Central Atolls : very few regular boats cruising in that vast zone!
Starting from an Oxbow Trip in 2004 produced for Oxbow, Maldivesurf was launched right after those spots were discovered. Now, very few boats cruise the Centrals on our ‘itinerary trip’ system: Malé to Laamu atoll or Laamu atoll to Malé. On a 10 day trip, groups usually interact 2 or 3 sessions with another boat. The crowd factor remains fairly low, lower than Gaafu DFhaalu (south) and way lower than North Male Atoll. Most fo the time, you surf with the guys onboard.
The surf : mostly rights hardly ever too big or small
In the Centrals, the typical wave is a long right averaging 2-6ft. After more than 60 trips, we have listed 15 potential spots (5 major) located on 5 different atolls. Count 5 lefts for 10 rights and because of predominant winds, expect 40%lefts / 60% rights in the dry season (March-April) and 20% /80% the rest of the season. Those who prefer ultra-clean waves with sunny weather and ideal cruising conditions, best is to come before early May.
Spots are fairly shallow but coral bottoms are mainly flat and not dangerous if you don’t dive head first. Each SW monsoon season gets a handful of 8-10ft conditions, most of the surf being then 4-6ft (while 2-6ft in the dry season). The SW monsoon experiences heaps of thunderstorms with 2-3 hours per day being pretty unpleasant. But generally speaking, it’s always warm, there is always enough sunshine to burn your skin despite overcast skies. Monsoon winds are moderate (unlike tradewinds) and very irregular.
Surf North Malé atoll booking a cabin on Ocean Explorer
For those who can't commit to a group much time in advance and need a guaranteed departure even a few days before flying to Malé, Ocean Explorer is the answer. Come and leave any time, any date.
TRIP INFODates : from May 1st to October 30th
Surf : North Malé atoll spots (see map) depending on surf conditions
Arrival, departure : any date, any time
Capacity : 8 cabins onboard for 16 surfers max + surfguide
Actually, there are rarely more than 10 surfers onboard, generally 4 to 8.
The owner is Andres Crespo, a spanish surfer who lives onboard, which helps a lot to adapt surfing sessions and spot choice.
Cost :
• Two beds aircon cabin to be shared : 80€ per day all-inclusive
• Single cabin with aircon : 140 euros per day all-inclusive
Only alcohols and soft drinks are not included
Airport transfer : to the boat by dhoni (2 to 3 hours) : 60 euros R/T
Booking conditions : 30% to secure a spot, 70% paid 30 days before departure.
BOAT INFOBoat capacity :
Surfers : 16 surfers max + surfguide
Crew : 5 persons
Specifications :
Built year : 2004, last refurbished in 2009
Length : 32m (105ft)
Width : 7,50m (25ft)
Cruising speed : 12 knots
Engine : Scania 420 Hp
Generators : 2 Soundprood Perkins
Electricity : 220V
Cabins :
8 rooms with double beds (small) and bunk beds (small and large)
Private toilet (with hot & cold water)
Air conditionning in all cabins and indoor spaces
Facilities on board :
1 Dingy with outboard engine
Shaded sundeck for boardbags
Stereo, Plasma TV, DVD, games, binoculars, mobile phone
Wide saloon, Bar
Boat capacity :
Surfers : 16 surfers max.
Crew : 5-6 people
Surfguide : Nahu or Yusree (Maldivian surfguides)
Specifications :
Built year : 2009
Length : 33m
Width : 9m
Cruising speed : 10-12 knots
Engine : Mitsubishi 360 Hp
Electricity : 110/220 V (two soundproof generators)
Cabins :
8 cabins with air conditionning
Large bathroom
Facilities on board :
2 dingies with 15Hp
Large lounge deck
Inside / outside dining tables
Shaded sundeck for boardbags / Chill out
Stereo, TV, DVD,games, mobile phone
Bar
WELCOME TO COKE'S CAMP!
It’s now possible to stay in a Guesthouse facing Coke’s surfspot on Thulusdhoo island. You can see the spots from some of the 12 rooms. Cola’s or Coke’s is a worldclass right, probably the most tubular wave in North Malé atoll, being well exposed to swells and winds. There is always surf there but S-SW winds can be side / onshore, W-NW is good / perfect. In summer (March-April and Oct-Nov to some extent), Coke’s is always 1ft bigger than Sultan’s, which makes it the greatest wave in North Malé at this period of the year.
On the other side of the pass, Chicken’s left stands a super playful wave, that can be ridden for 500m and as big as 8-10ft face. Theoretically, you could paddle across but best is to take a short dingy ride (10usd to be paid there). You can also ask the dingy to take you to other spots like Sultan’s and it’ll cost 30 US$ both ways.
Cost : 80€ per day.
That’s the most affordable land-based option in Maldives. Price includes :
Aircon room
3 meals a day
Local surf guide assistance (Niyaz)
Transfer to the camp
By dhoni : 3US$ per trip but beware with fixed schedules
Malé departute: 3 PM – Thulusdhoo arrival: 5 PM
Thulusdhoo departute: 7:30 AM – Malé arrival: 9 AM
Expect 45 min for transfers from airport to Malé (dhoni), then Malé to Thulsudhoo dhoni jetty (taxi pick up).
By speedboat : 60€ per trip (anytime, even night time)
To be booked ahead in advance, you can combine dhoni and speedboat.
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