Malé surf guide

Malé is the capital of the Maldives and the most populated area, so you can expect it to be pretty busy, especially when it comes to surfing. Over the last decade, the surf scene here has changed a lot. The local surfers are becoming more territorial, mainly because they get pushed out to the main break, Raalhugandu, as resorts on nearby islands keep their guests away from here. Despite the crowding, Raalhugandu is known for being one of the most reliable and strong breaks in the Maldives, making it an essential spot for local surfers.

The surf here works best with Southeast swells, but it can also pick up swells from the South. Raalhugandu generally handles swell sizes from about 1ft (0.3m) up and is known for its beach breaks with both lefts and rights. The optimal conditions happen at low to mid tide, and it's best to surf when the wind is coming from the west. It's a spot suited for intermediate surfers, so if you’re a beginner, it might be challenging. Watch out for the high tide, though—waves can get messy due to the tetrapods lining the beach, which can affect the quality of the ride.

If you're looking for more options, when the swell picks up, you might consider checking out Rats, which offers some intense lefts, or heading over to Vilingili for some rights when conditions are right. There’s also a lesser-known left next to the Hulhumalé runway, but access isn't easy, and the tail section can be quite dangerous. Overall, just be mindful of the local surfers and the vibe; respect goes a long way here.