Explore the world with tourHQ
The journey
Chase world-class waves on a 5-day surf escape based on Thulusdhoo in the Maldives. After arriving in Malé and transferring by scheduled speedboat, you'll settle into your guesthouse and ease in with a warm-up session at Cokes right off the island. Over the following days, head out by boat to celebrated North Malé Atoll breaks like Sultans, Honky's, Chickens, and Jailbreaks, with sessions planned to make the most of swell, wind, and tide. Round it out with a flexible full-day surf boat safari, some relaxed time on Thulusdhoo, and a final dawn patrol before your return transfer to the airport.
At a glance
Day by day
Day 1: Arrival & Local Warm-Up
Land in Malé and take the scheduled speedboat to Thulusdhoo.
Check into your guesthouse and set up your gear.
Enjoy an afternoon paddle-out session at Cokes, just off the island beach, to warm up.
The Outer Reefs
Take a morning boat trip to Sultans and Honky's.
Head across the channel in the afternoon for a session at Chickens.
Speed & Barrel Day
Start the morning with a session at Jailbreaks.
Surf back at Cokes in the afternoon during mid-to-high tide.
Boat Safari & Photography
Set out on a full-day surf boat excursion, hitting the best-breaking spot of the day based on swell and wind direction.
Enjoy a local island tour of Thulusdhoo, with visits such as the Coca-Cola factory or local cafes.
Dawn Patrol & Departure
Enjoy an early morning farewell surf at Cokes or Chickens.
Check out and take the speedboat transfer back to Malé Airport.
The route
The fine print
Airport transfers: Round-trip speedboat transfer between Velana International Airport (MLE) and Thulusdhoo (approximately 30 minutes each way).
Accommodation: 4 nights in an ocean-view room, depending on availability, at a surf-friendly local guesthouse or hotel.
Meals: Daily breakfast and dinner (half-board) featuring local Maldivian and international cuisine.
Daily surf transfers: Two daily boat trips to neighboring surf breaks, including Sultans, Honky's, Jailbreaks, and Chickens.
Taxes & Fees: TGST (Tourism Goods and Service Tax) and Green Tax included.
International flights to/from Malé (MLE).
Lunches, snacks, and alcoholic beverages (note: Thulusdhoo is a local island, so alcohol is only available on floating safari boats anchored offshore).
Personal travel and surf insurance (highly recommended for reef injuries).
Tips for local boat crews and guides.
1. Surf & Reef Gear
Boards: 1-2 surfboards (a high-performance daily driver plus a step-up if traveling during peak swell season from May to August).
Leashes: At least 2-3 durable leashes (reef breaks eat leashes quickly).
Fins & Fin Key: Extra set of fins and a couple of fin keys.
Tropical Wax & Comb: Basecoat plus high-temp tropical water wax (standard wax melts instantly in the heat).
Sun Protection:
2-3 Lycra rashguards (long-sleeve is best to prevent reef scrapes and severe sunburn).
Zinc / reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) and lip balm with SPF.
Surf bucket hat or cap with a chin strap.
Reef Booties: Recommended for walking across the shallow reef flat at Cokes during low to mid tides.
Ding Repair Kit: Solarez (UV cure resin), sandpaper, and fiberglass patch materials (getting ding repairs done locally takes time).
2. Clothing & Culture
On-Island Wear (Modest Standard):
T-shirts, linen shirts, or light long-sleeve tops covering shoulders.
Shorts, boardshorts, or light pants covering knees (for walking around the local village).
Bikini Beach / Surf Wear:
Boardshorts, bikinis, or one-piece swimsuits (strictly for Bikini Beach and out on surf boats).
Footwear: Flip-flops or slides for the island; reef booties for surfing.
3. First Aid & Health (Reef Safety)
Reef Scrape Kit: Antiseptic cream (e.g., Savlon/Neosporin), alcohol wipes, and waterproof bandages/band-aids.
Ear Care: Vinegar/alcohol ear drops or swimmer's ear drops (saltwater and warm ocean water easily cause ear infections).
General Meds: Pain relievers (Ibuprofen), motion sickness pills (for boat trips), and rehydration/electrolyte packets.
4. Electronics & Essentials
Power Adapter: Maldives uses Type G plugs (the UK 3-square-prong plug). Voltage is 230V.
Dry Bag: A small 10L-20L waterproof bag to keep gear, phones, and towels dry on the surf boats.
Water Bottle: Insulated reusable bottle to stay hydrated under the tropical sun.
Cash: Clean, crisp US Dollars (USD) or Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) for tips, small shops, and boat fees.
1. Culture & Local Customs
Conservative Dress Code: Thulusdhoo is an inhabited local island with a Muslim population. Outside designated areas, keep your shoulders and knees covered when walking through the village. T-shirts and shorts are standard.
Bikini Beach Rules: You cannot walk around the island or swim at the main village beaches in swimwear. There is a dedicated "Bikini Beach" on the island where swimwear and bikinis are standard.
No Alcohol on the Island: Alcohol is strictly illegal on local Maldivian islands. You cannot bring it in through the airport, and shops or cafes do not serve it. However, off-shore "bar boats" anchor nearby, where tourists can take a quick transfer boat to get drinks.
2. Surf Conditions & Gear
Shallow Reefs: Almost all waves break over shallow coral reefs. Bringing reef booties, a long-sleeve rashguard, and basic first-aid supplies such as antiseptic, waterproof bandages, and reef-safe sunscreen is strongly recommended.
Bring Extra Gear: Surf shops on the island have basic supplies, but stock is limited. Pack extra fins, fin keys, leashes, tropical water wax, and a ding repair kit such as Solarez.
Board Bags: Most speedboat operators handle surfboard bags, but confirm your board length with your guesthouse before arriving.
Surfboard rentals are available on request, usually around $20-$40 per day.
3. Logistical & Practical Tips
Cash & Payments: Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and larger cafes. However, carrying US Dollars (USD) or Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) in cash is helpful for smaller shops, tips, and local boat transfers.
ATMs: There is an ATM on Thulusdhoo, but it can occasionally run out of cash or experience network outages. Withdrawing MVR or bringing clean, undamaged USD notes beforehand is ideal.
Logistics
Your 5 days finish where they began, in airport.
Watch the film
Create your own adventure
Say goodbye to travel stress.
Starting from
When
Travellers
Total
—
