A Complete Guide on Where to Stay and Surf. North Atolls. Thulusdhoo Island.

Hi everyone! It’s Lucia here, designer and founder of Ninefoot Studio. It’s been a while since our last surf guide, and I’m excited to share my experience from my recent surf trip to the Maldives in August 2024.

I primarily surf on a longboard but also enjoy mixing things up with a mid-length for spicier days. Most of my friends are shortboards, so having the flexibility to swap boards helps me join them on surf trips. For this Maldives adventure, I brought both my longboard and mid-length, which turned out to be one of the best decisions I made.

Now, let’s dive into the details of my trip—from the logistics of flying with boards to where I stayed and surfed, along with some helpful tips to make your Maldives surf trip as smooth as possible.

✈️ Flying from Bali to Malé (with a Longboard)

Flying with a longboard can be a challenge! I flew with Air Asia, and while they’re known for being flexible with board sizes, my board+ protection + boardbag was over 315 cm (10.3 ft)—well beyond their 278 cm (9.1 ft) max. I ended up packing both my longboard and mid-length in a big double board bag, which was incredibly heavy and cumbersome to carry through the airport.

Tip: pre-purchase any extra luggage allowance you’ll need. I paid an extra $140 for overweight baggage at the airport!

🗺️ Getting Set Up in the Maldives

Once I arrived in Malé, getting a local SIM OOREDOO card was easy (about $50). I recommend getting enough data if you need to stay connected for work, as I did. Internet quality was good; I was able to get work done and even watch movies. 

Currency: The Maldives uses its local currency, but many businesses prefer USD, so having some cash in dollars will make your life easier.

 🏝️ From Malé to Thulusdhoo

We didn’t opt for a charter boat or stay at a resort. Instead, we stayed on Thulusdhoo, a local island that had just hosted a surf competition the week before we arrived. Our accommodation host picked me up at the airport, and we took a fast boat to the island (about $25), followed by a truck ride to our lodging ($5). Thulusdhoo is one of the more well-known islands for surf in the Maldives, offering a mix of waves for all levels.

🏄‍♀️ Surfing in the Maldives: Surf Spots

 

Peak Surf Season: May–September

The best time to surf in the Maldives is during the peak season, from May to September. The shoulder season, a couple of months before May and after September, is also good, especially for longboarders looking for mellower waves.

We caught a big swell during our trip—the biggest of the year! The waves were solid, with some fun days in between. When the swell was over 1.2 meters (4 ft) to 1.5 meters (5 ft), I used my mid-length board. On smaller days (less than 1 meter or 3 ft), I pulled out the longboard and had a blast.

Coral Reefs

Be mindful of the reefs. The Maldives is famous for its vibrant marine life, but this also means surf spots are reef breaks. If you’re worried about stepping on sea urchins or the sharp reef, surf booties might be a good idea. The currents are strong, and walking on the reef can be painful if you get caught on the inside.

Sun Protection

The sun in the Maldives is no joke! Even though I’m used to tropical sun living in Indonesia, the sun here felt much stronger. Pack reef-friendly sunscreen, long sleeves, and a surf hat. Trust me, you’ll need it!

 

Surf Spots Around Thulusdhoo

If you're staying on Thulusdhoo, you have access to several surf spots by boat. Spots like Cokes, Chickens, and Baby Chickens are nearby, with boat rides costing around $10, while spots further out require organizing a group, with boat costs around $100 or $25 per person if you’re more than five people. The boat rides are great for meeting other surfers and making new friends—everyone we met was incredibly friendly, and we had a fantastic time.

Here’s a breakdown of the main waves in the area:

1. Cokes (Not for Longboards)

Cokes is the wave that hosts surf competitions on Thulusdhoo, and it’s named after an old Coca-Cola factory on the island. This is a fast, powerful wave with barrels—definitely not suitable for longboards. It’s more for experienced shortboarders, and the current can be gnarly. I paddled out one day to check it out, and it was intense!

2. Chickens (Great for Mid-Lengths)

Chickens is a clean, fun wave visible from Thulusdhoo. You need to take a boat from Thulusdhoo (about $10). It’s crowded but definitely worth it. I surfed it mostly with my mid-length board. On bigger days, the sets come in constantly, so if you’re riding something with a lot of volume, it might be challenging to get through the sections.

3. Baby Chickens (Longboard-Friendly Spot)

This spot is for beginners, but I gave it a try one day when I got caught on the inside at Chickens. It works during bigger swells when Chickens is too much to handle. The water here is incredibly clear and turquoise, but the wave itself wasn’t that great when I surfed it.

Surf spots a little far, you need to share a boat cost $100 de whole boat (4 people max) or $25 if you are more than 5 people

4. Ninja’s (Mid-Length Friendly/ longboard smaller days)

I’d heard this was a good longboard spot, but after trying it with a bigger swell, I’d say it’s better for mid-lengths. I had one of my best surfs here on a smaller day (about 1 meter or 3 ft), and the wave was super fun and manageable.

5. Jails/Jailbreaks

This spot is located near a jail, hence the name. It’s a fun mid-length wave with different sections, making it good for different levels of surfers. On smaller days, it’s perfect for longboards too.

6. Sultans

Sultans is a more powerful wave. I surfed here on a smaller day with my longboard, and it was really fun. However, when the swell picks up, be ready with a mid-length.

Other Activities and Tips for Thulusdhoo

Thulusdhoo is a local island, so alcohol isn’t available. If you want a drink, you can take a boat($10) to a nearby resort ($10 entrance fee) and the beer ($10) or join a party boat in the ocean (ask teh locals they will give you all the information). If you're fine with a low-key vibe, Thulusdhoo is perfect for early morning surf sessions and relaxation.

Snorkeling in the Maldives

The Maldives is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, making it a snorkeling paradise. Don’t miss the chance to explore the underwater world, where you can swim alongside colorful fish, majestic sea turtles, and even manta rays—an unforgettable experience that perfectly complements your surfing adventures!

 🥗 Food

Since everything in the Maldives is imported, prices can be higher. My go-to spots on Thulusdhoo were:

📍 The Sand Bar: Great salads, passion fruit juice, and brownies.

📍 Indulge: Vegetarian options and pizzas.

📍 Santa Rosa: Basic menu, but always open, even during prayer times.

📍 Bandaha: Great local food and generous portions.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely loved my trip to the Maldives. It was a week of pure surfing, snorkeling, and beach lounging, which was exactly what I needed. With clear turquoise waters, friendly locals, and amazing waves, it’s a trip I’ll never forget. We also took the opportunity to shoot some incredible photos around the island, as the locations with crystal-clear water were simply breathtaking. For surfers looking to escape to a tropical paradise, the Maldives is well worth the journey.