Central Atolls

The central atolls may not be as well-known or as frequented as the North or South Male Atolls, but Thaa and Laamu Atolls in the central region have been increasing in popularity as surfers look to escape the northern crowds. Although the central atolls don’t get the same kind of size as the Male Atolls, its breaks continue the Maldivian tradition of providing consistent surf and pristine barrels. Medium-sized waves are as abundant and perfect as you could ask for. Some of the stand-out spots at Thaa Atoll include Malik’s, Finnimas, Outside Mikado, and Inside Mikado. Laamu Atoll has a few better known spots including Ying Yang, Refugee’s Lefts, and Refugee’s Rights. Most of these waves are fast and sectiony, with the kind of speedy barrels that force you to burn down the line trying to make the section. Not for the faint of heart, the waves of the central atolls are still accessible to the more intermediate surfer.

Some of the spots need specific conditions to really light up (basically a strong southerly swell and an optimal wind direction), but when those conditions are met, there is nowhere else you would rather surf—a feeling only further accentuated by the idyllic setting and solitary surroundings. If you do plan a surf trip here it will have to be a boat trip, because surf charters are the only way to access this region’s breaks.

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Breaks

Below are the different surf breaks in each region

Break name Left / Right Best wind Ability level Best swell Five star rating  
Vodi Left NE Intermediate SW

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Kasabu Right NW Beginner SW

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Muli Right W - SW Intermediate SE

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Bowling Alley Left E Medium SW

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Malik's Left E Medium SW

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Outside Mikado Right N Advanced SW

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Inside Mikado Right SW Medium SW

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Finnimas Left NE Medium SW

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Machine Right SW Medium S-SE

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Refugee's Rights Right W Professional SW - SE

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Refugee's Lefts Left W Advanced SW

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Bedhuge Right W Professional SE

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Ying Yang Right W Advanced SW - SE

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Hocus Pocus Right W Advanced SW

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