Thaa and Laamu Atolls
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Positives
- Consistent in SW monsoon
- Long, wrapping reef waves
- World-class YinYang and Mikado
- Comfy safari boats, peaceful island villages
Negatives
- Lack of consistent lefts
- More cruising between spots
- Hardly ever big
- Expensive domestic flight
Thaa and Laamu Atolls surf travel guide
The Maldives are 26 flat coral atolls ringed with 1,200 islands, only a few of which are known for the quality of their surf. With an Indian Ocean swell window from direct E through S to W, Laamu atoll and Thaa atoll are fairly new central atoll surf zones with many high-quality reef pass setups. These two atolls alone present 150 islands and almost 650km of coastline to the frequent swell. The central atolls of the Maldives enjoy an abundance of medium-sized, perfect reefbreaks, the majority of which are righthanders. A settled and peaceful area of sparse population, access to the majority of these waves is by charter boat alone, despite planned resorts. Unlike other island chains, the expense and lower number of boats in this area of the Maldives keeps crowds managable. With waves such as Mikado and Yin Yang known for their pristine barrels, under the right conditions the central atolls are tropical perfection.
Surf spots in Thaa and Laamu Atolls
Research the 13 surf breaks in Thaa and Laamu Atolls and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 13 breaks in Thaa and Laamu Atolls.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Thaa and Laamu Atolls
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 1,484,000
- Population
- 540,544
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- MVR
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 12.800 MVR MVR
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +960
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- Dhivehi, English, Arabic
Electricity
- Plug Type
- dg
Visas
Every country in the world gets a free 30 day tourist visa on arrival.
Getting There
Get a 30 day visa on arrival. Flying to Malé (MLE) is easiest from Europe (Emirates) or SE Asia (Singapore, Malaysian, Qatar, Sri Lankan). From Malé fly to Kadhdhoo airport, using Island Aviation. The flight takes 40 minutes, costs approximately $200 return and is very scenic. No departure tax. Laamu atoll is 220km (136mi) from Malé, and takes approximately 24 hours by sea. Boats in the Maldives don’t cruise at night, so this will take two days. The easiest option is to fly in.
Getting Around
There are planned resorts in the Thaa atoll, and the possibility of a guesthouse opening at Mikado, but the majority of waves in this area are surfed using live aboard boats. Two boats currently operate in this area – the Maldivesurf Maha boat ($150/day) and the Tropicsurf Blue Lagoon ($295/day.)
Accommodation
There is one high-end resort, Maalifushi by Como in Thaa atoll, and a Mikado guesthouse in Thimarafushi, but the majority of waves in this area are surfed using live aboard boats. Handful of boats operate on/off in this area: Horizon2 ($220/d), Hamathi ($230/d), Atoll Challenger (group only), Handhu and Handhufal. Cabins with air-conditioning are a luxury in the heat. Boats provide decent quality food and fresh fish is a certainty. Ask for Roshi Mashuni!
Activities
World class snorkelling and fishing sees tuna, Maori wrasse, swordfish, sailfish, marlin and even whale sharks visiting frequently. Expect friendly village culture.
Hazards & hassles
Bring reef boots for shallow reefs. Sharks are usually small and benign, sea lice and urchins are rare. Avoid sunburn and sunstroke, take lycra and hats to minimise sunscreen use which harms the corals.
Handy Hints
There is very little surfing equipment available in Malé and it’s expensive, so take everything. Also take entertainment for time off from the surf.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.