Thulusdhoo, the surfing capital of the Maldives
The capital of the Kaafu atoll, the island of Thulusdhoo is the Maldives’ great surfing paradise, as it boasts some of the very best, world-class waves. So if you’re a surfing enthusiast, if you love the sea, and if you’re looking to relax on your holiday break, Thulusdhoo could be just the destination for you.
The island of Thulusdhoo. which measures 700 metres long by 400 metres wide, lies barely 28 kilometres from Malé, and has around 1,400 inhabitants. It is home to factories for drying tuna and sea cucumbers, in addition to boat building workshops. It is a remarkable fact that the world’s only Coca-Cola factory to use desalinated sea water was built here in the 1980s. This is why lots of people refer to the island by its nickname of “Coke”. And this world-famous drink also gave its name to the the nearest surf ground, known as “surf Coke’s”.
How to get there
To get to the island of Thulusdhoo, the best (and cheapest) option is to board the passenger ferry at the Vilingili Ferry Terminal in Malé. The crossing takes around two hours. You could also hire a speed boat and complete the trip in just 25 minutes.
If you’re going to Thulusdhoo to surf, it is best to plan your holiday to the Maldives for between March and October, as the peak surfing season is from June to August when the swell is high, forming the biggest and most consistent waves.
However, it’s useful to know that the best time to visit the Maldives in terms of climate, apart from the surfing, is between January and March.
Heaven for surfing enthusiasts in the Maldives
The island of Thulusdhoo (or Thulusdhoo Island) is considered a paradise for surfers, as it offers a large number of world-class waves, with an excellent combination of lefts and rights.
In addition to the world-famous “Cokes” surf break, Thulusdhoo has lots of other places where you can surf, accessed by a short boat trip. This is true, for example, of the “Chickens” area where, following a 5-minute transfer, you can enjoy a very enjoyable long left, with a fabulous tube on a good day. On days when there is less swell, the conditions are ideal for longboard enthusiasts and less advanced surfers.
At “Cokes”, a right-hand wave rises and breaks on a shallow reef, producing fast runs — with a solid tube in some sections. This wave is ideal for intermediate and advanced surfers.
More water-based activities
In addition to surfing, the island of Thulusdhoo offers lots of other fantastic possibilities. One of these is “stand up paddle boarding”, provided that the sea is calm. Another activity is dolphin spotting, as the waters around the island are home to a large population of these marine mammals. You can also go snorkelling to see sea turtles, rays and colourful fish in the amazing coral beds. From the point known as the “Coral Garden”, you could swim with turtles and nemo fish. If you venture a little further along the coast, you will come to the “Shark Point” area, where you can swim and get a close look at lots of sharks.
Night fishing from a traditional boat, accompanied by a local, experienced fisherman, is growing in popularity on Thulusdhoo. The activity takes place at around dawn, and provides a chance to see how large fish are caught. Another good way to enjoy your free time is an excursion to the sand banks. We can recommend the Asdu sand bank, 30 minutes from Thulusdhoo, where you can go for a dip with a sandy surface beneath. Also of interest are the Chikana sand bank, 20 minutes from the island and home to lots of coral reefs, and the “infinite” sand bank, which takes its name from the fact that at low tide, its long, narrow shape gives the impression that it is endless.
Where to eat in Thulusdhoo
As Thulusdhoo is only a small island, there is not a great deal of choice in terms of places to eat. There are several local restaurants where lunch and dinner are available at very reasonable prices. The best places to eat in Thulusdhoo are Biyyoni, a typical restaurant with a tropical ambience, which specialises in fish and sea food; Indulge, which caters more for European tastes, and Bandaha Café, which serves local cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere.
Best hotels in the Maldives
The Maldives are also an exotic paradise in terms of tourist accommodation. There are many options designed for all sorts of travellers. We would like to recommend one of the most tempting establishments that will not only make your experience on the archipelago unforgettable, but will also make you feel quite at home. And as if that wasn’t enough, it offers excellent value for money too.
This is the Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives, located on the private island of Bodufinolhu, in one of the Maldives’ largest atolls (Ari Atoll) in the west of the archipelago. This establishment offers 100 villas, each with a private terrace, on an all-inclusive basis. Guests can access a wide range of water sports (including spotting whale sharks and manta rays), while enjoying the comfort of the villas (63 beach villas, 30 water villas and 7 beach suites).
The resort offers three restaurants, a snack bar and three bars, bringing you exceptional gastronomic experiences. There are also two generous, brimming swimming pools, one of which enjoys panoramic views of the Ari Atoll. Guests can enjoy activities such as yoga and pilates at dawn, and for those keen to take good care of themselves, the Mandara spa offers a wide range of personal treatments and a comprehensive fitness facility. In addition, the hotel is just a stone’s throw away from the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), an emblematic spot thanks to its thriving population of whale sharks.
This is a five-star option for those who would like to enjoy unique experiences on the holiday of their dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I go surfing on the island of Thulusdhoo?
The best-known surfing spots on Thulusdhoo are the famous “Cokes” surf break and the “Chickens” area.
When is the best time to go surfing on Thulusdhoo?
The best time is between March and October, as the peak surfing season is from June to August, when the swell is high, forming the biggest and most consistent waves.
What is the best way to travel to Thulusdhoo?
The best and cheapest option is to board the passenger ferry at the Vilingili Ferry Terminal, in Malé. The crossing takes around two hours. You could also hire a speed boat and complete the trip in just 25 minutes.
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