Surfing the Maldives


Maldives is considered to be a world class surfing destination. It has been ranked as one of the top 12 surfing locations in the world. It is also a magical and beautiful tropical paradise with something for everyone. Surfing is relatively new to the Maldives , when compared to the more established activities such as scuba diving, so don't be surprised when you find you have all the waves to yourself. Increasingly the Maldives tourism industry has recognised the popularity of the country amongst surfers, and has in turn responded by developing accommodation, surfing specific itineraries and annual surfing events to satisfy the demand of this growing industry. The Maldives tourism industry continues to identify many new surfing destinations and has developed quality resorts and surf live aboard cruise boats to cater for surfers. Whether you are a twenty year old looking for an inexpensive cruise or surfari trip with your mates or you are a fifty plus year old looking to take your wife on a cruise by yourselves or with other couples and enjoy a surf along the way in luxury - we will tailor a package for you. We have some truly remote and exotic paradise destinations in our tailored package portfolio.

What really sets Maldives apart from other surfing destinations are the breaks not being crowded, the ease of access and the water being warm - it truly is a surfers paradise!

At Surf Maldives Online we only employ experienced local surfers as group guides. Similarly, our staff has the expertise, knowledge and professionalism to guarantee that you will experience some great surf while receiving the best possible service and hospitality at all times.

The Maldives are a series of over 1,100 small, low lying coral islands grouped together to form twenty-six atolls perched on top of a submerged mountain range. The land is dry, relatively infertile and supports a limited array of flora and fauna. As a tiny island nation in a huge ocean, the combined area of dry land makes up only 0.4%of the country. With a population of some 270,000, the growth rate is not particularly steep, though it is hard to imagine where more people could possibly fit on Male.

It is known as the world's flattest nation, with no area of natural land higher than 2.4 meters. Interestingly, it could also be viewed as one of the most mountainous regions. At over 2,000 kilometers long and 5,000 meters high, this ancient volcanic mountain range reveals peaks capped not with snow, but with coral.

The Maldives are distinctive and diverse in their own way. The Maldivian people share a mixed Indian, Arabic and African ancestry. Male is a bustling metropolis built on a relatively tiny speck of coral sand in the middle of the ocean. A walk through town is intriguing, with mosques, markets and motorbikes - the later flying around a maze of narrow brightly colored streets. Many buildings are modern and there is much construction work underway, but the city retains many of its historic and traditional charms including old coral-stone houses.

Every afternoon, the local fishing boats or 'dhonis' return to port from their daily fishing expeditions to unload their catch and sell their goods at the market, a vibrant, noisy epicentre of activity and bargaining. The dhonis are built in many shapes and sizes, but all display a distinctive, tall, curved prow that transform them from the kinds of boats we expect to see to distinctively, regal Maldivian craft.

It is refreshing to learn that net fishing and trawling is prohibited in Maldivian waters to seventy-five nautical miles from land. Inside this area, all fishing is done by pole and line with over 75% of the catch being tuna. This 'no nets' policy limits the amount of fish taken and it significantly reduces bycatch. The Maldivian's seem keenly aware of the need to protect their marine environment for future generations.

Tourism began in the Maldives only 30 years ago. Since then, visitors continue to be captivated and intrigued by the natural beauty of this country. The Maldives has been described by many visitors as paradise on earth.

With a Muslim culture steeped in tradition, a unique island geography and an astoundingly rich underwater environment, the Maldives is a truly facinating tourist destination.