Maldives Wave: Jailbreak

Northern atolls

North Male South Male Jailbreak

Jailbreak

Jailbreak was off-limits for years due to its location, churning out pristine right-handed barrels for hundreds of meters that only the daring risked trespassing to surf.  Those few locals who surfed Jailbreaks said there was one key to avoid getting caught—drop in deep from the takeoff and stay covered up.  The rights were so hollow and lined up that they could hide under the lip while they passed in front of the Maldives National Jail and kick out to open waters every time.

Today, there’s no need to trespass; Surfatoll offers surf charters that take you right up to Jailbreak and get you shacked…legally.  Located in North Male Atoll, this is an exposed reef break with consistent surf throughout each swell with the best waves during spring and into late summer.  Expect the largest waves at Jailbreaks during June, July, and August when conditions are consistently offshore and the dominant swell direction is south-southeast (SSE).

During spring and summer you can expect waves in the waist high to a couple feet overhead range (2 to 8 feet), though late summer swells typically bring larger surf.  The reef at Jailbreaks offers up a variety of waves depending on where you set your takeoff point, ranging from open and mellow walls you can hack and slash your way down to hollow barrels with a respectable lip.  The popular takeoff spot is steep and fast but sets you up for the perfect right.  Though the wave stays good all day long here, the best waves will be had on a rising tide with a 6 to 8 foot swell.

You can return to the main page for the Northern, Central, or Southern Atolls by clicking the buttons on the right. Or you can navigate to any of the breaks within the Northern Atoll region by clicking on the break name below. If you have any questions regarding regions and waves, what is included on the surf trip, or any other questions regarding the maldives surfing experience, please visit our FAQ page or contact us.

  • Right Direction
  • SW Direction Best Wind
  • M Medium Skill Level
  • SE Best Swell
  • Rating
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Breaks

Below are the different surf breaks in each Atoll regions

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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