If you are the soul-searching, free-spirited adventurist who knows how to read a map and swell charts and you time your trip during peak season from June to August you'll be graced by perfect empty lineups with not a single head in sight for miles.

Surf Trips Maldives Northern Atolls
The Maldives' last surfing frontier
Not too much is known about the island formation 115km north of Male other than that the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, located in the Baa Atoll, is a popular diver pilgrimage site.
The region has yet to be fully explored, but don’t let that fool you! There are plenty of waves on tap, and with some navigation skills, you’re about to get very very lucky!
The reason why the Northern Atolls aren’t on people’s radar (yet), is because they have a smaller swell window than their more popular brothers and sisters to the South. You really have to nail the surf season, and an experienced guide is essential. But if you are the soul-searching, free-spirited adventurist who knows how to read a map and swell charts and you time your trip for April to September you'll be graced by perfect empty lineups with not a single head in sight for miles.
- The last untouched region in the Maldives
- An abundance of uncrowded waves
- Great for longboarders
- Smaller swell window
- Mesmerizing landscapes and marine life
























































Your personal expert for northern atolls surf trips

Martin, LUEX's Head of Travel, started out skating in the UK, before escaping to the powder of Canadian mountains. He found his way to LUEX through years of chasing snow in winter and waves in France during summer. These days, he manages our surf and snow teams, while squeezing in surf trips to his favorite right-handers at Cokes and Kasabu in the Maldives, or powder missions to the tree-lined runs of Revelstoke. At LUEX, he combines his love for board sports with making sure every trip runs smoothly.





Why book with us
- Objective ExpertsKnowledgeableIndependentExcellent
- Finest SelectionRemote and uniqueBespoke high-end tripsCrafted for ultimate satisfaction
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- trustpilotKnowledgeable
They aren't travel agents with a surf related website, but actual surfers that are experienced in both surfing and the places that they offer travel too.
Some of the other agents which brag as being leaders in this field are far from it.Read moretrustpilotKnowledgeableThe best by far. Their actual surfers and not just travel agents that have stood up on a foamy once upon a time.
Having tried every other agent acting in the Maldives and the surfing industry. I have finally found one that actually gets it. They aren't travel agents with a surf related website, but actual surfers that are experienced in both surfing and the places that they offer travel too. Some of the other agents which brag as being leaders in this field are far from it. There has always been some headache such as overbooking, inferior boats, or just general misinformation. These guys get it, finally.Jez BrowningJez Browning - googleIndependent
He was so helpful answering a million questions over weeks leading up to departure and his suggestions about different boats, itineraries, location and the benefits of a surf guide did not seek to overstate the good things or gloss over the less desirable factors.
Read moregoogleIndependentWanted to say a huge thank you to Ignacio and the team for helping us put together a fantastic Maldives surf trip! He was so helpful answering a million questions over weeks leading up to departure and his suggestions about different boats, itineraries, location and the benefits of a surf guide did not seek to overstate the good things or gloss over the less desirable factors. They were really constructive, pragmatic and importantly, accurate! Our group of 7 just surfers left Male very very happy men and we already planning our next trip to the Maldives. Have and will continue to recommend LUEX and Ignacio in particular, thank you again for such a great job!! Much appreciated - Adrian from Western Australia.
Adrian StrangAdrian Strang - googleExcellent
Ignacio was brilliant to deal with - answered all our questions, gave some excellent advice and recommendations which really changed our trip.
Read moregoogleExcellentWe booked Sea Farer for a 10 night stay in the Maldives through Ignacio and had an amazing time!
Ignacio was brilliant to deal with - answered all our questions, gave some excellent advice and recommendations which really changed our trip. The Sea Farer is the perfect boat - so much space, the crew were excellent and the food was delicious. We were a group of 8 intermediate Aussie surfer girls and this was just the perfect trip for us. It was a once in a lifetime experience and we're grateful that it all worked out so well! Highly recommend this boat, this company and Ignacio. We still can't wipe the smile from our faces :)Kindy KindySea FarerKindy KindySea Farer - googleKnowledgeable
I really appreciated the quick responses and intimateknowledge he has of the area. Will use them again.
Read moregoogleKnowledgeableI've done surf trips with many different companies and this is the first time I've felt compelled to write a review. Ignacio went above and beyond setting us with everything we needed for our Mentawai trip. I really appreciated the quick responses and intimate knowledge he has of the area. Will use them again.
Blair MathiesonBlair Mathieson - googleIndependent
Martin and his team have visit all the places they recommend many times, so they definitely know how it is on site and what to look for. This makes a huge different to many other agency's out there who just recommend stuff on average ratings or best commission fee.
Read moregoogleIndependentThank You Martin, Ignacio and Giulia!
Outstanding customer Service, best prices and super experience!
I have booked for the 2nd time with LUEX and I can 100% recommend these guys. They are just nice, they have visit all the places they recommend by themselves and they just take care of your whole trip!
The two bookings I made was for surfing Maldives. Its not easy to find out how the waves are in the Maldives and which resort is best for your needs and have the best swells at certain times. Martin and his team have visit all the places they recommend many times, so they definitely know how it is on site and what to look for. This makes a huge different to many other agency's out there who just recommend stuff on average ratings or best commission fee.
price:
they can match up any price you'll find in the internet, so you won't pay extra for the service even though you should. So why not take advantage of the great service they offer.
Service:
Quick response rate (usually same day), really nice guys and no matter what issues you have, they can support you and take care of you. Sometimes they can work out even better deals than you find on the internet.
I will defiantly come back here next year for more surf trips and also big mountain skiing
See you in the water :)Alexander KauffmannAlexander Kauffmann - googleExcellent
Ignacio at LUEX was instrumental in helping us design the most epic surf trip ever. He responded quickly to emails, gave excellent insider advice on surfing details and accommodation and was patient and flexible with our booking during the Covid epidemic.
Read moregoogleExcellentIgnacio at LUEX was instrumental in helping us design the most epic surf trip ever. He responded quickly to emails, gave excellent insider advice on surfing details and accommodation and was patient and flexible with our booking during the Covid epidemic.
Honestly, it was the best surf trip that our family has ever had. Still glowing in the aftermath of our 2 magical months spent surfing in Indo.
We will definitely book again with LUEX for our next surf trip to the Maldives or Indo.
I highly recommend Ignacio as your trip planner.Kirsten WardmanKirsten Wardman - googleKnowledgeable
The best, most knowledgeable and most professional surf tour operators out there. Always a pleasure booking through them.
Giulio - googleIndependent
Staff from LUEX, especially Tim really professional, helpful and trustful guy.
Always good advises and best prices.
Totally reliable and recommendable as travel agency…Marc Piwko - googleExcellent
Booked two surf trips to the maldives with them and excellent process throughout. Excellent communication and everything went really well, which in covid times is not easy. Definitely would 100% recommend to anyone.
Albert Ollé - googleKnowledgeable
Martin at LUEX got us set up for a great family surf trip to the Maldives. Appreciated his expertise of the area and service was good overall.
Kevin Wilson - trustpilotIndependent
If in doubt - DO IT
Booked 2 Maldives trips with them now and both were excellent: honest information about locations and always at hand to help. Would highly recommend.Lisa Adams - googleExcellent
We had an awesome trip to the maledives and everything was organised perfectly by LUEX!
Jakob Hoffmanns - googleKnowledgeable
LUEX is great at planning your dream surftrip! Good communication, attention with the custumer, fair price and knowledge to provide what you are looking for. Super reccomend!
Rodrigo de Geus Cervi - trustpilotExcellent
Maldives boat trip
Amazing company. Nothing was too much trouble for LUEX and in particular Martin during these tricky travel times. Boat trip was truly memorable, with superb boat/crew/food and some great waves:)Scott Wayman - trustpilotExcellent
We only had to think about our flights (which he offered himself to help us too) and we were set to a perfect surf trip. I can’t imagine organizing a surf trip without LUEX next time.
Read moretrustpilotExcellentWe had the trip of our lives. Since day 1 Ignacio was so helpful and the organization was perfect. We only had to think about our flights (which he offered himself to help us too) and we were set to a perfect surf trip. I can’t imagine organizing a surf trip without LUEX next time.
Nicolas AllendeNicolas Allende - trustpilotExcellent
What a fantastic trip I had!
Thanks so much to Tim and the entire LUEX crew to seriously go above and beyond to make my trip to the Maldives all that more special. Your prompt communication, attention to detail AND patience was much appreciated.Read moretrustpilotExcellentWhat a fantastic trip I had!
Thanks so much to Tim and the entire LUEX crew to seriously go above and beyond to make my trip to the Maldives all that more special. Your prompt communication, attention to detail AND patience was much appreciated. I always wanted to go surf in the Maldives, but I had no idea A, where to go, and B, where to stay. Tim was kind enough to exchange probably close to 30 emails, taking the time to discuss every single option that was available that matched my budget and preferences. I honestly never had a better customer experience and thought I was in good hands throughout the booking process. Everything lined up perfectly, and I had ten unforgettable days in paradise, surrounded by good people and pumping waves. Again, thanks so much for all your efforts. I'm already planning my next trip and you, Tim, are the first person I will contact.Bryce CBryce C - trustpilotExcellent
We will be back!
My wife and I booked through many adventure companies already in the past, but the dedication, support and expertise of LUEX are outstanding. We just booked a trip to the Maldives and have been incredibly happy with all the support and advice we got.Read moretrustpilotExcellentWe will be back!
My wife and I booked through many adventure companies already in the past, but the dedication, support and expertise of LUEX are outstanding. We just booked a trip to the Maldives and have been incredibly happy with all the support and advice we got. We have never been as far from home and had many questions and concerns that were addressed very timely. They even sent us photos, videos and maps as well as their own experience, which was extremely helpful. We are very excited about our trip and will be back for our next holiday for sure. Thanks so much!Logan MeyersLogan Meyers - googleExcellent
Great service! I would always recommend again to book with luex! Especially Martin is really good in finding great deals!
Lauritz Loske - googleRemote and unique
I've been on two great backcountry ski trips arranged through LUEX in far flung corners of the planet! Great advice, competitive prices and a very professional, personalised service.
Martin Watton - googleBespoke high-end trips
Great service and top of the line surfing trips
Ori Burshtine - googleCrafted for ultimate satisfaction
Ignacio at LUEX was instrumental in helping us design the most epic surf trip ever. He responded quickly to emails, gave excellent insider advice on surfing details and accommodation and was patient and flexible with our booking during the Covid epidemic.
Read moregoogleCrafted for ultimate satisfactionIgnacio at LUEX was instrumental in helping us design the most epic surf trip ever. He responded quickly to emails, gave excellent insider advice on surfing details and accommodation and was patient and flexible with our booking during the Covid epidemic.
Honestly, it was the best surf trip that our family has ever had. Still glowing in the aftermath of our 2 magical months spent surfing in Indo.
We will definitely book again with LUEX for our next surf trip to the Maldives or Indo.
I highly recommend Ignacio as your trip planner.Kirsten WardmanKirsten Wardman - googleRemote and unique
Martin and the guys at LUEX are extremely knowledgeable, attentive, responsive and have contacts with the coolest places in the best surfing spots across the globe. I have been using them for a long time and plan on keeping doing that for my surfing trips to come!
Ugo Vitali - googleBespoke high-end trips
Amazing service! The product offering and the service from LUEX reps is outstanding. Nacho made sure of having every detail figured out so we could just focus on relaxing and enjoying our holidays! Will book a trip again for sure, hopefully soon!
Nicolas Roemmers - trustpilotCrafted for ultimate satisfaction
Perfect service!!
I wanted to book a surf camp to learn surfing and had no idea where to go. The web offers trillion of camps and I didn’t know which to book. Giulia from LUEX was fantastic and helped me find the right place.Read moretrustpilotCrafted for ultimate satisfactionPerfect service!!
I wanted to book a surf camp to learn surfing and had no idea where to go. The web offers trillion of camps and I didn’t know which to book. Giulia from LUEX was fantastic and helped me find the right place. Had a great time and will definitely come back to LUEX to book my next surf trip.Moe SaidMoe Said - trustpilotRemote and unique
Always the best experience to book with LUEX. They are fast to answer, knowledgeable, and they just have a lot options to choose from. Just smooth.
DerBoss Persönlich - trustpilotBespoke high-end trips
after some surf trips in the past i trusted the guys from luex to arrange a heli boarding trip in bc (coastal range) and i had an amazing experience- what makes the difference is that luex will analyse your profil/skills and try to find the best options for you
Read moretrustpilotBespoke high-end tripsamazing company/crew
after some surf trips in the past i trusted the guys from luex to arrange a heli boarding trip in bc (coastal range) and i had an amazing experience- what makes the difference is that luex will analyse your profil/skills and try to find the best options for you- they know all the areas and operators first hand because they share your passion- i am looking forward to my next heli trip 1.week of march- gregory / luxemburgGregor OttGregor Ott - trustpilotCrafted for ultimate satisfaction
This was the best finding ever. They are knowledge and personal, and get out of their way to solve and get a solution for you. I will book again with them for sure, as I trust their recommendation.
Read moretrustpilotCrafted for ultimate satisfactionThis was the best finding ever. They are knowledge and personal, and get out of their way to solve and get a solution for you. I will book again with them for sure, as I trust their recommendation. James particularly has been very accommodating with last minute trip changes and couldn’t be more grateful. Super recommended!
Jerusa MouraJerusa Moura - trustpilotRemote and unique
I've booked several trips through LUEX already and they always deliver! I've been to Sri Lanka and Indonesia, both on land and doing life aboard and I've had some of the best trips of my life
Read moretrustpilotRemote and uniqueLUEX always delivers!
I've booked several trips through LUEX already and they always deliver! I've been to Sri Lanka and Indonesia, both on land and doing life aboard and I've had some of the best trips of my life. Last trip was for my honeymoon in the Ments. Nacho made sure to have all details figured out so we could just kick back and enjoy our trip! Thanks guys!Nicolas RoemmersNicolas Roemmers - trustpilotBespoke high-end trips
Awesome experience!
My husband had a awesome trip on a helicopter snowboarding trip to Canada. Martin was super awesome getting us a great deal and finding a wonderful group for my husband to join as he was traveling alone.Cynthia Palmer Dean - trustpilotCrafted for ultimate satisfaction
The LUEX crew are a bunch of absolute legends. (...) All the usual sweaty, stressful logistics of tropical surf travel were eliminated so all me and my buddies had to do was relax and enjoy.
Read moretrustpilotCrafted for ultimate satisfactionThe LUEX crew are a bunch of absolute legends. Every minute facet of my recent trip to Niyama Resort in the Maldives was seamlessly organised by Tim and the team. All the usual sweaty, stressful logistics of tropical surf travel were eliminated so all me and my buddies had to do was relax and enjoy. They even turned the wind offshore and cranked the swell period to 15s in time for our arrival haha now that's service! Can't wait for the next one, thanks guys and speak soon :)
Maxwell RocheMaxwell Roche - googleCrafted for ultimate satisfaction
I've been travelling under LUEX advise for 3 years now, and I intend to keep doing it. I had so far 2 different trips to Bali, one alone and other in a group - both were amazing! Now planning Nicarágua. So far all for surfing trips on beginner and intermediate level.
Read moregoogleCrafted for ultimate satisfactionI've been travelling under LUEX advise for 3 years now, and I intend to keep doing it. I had so far 2 different trips to Bali, one alone and other in a group - both were amazing! Now planning Nicarágua. So far all for surfing trips on beginner and intermediate level. I really like how the process goes super clear and flexible. The agents are really helpful and have your experience at the top of their minds, advising you on seasons, where to go according to your budget, etc. It's a quite simple and pleasurable experience, you just need to think of surfing :) Thank you James and Ignacio particulary (who are actually surfers and I follow on Insta) =)
Ana LopesAna Lopes - trustpilotConvenience with a Personal Touch
You can trust these guys. Really trust them.
I've been working with LUEX for several years now and they always deliver. (...) The site is flexible and adapts, allowing you to manage payments in the most appropriate way.Read moretrustpilotConvenience with a Personal TouchYou can trust these guys. Really trust them.
I've been working with LUEX for several years now and they always deliver. Good on giving advice and suggesting alternatives or add ons that add real value to my surf trips. The site is flexible and adapts, allowing you to manage payments in the most appropriate way.João SilvaJoão Silva - googleGreat Availability
Quick response rate (usually same day), really nice guys and no matter what issues you have, they can support you and take care of you. Sometimes they can work out even better deals than you find on the internet.
Read moregoogleGreat AvailabilityThank You Martin, Ignacio and Giulia! Outstanding customer Service, best prices and super experience!
I have booked for the 2nd time with LUEX and I can 100% recommend these guys. They are just nice, they have visit all the places they recommend by themselves and they just take care of your whole trip!
The two bookings I made was for surfing Maldives. Its not easy to find out how the waves are in the Maldives and which resort is best for your needs and have the best swells at certain times. Martin and his team have visit all the places they recommend many times, so they definitely know how it is on site and what to look for. This makes a huge different to many other agency's out there who just recommend stuff on average ratings or best commission fee.
price:
they can match up any price you'll find in the internet, so you won't pay extra for the service even though you should. So why not take advantage of the great service they offer.
Service:
Quick response rate (usually same day), really nice guys and no matter what issues you have, they can support you and take care of you. Sometimes they can work out even better deals than you find on the internet.
I will defiantly come back here next year for more surf trips and also big mountain skiing
See you in the water :)Alexander KauffmannAlexander Kauffmann - googleSafe and Secure Bookings
... And then COVID hit!
Ignacio at LUEX was an absolute lifesaver and legend, as he worked with the relevant stakeholders to keep postponing and prolonging our booking until we were able to actually get on a flight and go!Read moregoogleSafe and Secure BookingsI had initially booked a trip through LUEX to the Mentawai's for my partner's birthday 3 years back... And then COVID hit!
Ignacio at LUEX was an absolute lifesaver and legend, as he worked with the relevant stakeholders to keep postponing and prolonging our booking until we were able to actually get on a flight and go! We had the most magical time as the first group of guests allowed back on the Aloita island and could not have had a more memorable and remarkable trip! We made lifelong friends, ate the most delicious food and of course, had the most amazing swells! Thank you Ignacio.Jana ZafirovskaJana Zafirovska - googleBest Price Guarantee
LUEX is great at planning your dream surftrip! Good communication, attention with the custumer, fair price and knowledge to provide what you are looking for. Super reccomend!
Rodrigo de Geus Cervi - googleConvenience with a Personal Touch
Booked two surf trips to the maldives with them and excellent process throughout. Excellent communication and everything went really well, which in covid times is not easy. Definitely would 100% recommend to anyone.
Albert Ollé - googleGreat Availability
Top service! Super guidance and prompt answers plus very friendly contact. I would absolutely recommend the service of Lineupexplorers!
Gregor Hausammann - googleSafe and Secure Bookings
Only 1 week before a highly anticipated, fully paid, dream trip to the Maldives, we found out we were expecting twins, and wouldn’t be able to go on that trip. LUEX went above and beyond to ensure we wouldn’t lose the rights to the trip, which we were able to take 1,5 years later.
Read moregoogleSafe and Secure BookingsWe’ve been using LUEX for yearly surf trips for over 7 years ...(and that already tells you something!). Three years ago, only 1 week before a highly anticipated, fully paid, dream trip to the Maldives, we found out we were expecting twins, and wouldn’t be able to go on that trip. LUEX went above and beyond to ensure we wouldn’t lose the rights to the trip, which we were able to take 1,5 years later. We’ve always had an excellent experience with LUEX, but this episode far exceeded our expectations. Needless to say, we’ve continued booking our trips with LUEX, and highly recommended them to anyone looking for a great costumer service. LUEX - You guys rock!!!!
Joana AntunesJoana Antunes - googleBest Price Guarantee
I've been on two great backcountry ski trips arranged through LUEX in far flung corners of the planet! Great advice, competitive prices and a very professional, personalised service.
Martin Watton - googleConvenience with a Personal Touch
Super quick, detailed information and smooth booking.
Malte Wigger - googleGreat Availability
Always the best experience to book with LUEX. They are fast to answer, knowledgeable, and they just have a lot options to choose from. Just smooth.
surfing kiel - trustpilotBest Price Guarantee
I have always had the best experience with LUEX and I would never look elsewhere! They are amazing through the whole process and get you the best rates.
Read moretrustpilotBest Price GuaranteeI have always had the best experience with LUEX and I would never look elsewhere! They are amazing through the whole process and get you the best rates. I have worked with Giulia Manfrini on booking my trip to Fiji and Ignacio (Nacho) Echandi for Mentawais. Both are amazing and you can trust that they will do an amazing job. Look not further when you are booking your epic surf trips. LUEX gets the job done!
Kento TamakiKento Tamaki - googleConvenience with a Personal Touch
Fast, friendly and customized service! Highly recommended
Gustavo Thibau - googleGreat Availability
All the information I needed were clarified for me many times, since basics information about the Hotels as well as information of the waves, seasons, etc... the answers got back to me very quickly and Giulia (Agent) was very helpful.
Read moregoogleGreat AvailabilityI used LUEX for two times '18 and '19, I had very good impressions, all the information I needed were clarified for me many times, since basics information about the Hotels as well as information of the waves, seasons, etc... the answers got back to me very quickly and Giulia (Agent) was very helpful. I look forward plan my next trip soon with them.
JorgeJorge - trustpilotBest Price Guarantee
We had excellent customer service in April to plan our surf holiday with toddler in tow! Despite my hundreds of questions and deliberations Martin was patient and gave honest great advice, he also price matched and we got a great holiday. Would definitely book with them again.
Abi - trustpilotConvenience with a Personal Touch
Trip to the Maledives with LUEX. We booked a perfect trip via LUEX to the Maledives and everything went without any problems!
Jakob Hoffmanns - googleGreat Availability
We planned this trip prior to Covid and were forced to postpone it a few times. Ignacio was available at all times to help navigate the extensions and answered all our concerns promptly.
Read moregoogleGreat AvailabilityThank you Ignacio and the LUEX team in all your help coordinating my family trip to Fiji .
We planned this trip prior to Covid and were forced to postpone it a few times. Ignacio was available at all times to help navigate the extensions and answered all our concerns promptly. We have been in contact for well over a year and he never dropped the ball once. We are finally on our way this August!!
Can’t wait . Thank you Ignacio for all your help.
And their pricing is amazing as well.Alex GaluzAlex Galuz - trustpilotConvenience with a Personal Touch
The best choice ever!
Thanks to LUEX for making our surf trip in Maldives on March 2020 amazing. All booking process was excellent, Giulia was GREAT and helped us in every single moment!
We will definitely use LUEX for our next surf trips.
Thank you!Sanda - trustpilotGreat Availability
They are super friendly, have fast support to answer all questions/concerns, flexible and have competitive prices.
Read moretrustpilotGreat AvailabilityLUEX is my go-to site for all surf trips
LUEX is my go-to site for ordering all my surf trips multiple times per year. They are super friendly, have fast support to answer all questions/concerns, flexible and have competitive prices. I hassle them all the time with questions for potential trips and they always happily answer! thank you guys!Amit KlatchkoAmit Klatchko - trustpilotConvenience with a Personal Touch
Having them organise numerous trips to the Maldives For my self and the group of guys I go with, there’s never a problem. Their payment portal is very easy to use and the agents on the islands are always helpful and knowledgeable. A great team
Read moretrustpilotConvenience with a Personal TouchThe best team for your trip
Having used tim and the team at LUEX for a number of years on 4 or 5 trips I can’t recommend them highly enough. Having them organise numerous trips to the Maldives For my self and the group of guys I go with, there’s never a problem. Their payment portal is very easy to use and the agents on the islands are always helpful and knowledgeable. A great teamMike BonurelliMike Bonurelli - trustpilotConvenience with a Personal Touch
Before the trip, I appreciated prompt responses and user friendly reservation procedure.
After my trip in Sri Lanka I can say all the suggestions were great.Read moretrustpilotConvenience with a Personal TouchSimply great
Perfect support for your vacation!
I received personalized recommendations about travel and surf spots!
Before the trip, I appreciated prompt responses and user friendly reservation procedure.
After my trip in Sri Lanka I can say all the suggestions were great.
Special thanks to James!IlariaIlaria
A taste of our expert advice right here
Suitable for all levels - Best for beginner-intermediates with more mellow, playful waves. Perfect for beginners or best for longboarders or people who place low crowds above all else.
Great selection of high-end resorts and a few options for surf charter explorer trips up north.
A great option for families and non-surfing partners, especially at resorts in the area. Kid-friendly and plenty of activities in and out of the water available. On surf charters options are more limited
Domestic Flight (And possibly then a Speedboat to your resort) or Direct Seaplane from Malé. Longer Boat Charter Crossings are also possible without the need to fly (Minimum 12-14 nights)
Some of our favorite waves in the Northern AtollsFind more waves and detail information in our Maldives Wave Guide
- Northern AtollsKakuni Rights / Marco Polo
A well-kept secret for so many years, Kakuni Rights might not be as consistent as other spots further south, but if you hit it when the conditions are right, the hard barreling righthander is absolutely perfect.
Show moreNorthern AtollsKakuni Rights / Marco PoloA well-kept secret for so many years, Kakuni Rights might not be as consistent as other spots further south, but if you hit it when the conditions are right, the hard barreling righthander is absolutely perfect. The wave wraps around a deeper shelf of reef and starts with a mellow-ish takeoff, followed by a fast and hollow barrel section over shallow reef. It's a bottom turn-stall-race kind of scenario, so speed is key - Don't hesitate! Very remote and only accessible by boat!
ReefbreakRighthandW - NWAdvancedS - WMarch to OctoberReefbreakRighthandW - NWAdvancedS - WMarch to October - Northern AtollsDhravandhoo Right
As the name suggests, this is a pretty epic righthander when it's on and probably the heaviest wave in the Northern Atolls. It has a pretty small swell window which makes the break pretty fickle and unpredictable.
Show moreNorthern AtollsDhravandhoo RightAs the name suggests, this is a pretty epic righthander when it's on and probably the heaviest wave in the Northern Atolls. It has a pretty small swell window which makes the break pretty fickle and unpredictable. Works best in a medium tide with variable W - NE wind and a strong SSE push. Even though Dharavandhoo right is close to the Atolls airport, it's a pretty remote set up, so make sure your captain knows where he is going.
ReefbreakRighthandW - NWAdvancedS - EMarch to OctoberReefbreakRighthandW - NWAdvancedS - EMarch to October - Northern AtollsSoneva House Reef
Just out front of Sonevafushi Resort, this wave has a little bit of a temper. It’s fickle and you need to have a little bit of luck on your side to score, but with a big southeast swell, Soneva Reef is on fire.
Show moreNorthern AtollsSoneva House ReefJust out front of Sonevafushi Resort, this wave has a little bit of a temper. It’s fickle and you need to have a little bit of luck on your side to score, but with a big southeast swell, Soneva Reef is on fire. It’s a pretty friendly righthander with an easy take-off but it gets super shallow through the inside, so make sure you keep your head straight and watch where you’re going. Not the most powerful in the region, but with size, it’s super rippable for shortboarders.
ReefbreakRighthandW - NWAdvancedSEMarch to OctoberReefbreakRighthandW - NWAdvancedSEMarch to October - Northern AtollsBats
A solid A-frame that works in all sorts of conditions. Either way you wanna go, with a straight W swell the wave turns into a barreling machine. Bats is mechanical which makes it easier to navigate the zippy and hollow mid-section.
Show moreNorthern AtollsBatsA solid A-frame that works in all sorts of conditions. Either way you wanna go, with a straight W swell the wave turns into a barreling machine. Bats is mechanical which makes it easier to navigate the zippy and hollow mid-section. It’s one of the more powerful waves in the region as the swell traverses through a narrow channel out from the open ocean before hitting the shallow-ish reef bank. Ya need some skills to get the most out of the steep and heavy take-off, but on the right days, it’s perfection!
A-FrameW - NWAdvancedSW - NWMarch to OctoberA-FrameW - NWAdvancedSW - NWMarch to October - Northern AtollsDrumsticks
One word. Worldclass! Drumsticks well and truly turns into a perfect barreling lefthander in the right conditions. It’s long. It’s fast. It barrels. It has all the attributes of a world class wave without being too heavy.
Show moreNorthern AtollsDrumsticksOne word. Worldclass! Drumsticks well and truly turns into a perfect barreling lefthander in the right conditions. It’s long. It’s fast. It barrels. It has all the attributes of a world class wave without being too heavy. It has a pretty easy take-off that fades into a rippable bowl before the wave bottoms out through the inside for a classic, pristine Maldivian barrel. It has a smaller swell window than other waves around, and needs a South - Southwest to really start working.
ReefbreakLefthandW - NWIntermediate - ProS - WMarch to OctoberReefbreakLefthandW - NWIntermediate - ProS - WMarch to October - Northern AtollsSnakes
The Northern Atoll’s response to a wave pool! Snakes is a lot of fun with a perfect reef formation to support that claim. The wave never gets too big or too heavy and hardly ever closes out. It essentially has 3 sections
Show moreNorthern AtollsSnakesThe Northern Atoll’s response to a wave pool! Snakes is a lot of fun with a perfect reef formation to support that claim. The wave never gets too big or too heavy and hardly ever closes out. It essentially has 3 sections. The mellow take-off is perfect for longboarders to cruise down the face before the reef wraps around, producing slightly steeper, faster and more rippable walls. In smaller conditions it’s a safe haven for beginners and intermediates as it breaks in deep water. With a good Westerly push, Drumsticks turns on the high performance mode perfect for more comfortable punters to shred away.
It can get a little fickle due to its location. Too much South in the swell can create longer waiting periods, making the whole experience a little inconsistent. Nonetheless, this wave pumps when the conditions are on.
ReefbreakRighthandW - NWAdvancedS - WMarch to OctoberReefbreakRighthandW - NWAdvancedS - WMarch to October - Northern AtollsDhakendhoo
Dhakendhoo Corner is a solid option when everywhere else seems to be too small. It always has a little wave as the swell travels through a narrow reef passage before hitting the reef.
Show moreNorthern AtollsDhakendhooDhakendhoo Corner is a solid option when everywhere else seems to be too small. It always has a little wave as the swell travels through a narrow reef passage before hitting the reef. It breaks directly off Dhakendhoo, an inhabited island, with a perfectly deep reef set up. It’s an A-frame wave cooking up something for everyone. The right is fast and rippable, while the left is mellow and cruisy. A lot of fun when nothing else seems to work.
A-FrameW - NWBeginner - AdvancedSWMarch to OctoberA-FrameW - NWBeginner - AdvancedSWMarch to October
The country's last kept secret isn't really on the map of conventional surf travelers and traveling by surf charter with an experienced captain is essential, as a lot of the waves are only accessible by boat.
Something that might surprise you, but the reef setups in the Northern Atolls are sharp, rocky and uneven. Definitely, something to keep in mind, when you pack your bags, as booties might be coming in handy at some point.
Five Reasons For The Perfect Maldives Vacation In The Northern Atolls
- 01Wavepark means elevated travels
01
Wavepark means elevated travelsThe appeal of grabbing a slice of surfing bliss coupled with luxury living draws surfers from all over the world to the Maldives’ best-kept secret. The Northern Atolls first made it on people’s radar as a dive and honeymoon destination which lead to some of the most exclusive hotel chains set up shop in the far north.
We don’t complain, as some of our favorite partners offer the best of both worlds, tempting couples with once-in-a-lifetime holiday experiences while also cater to the hungry salty warriors with surf programs and guiding.
Surfers of every description from solo travelers through to couples and families. The Northern Atolls are the closest you can get to paradise offering something for everyone.
- 02Longboarders might just be in heaven
02
Longboarders might just be in heavenAlthough the Northern Atolls aren’t short on rippable waves, the long, peeling walls are right on the money. Whatever you prefer, lefts, rights, A-frames, your 9ft+ is going to feel right at home. The reef setups are perfect. Shallow. But perfect to produce peeling walls, never too fast, never too slow, to elevate your high-performance longboarding game.
- 03Worldclass IF you time it right
03
Worldclass IF you time it rightWe can’t stress this enough. The waves can truly get world-class with all the perks you might be used to in North Male or the Southern Atolls, but you have to time it right. The biggest misconception
About the Northern Atolls is that it’s inconsistent, or worse, that there are no waves. But the truth is way less bleak. Sure, they might never get a 5star rating like some of North Male waves do, but they can definitely hold their own during the region’s surf season. It gets good! It even gets occasionally worldclass. Period.
- 04Truly uncrowded waves
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Truly uncrowded wavesIf you want to surf alone, the North Atolls are for you. Running into big hordes of hungry surf travelers rarely ever happens because A, not many boats make the trip up north, and B, only a few resorts cater to surfers.
Pick the small-ish swell window right and the Northern atolls will reward you in true Maldivian fashion, meaning plenty of pristine barrels with no one else around.
- 05Besides surfing your brains out there are plenty of alternatives in the Northern Atolls
05
Besides surfing your brains out there are plenty of alternatives in the Northern AtollsLazing around in hammocks and on sun decks and/or surfing from dawn 'til dusk is the only aim of many, which is of course totally okay. However, once the sun goes down or if you fancy a break from the wave-riding bliss then there is plenty to keep you entertained. Snorkeling, diving, fishing and dolphin watching trips are all on the menu along with a diverse range of facilities and services or you can simply play at being Robinson Crusoe – ocean gazing or wandering along spectacularly beautiful beaches.
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