There are hundreds of surf camps dotted across the Maldives’ 1,200-odd island, but which to choose?
Chasing swells on Thulusdhoo Island (Photo: BookSufCamps.com)
Between its white powdery sand beaches, honeymoon-friendly hotels and endless days full of sunshine, the Maldives is no stranger to tourism. Most people hotfoot here for sunbathing, snorkelling and diving adventures, but it’s fast becoming popular with surfers-in-the-know looking for a special sort of swell too. Many of the region’s most beloved breaks are peppered across the North Malé Atoll and Huvadhoo Atoll, where the biggest swells rise from March to November. That said, there’s a wide range of secluded surf spots offering a large concentration of breaks in a short distance too. With so many options to choose from, we’ve cherry-picked five of the best surf camps in the Maldives based on customer reviews, value for money, location and additional facilities.
Surf Friendly Bed and Breakfast on Thulusdhoo Island
This cheap and cheerful surf break is ideal for those who prefer to coordinate their own activities on holiday. The surf camp is located on Thulusdhoo Island, the capital of Kaafu Atoll and home to some of the friendliest surfing crowds in the Maldives. Prices include accommodation and a generous breakfast spread. For an additional charge, guests can arrange boat trips daily with reputable surf guides to Cokes and Chickens, as well destinations further afield, such as Ninjas and Jailbreaks. Gear is not included in the price but can be affordably rented. The resort also offers yoga classes, lunch and dinner. From €32 per night.
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5 Day Surf Camp for Intermediate and Advanced Surfers
A surfer’s paradise on Thulsudhoo (Photo: BookSurfCamp.com)
Located on the tropical island of Thulsudhoo, Surf Yoga Maldives is 300-metres from Bikini Beach and a short and easy stroll to Cokes – the Maldives most famous surf break. It’s best suited to confident surfers who aren’t looking for intensive instruction. Guests can take the boat out to Coakes or Chickens surf spot twice a day, under the supervision of diver, Robin Baskerville. When you’re not surfing, you can make the most of the resort’s amenities, yoga courses and coral garden snorkelling. Prices include four nights accommodation in a comfortable guesthouse, three healthy, homemade meals every day and pick up from Thulsdhoo harbour. From €391.
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5 Day Surf Camp in Mikado, Chambers
Located on the remote Thaa Atoll, this five-day camp is ideal for those looking for superb surf away from the crowds. It’s the only surf camp in the atoll, with three major surf spots a five-minute boat ride away too. The price includes four nights accommodation, daily meals and gear rental. Guests also receive complimentary daily surf sessions geared towards intermediate and advanced surfers and two surf trips every day on a speedboat. Those looking to maximise their time by the Indian Ocean can enjoy excursions to the house reef for snorkelling too. From €679.
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8 Day Liveaboard Surf Cruise Adventure for All Levels
Guests can enjoy eight days surfing aboard the yacht (Photo: BookSurfCamp.com)
This jam-packed eight-day surf camp cruise offers a whistlestop tour of the top surfing spots in Male Atoll and North Male Atoll. It’s suitable for all levels, with six days of surfing instruction from expert coaches. You’ll get to tick off some of the regions most beloved breaks, including Cokes, Chickens, Sultans, Jailbreaks and Honkeys. Prices include seven nights onboard the MV Adora Surfing Liveaboard Maldives –a luxury tri-deck yacht with 11 spacious en-suite cabins – as well as all equipment, meals and airport transfers. From €1,699.
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8 Day Beginner Surf Camp in Laamu Atoll
This eight-day surf camp in the heart of Laamu Atoll is ideal for beginners. The programme offers five full days of surfing lessons, seven days of surfboard rental and trips to the regions best surfing spots, including Bedhuge, Refugee’s Left, Machine and Yin Yang. Prices include seven nights accommodation on Gan Island at the Reveries, an upmarket resort offering stylish and spacious rooms and top-notch dining options. Guests can also enjoy access to the 24-hour gym, pool, soul-soothing spa and The Reveries Dive and Watersports Centre. From €1,789
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