locations in the area. The convenience and the pleasure of being a stone's throw away from a pristine surfing hub cannot be overstated and those who are vacationing in the Maldives for a limited period will find this especially useful. While anyone can sign up for a surfing tour, staying near surfing hotspots is a different kind of experience altogether.
With so many surfing spots scattered across the North Male Atolls, the Central Atolls and the South Male Atolls, those who wish to explore the gamut of the country's wave riding possibilities must sign up for a surfing safari. Resorts as well as local tour operators organise surfing tours for those who are beginners as well as seasoned experts. It is important to find a tour that not only fits your budget but also hits all the major surfing locations in the archipelago. Reading up on recent reviews by travellers on these various tour operators is also necessary to weed out the undesirables from the professionals.
As one of the most coveted surfing spots in the country, the North Male Atolls is not only home to Pasta Point and Coke' but also Chickens and Lohi's. The waves in this part of the country are ideal for first-time surfers and beginners as well as intermediate level surfers. The long swells and the big waves in some of these surfing spots will also suit advanced surfers with more experience so there really is something for everyone in the North Male Atolls.
While the South Male Atolls may not produce the big swells of their northern counterpart, it is no less impressive as a surfing location due to just how many point breaks are accessible in this area. Twin Peaks and Guru's as well as Riptides are some of the top surfing hubs found here while the entire coastline of Guraidhoo Island provides excellent waves for surfers.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
