North Male South Male

Northern Atolls

When people think about surfing in the Maldives, they think about the Male Atolls. Although a lot has changed since the Male Atolls were originally “discovered” by shipwrecked surfers in the 1970s, the waves continue to remain the same—pure and beautiful. Having hosted several international and professional contests, the once secret Northern Atolls have emerged as an integral part of the international surf scene, as well as the hub of the growing Maldives surf scene.

The Northern Atolls are divided between the North Male Atoll and the South Male Atoll, both offering a pretty even mix of lefts and rights, with some of the standout and more internationally known breaks including Pasta Point, Chickens, Coke’s, Jailbreaks, Sultans, Ninjas and Lohi’s in the north, and Foxy’s, Guru’s, and Riptides in the south. Although hardly ever flat, the waves are best in the spring and summer when it typically ranges between two to eight feet, with the largest surf coming through in late summer.

While the North Male Atoll is in contention for having the best waves in the Maldives, it unquestionably hosts the most popular spots, and definitely provides the longest rides, with both lefts and rights regularly stretching over 100 meters. However, South Male Atoll is closer to Hulhumale airport than the North Male Atoll, and doesn’t get nearly as crowded. While many boat trips and surf charters stay in the North Male Atoll, Surfatoll hits all the spots in the Northern Atolls.

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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  
Quarter Right SW intermediate SE

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Chickens Left NW Advanced SE

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Cokes Right SW Advanced SE

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Lohis Left NE Medium SE

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Ninjas Right SW Beginners SE

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Pasta Point Left NE Medium SE

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Sultans Right SW Medium SE

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Honky's Left NE Advanced SE

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Jailbreak Right SW Medium SE

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Towns Right W - SW Medium SE

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Gurus Left NE Medium SE

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Twin Peaks Left NE medium SE

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Natives Right W - SW Advanced SE

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Riptides Right W - SW Medium SE

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