LUEX offers the most extensive and best selection of surf trips worldwide.
Provider independence and quality are our mission.
Our goal is that our customers can find the perfect surf trip, tailored to their needs, in one place.
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
Why Book with Us
Finest Selection of trips
Objective Expert Advice
All our experts are surfers and part of the lifestyle.
Our experts know the destinations/spots personally or are in close contact with local surfers or suppliers.
We are supplier-independent. We only offer trips that fit the needs of our customers.
Best Price Guarantee
We guarantee to beat any price on the market.
It is not cheaper to book directly with the supplier.
We do not charge a fee for our expert advice.
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Payment options for groups and instalments.
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You're talking to real people, not automated chats or bots.
We'll stand up for you when the going gets rough.
We are insiders and want you to enjoy the surf lifestyle as much as we do.
Agency DNA
Unbiased, independent, technology driven! We don't own, run or control any of the trips but rather connect travelers with operators/suppliers of once-in-a-lifetime sports travel experiences and products. Your trip - orchestrated according to your taste, budget, style and skill level and backed by our technology-driven booking services and support
Meet your Experts
Surfers for Surfers! What makes LUEX stand out from the crowd is our team’s competence and personal approach to YOU.
We all surf and understand YOUR Needs. Combined with our intimate knowledge of each Maldives Surf Trip we will find and tailor YOUR perfect Maldives Surf Holiday, whether it be in a resort, a camp or on a surf charter.
A taste of our expert advice right here
When is the best time to visit the Northern Atolls?
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.
Is this Atoll suitable for all levels? What type of waves can I expect 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.
Surf Boat Charter, Resort, or Camp - Which trips can I take in the Northern Atolls?
Great selection of high-end resorts and a few options for surf charter explorer trips up north.
Can I bring my family? What does the Northern Atolls offer for non-surfers?
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
How can I get to the Northern Atolls, will I need a domestic flight?
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 Atolls
Bats
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!
Dhravandhoo 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.
Dhakendhoo
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.
Kakuni 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.
Five Reasons For The Perfect Maldives Vacation In The Northern Atolls
01
Wavepark means elevated travels
The 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.
02
Longboarders might just be in heaven
Although 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.
03
Worldclass IF you time it right
We 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.
04
Truly uncrowded waves
If 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.
05
Besides surfing your brains out there are plenty of alternatives in the Northern Atolls
Lazing 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.
No restrictions
Residents of the following countries can enter without or just limited restrictions:
- Currently there is no data about countries in this group.
Some restrictions
Residents of the following countries can enter, but with specific protocols:
- Germany
Entry Restrictions in the Maldives
Tourist visa is granted for all nationalities on arrival to Maldives. As such, a foreigner travelling to Maldives as a tourist does not require pre-approval for the visa. However, the person must satisfy the basic entry requirements to get immigration clearance upon arrival.
The basic entry requirements are as follows;
A passport or a travel document with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) with at least 1 months validity.
A pre-paid hotel booking/accommodation for the entire stay.
Sufficient funds to last for the intended period of stay in Maldives.
Confirmed onward/return tickets to home country or to country of residence (not applicable for valid resident permit holders).
Entry facilities to their onward destinations; for example, the visa.
Traveller Health Declaration (THD) must be filled in and submitted by all travelers travelling to and from Maldives, within 24 hours prior to their travel. You may submit the form electronically via IMUGA.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable. Click here to check the Yellow Fever endemic countries.
COVID-19 negative PCR test result, attached while completing Traveler Health Declaration form (sample taken 96 hours prior to departure to Maldives, counting from the first port of embarkation en-route to the Maldives). Passengers who have transited for more than 24 hours must repeat the test.
Passengers could be subject to self-quarantine for 14 days. This does not apply to: passengers with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that they were fully vaccinated with AstraZeneca, Covishield, Janssen, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinopharm or Sputnik V at least 14 days before arrival.
The maximum number of days granted on arrival would be 30 days, unless agreed by any bilateral means or treaty. This period of stay is not for the visitor to claim, but lies at the discretion of the Maldives Immigration to grant any number of days less than or equal to 30.
The period of stay granted is shown on the endorsement in the passport. Visitors are advised to check their passport for the arrival endorsement and take note of the number of days granted to stay in Maldives. Once arrived as a tourist, the visitor is not permitted to engage in any form of business, occupation, profession or paid employment while in Maldives.
Categories like; social visitors, friends, family visitors or media and business visitors, who are not considered as genuine tourists, are highly advised to declare sponsorship prior to their arrivals (if applicable), in order to facilitate the flow of passage.
Passengers arriving from or who have been in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe in the past 14 days are not allowed to enter.
All travelers are also reminded that it is a punishable offence to overstay in Maldives beyond the number of days given.
Updated on January 25th, 2022
Germany - Maldives Trip Specific Restrictions
No quarantine required when entering The Maldives.
Unvaccinated passengers returning from the Maldives will need to quarantine for 10 days upon entering Germany. Fully vaccinated passengers with approved vaccination certificates do not need to quarantine.
- United Kingdom
Entry Restrictions in the Maldives
Tourist visa is granted for all nationalities on arrival to Maldives. As such, a foreigner travelling to Maldives as a tourist does not require pre-approval for the visa. However, the person must satisfy the basic entry requirements to get immigration clearance upon arrival.
The basic entry requirements are as follows;
A passport or a travel document with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) with at least 1 months validity.
A pre-paid hotel booking/accommodation for the entire stay.
Sufficient funds to last for the intended period of stay in Maldives.
Confirmed onward/return tickets to home country or to country of residence (not applicable for valid resident permit holders).
Entry facilities to their onward destinations; for example, the visa.
Traveller Health Declaration (THD) must be filled in and submitted by all travelers travelling to and from Maldives, within 24 hours prior to their travel. You may submit the form electronically via IMUGA.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable. Click here to check the Yellow Fever endemic countries.
COVID-19 negative PCR test result, attached while completing Traveler Health Declaration form (sample taken 96 hours prior to departure to Maldives, counting from the first port of embarkation en-route to the Maldives). Passengers who have transited for more than 24 hours must repeat the test.
Passengers could be subject to self-quarantine for 14 days. This does not apply to: passengers with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that they were fully vaccinated with AstraZeneca, Covishield, Janssen, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinopharm or Sputnik V at least 14 days before arrival.
The maximum number of days granted on arrival would be 30 days, unless agreed by any bilateral means or treaty. This period of stay is not for the visitor to claim, but lies at the discretion of the Maldives Immigration to grant any number of days less than or equal to 30.
The period of stay granted is shown on the endorsement in the passport. Visitors are advised to check their passport for the arrival endorsement and take note of the number of days granted to stay in Maldives. Once arrived as a tourist, the visitor is not permitted to engage in any form of business, occupation, profession or paid employment while in Maldives.
Categories like; social visitors, friends, family visitors or media and business visitors, who are not considered as genuine tourists, are highly advised to declare sponsorship prior to their arrivals (if applicable), in order to facilitate the flow of passage.
Passengers arriving from or who have been in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe in the past 14 days are not allowed to enter.
All travelers are also reminded that it is a punishable offence to overstay in Maldives beyond the number of days given.
Updated on January 25th, 2022
UK - Maldives Trip Specific Restrictions
Passengers entering from the UK do not need to quarantine..
Unvaccinated passengers returning home will have to quarantine at home for 10 days.
Vaccinated passengers do not need to quarantine.
- United States
Entry Restrictions in the Maldives
Tourist visa is granted for all nationalities on arrival to Maldives. As such, a foreigner travelling to Maldives as a tourist does not require pre-approval for the visa. However, the person must satisfy the basic entry requirements to get immigration clearance upon arrival.
The basic entry requirements are as follows;
A passport or a travel document with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) with at least 1 months validity.
A pre-paid hotel booking/accommodation for the entire stay.
Sufficient funds to last for the intended period of stay in Maldives.
Confirmed onward/return tickets to home country or to country of residence (not applicable for valid resident permit holders).
Entry facilities to their onward destinations; for example, the visa.
Traveller Health Declaration (THD) must be filled in and submitted by all travelers travelling to and from Maldives, within 24 hours prior to their travel. You may submit the form electronically via IMUGA.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable. Click here to check the Yellow Fever endemic countries.
COVID-19 negative PCR test result, attached while completing Traveler Health Declaration form (sample taken 96 hours prior to departure to Maldives, counting from the first port of embarkation en-route to the Maldives). Passengers who have transited for more than 24 hours must repeat the test.
Passengers could be subject to self-quarantine for 14 days. This does not apply to: passengers with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that they were fully vaccinated with AstraZeneca, Covishield, Janssen, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinopharm or Sputnik V at least 14 days before arrival.
The maximum number of days granted on arrival would be 30 days, unless agreed by any bilateral means or treaty. This period of stay is not for the visitor to claim, but lies at the discretion of the Maldives Immigration to grant any number of days less than or equal to 30.
The period of stay granted is shown on the endorsement in the passport. Visitors are advised to check their passport for the arrival endorsement and take note of the number of days granted to stay in Maldives. Once arrived as a tourist, the visitor is not permitted to engage in any form of business, occupation, profession or paid employment while in Maldives.
Categories like; social visitors, friends, family visitors or media and business visitors, who are not considered as genuine tourists, are highly advised to declare sponsorship prior to their arrivals (if applicable), in order to facilitate the flow of passage.
Passengers arriving from or who have been in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe in the past 14 days are not allowed to enter.
All travelers are also reminded that it is a punishable offence to overstay in Maldives beyond the number of days given.
Updated on January 25th, 2022
USA - Maldives Trip Specific Restrictions
- No quarantine required when entering The Maldives.
There is no quarantine required when returning home.
No travel allowed from these countries
Residents of the following countries are currently not allowed to enter:
- Australia
Entry Restrictions in the Maldives
Tourist visa is granted for all nationalities on arrival to Maldives. As such, a foreigner travelling to Maldives as a tourist does not require pre-approval for the visa. However, the person must satisfy the basic entry requirements to get immigration clearance upon arrival.
The basic entry requirements are as follows;
A passport or a travel document with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) with at least 1 months validity.
A pre-paid hotel booking/accommodation for the entire stay.
Sufficient funds to last for the intended period of stay in Maldives.
Confirmed onward/return tickets to home country or to country of residence (not applicable for valid resident permit holders).
Entry facilities to their onward destinations; for example, the visa.
Traveller Health Declaration (THD) must be filled in and submitted by all travelers travelling to and from Maldives, within 24 hours prior to their travel. You may submit the form electronically via IMUGA.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable. Click here to check the Yellow Fever endemic countries.
COVID-19 negative PCR test result, attached while completing Traveler Health Declaration form (sample taken 96 hours prior to departure to Maldives, counting from the first port of embarkation en-route to the Maldives). Passengers who have transited for more than 24 hours must repeat the test.
Passengers could be subject to self-quarantine for 14 days. This does not apply to: passengers with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that they were fully vaccinated with AstraZeneca, Covishield, Janssen, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinopharm or Sputnik V at least 14 days before arrival.
The maximum number of days granted on arrival would be 30 days, unless agreed by any bilateral means or treaty. This period of stay is not for the visitor to claim, but lies at the discretion of the Maldives Immigration to grant any number of days less than or equal to 30.
The period of stay granted is shown on the endorsement in the passport. Visitors are advised to check their passport for the arrival endorsement and take note of the number of days granted to stay in Maldives. Once arrived as a tourist, the visitor is not permitted to engage in any form of business, occupation, profession or paid employment while in Maldives.
Categories like; social visitors, friends, family visitors or media and business visitors, who are not considered as genuine tourists, are highly advised to declare sponsorship prior to their arrivals (if applicable), in order to facilitate the flow of passage.
Passengers arriving from or who have been in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe in the past 14 days are not allowed to enter.
All travelers are also reminded that it is a punishable offence to overstay in Maldives beyond the number of days given.
Updated on January 25th, 2022
Australia - Maldives Trip Specific Restrictions
People living in Australia are currently not able to travel overseas, unless granted an exemption. We'll keep you up-to-date as best as we can with the latest information and changes.
For more information please check our COVID-19 info page or visit the official website
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