INSIDER TIPS: MALDIVES SURFING
We’ve dedicated ourselves to years of research & exploration to offer our bespoke, off-grid service. Here’s everything you need to know before your trip to The Maldives with us!
MALDIVES SURF ORIGIN STORY
In the early 1970s, Australian adventurer Tony Hinde stumbled across the Maldives unexpectedly after being in a shipwreck. The incredible waves he found among the atolls were a well-concealed secret for nearly 15 years. However, with time, the breaks became more well-known and enjoyed by locals and travellers alike. The Maldives is now considered a top surfing destination, yet the true beauty is in the series of hidden gems that remain untouched…
WHAT TO EXPECT: MALDIVES WAVES
The Maldives offers something special for every surfer. From long, playful waves, and barrelling runners to hot-dogging breaks. The lips tend to be less thick and the reefs less gnarly than other tropical surf destinations like Fiji or Indonesia – meaning, less injuries! Yet in the right conditions, the Maldives waves still can pack a punch.
The well-known breaks are widely accessible online. Yet, our team has intel on a series of hidden breaks that offer incredible waves. We don’t share this information online, however, once on board, our local guide will take you to hidden breaks that match your preferences. It’s every surfer’s dream!
MALDIVES SURF ZONES EXPLAINED
The Maldivian atolls are generally distinguished into 3 surfing zones: the North & South Male Zone, the Central Zone and the Southern Zone. However, through exploratory research, our team has also discovered a series of ‘Hidden Zones’; untouched gems that we share exclusively with our guests.
Differing weather conditions, tidal patterns and seasonal changes impact the performance of these zones. Our close-knit team of locals hold an inherent understanding and connection with the atolls. Their knowledge and expertise are crucial in finding perfect waves. Merely checking an online surf forecast will never suffice…
NORTH & SOUTH MALE ZONE
Close to Male Airport, it’s one of Maldives’ most popular surf zones. This area hosts plenty of incredible breaks. However, with its increased accessibility, overcrowding can occur. This can be best avoided in certain conditions. For example, surfers tend to disperse when the surf is up, and when the wind is favourable, more options spread out the boats.
CENTRAL ZONE
This area hosts some of our favourite setups! When compared to the Male Zone, these breaks tend to be more dispersed. With this, there’s more travel time in between waves. This is where knowledge, experience and local insight comes into play. You’ll look at the map and not believe the places we surf! Not to mention, the waves here offer something for everyone; from long reeling lefts and rights to some more playful setups.
SOUTHERN ZONE
Similar to the Male Zone, the breaks are close together. This means it’s not always the empty wave zone it’s advertised as. Yet when conditions are favourable, there are plenty of incredible options to spread crews out. It’s only under specific conditions, that this zone truly performs. It’s more open to swell than many other areas, however it’s also susceptible to the wind.
HIDDEN ZONES
What excites us the most… We’ve spent years researching, exploring and learning from locals to uncover a series of hidden gems among the atolls. These breaks exist between and around the distinct surf zones, offering incredible, isolated sessions for our guests. Our mission is to provide Maldivian surf experiences that sit outside the ordinary; with our intel, we bring this to life every season!
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
We get it…there’s lot’s to unpack! It’s why we dedicate ourselves to providing support wherever we can. See our most commonly asked questions below.
What makes Saltwater trips different?
Our knowledge, expertise and local intel allows us to offer bespoke and authentic experiences for our guests.
We’ve been exploring the Maldives since 1995; and alongside our close-knit team locals we’ve dedicated ourselves to uncovering hidden gems among the atolls. Finding incredible waves off the beaten-path and ones that only light up under certain conditions…
Your preferences and frequent forecast assessment will guide your journey with us. We avoid those generic atoll laps!
What's surfing in The Maldives like?
From long, playful waves to barrelling runners to hot-dogging breaks…the Maldives offers something for everyone! Your preferences will guide your experience with us.
Click here to see all our insider tips for all things surfing in The Maldives.
I have a group. How many people do I need to start a trip?
We operate private charters that can start from as few as 4 people. There’s always opportunities to blend groups if you desire a larger charter!
Contact us today and we’ll tailor the perfect experience for your group.
I'm a solo traveller. Can you help me?
Of course! There’s often opportunities for single travellers to experience our charters. Reach us today so that we can help further.
How much does a surf charter cost?
From smaller boats to luxurious ships, we cater to all budgets.
Fixed prices aren’t advertised as we incorporate the specific needs of each booking into the final cost.
What we can assure is that all our boats commonly offer a comfortable and immersive off-grid experience to our guests.
How do I book?
Click below to send us an enquiry!
We’ll tailor advice and a quote based on your personal preferences. Once you confirm your preferences, a 30% deposit is required to secure your booking and dates.
With every booking our two main goals are:
- to tailor your perfect trip
- to share off-grid, incredible waves with you
There’s a reason why most of our bookings are repeat guests!
Are there activities other than surfing?
A Saltwater experience is so much more than a surf trip!
From island BBQ’s to visiting local villages to snorkelling to fishing to even whale shark and manta ray experiences; your preferences will guide your trip!
We can’t wait to discuss the perfect option/s for you.
What is a 'Dhoni' boat?
A Dhoni is a smaller vessel that we use to assist with transport to and from activities such as surf breaks, snorkel spots, fishing areas and island visits.
Please click here to reach us if you have any questions!