Plan your trip

GETTING THERE

Book with a reputable surftravel company to get the trip you want. We booked through True Blue Surf & Island Travel, truebluetravel.co.za. Or try all-aboard.co.za or luex.com. They will also book islandresort stays if you prefer, or want to include that in your trip. To book your own flights, check out Qatar and Emirates. SA passport holders get a free visa on arrival in Malé.

WHEN TO GO

The best surf (and the rain) is in April to October, with the biggest swells from June to August. The best weather for cruising and diving are from December to April.

WHAT TO PACK

Air and water temperatures are above 30 degrees – board shorts and sarongs are the standard dress code. Forget wetsuits, but rash vests, aquatic hats and high-factor sunscreen is essential. Bring your own surfboards (airlines generally allow two checked bags not exceeding 30kg total, which allows for two boards in a bag plus 10kg luggage – you need very little clothing.) Micah has a SUP board and sea kayak, as well as some fishing rods and snorkelling gear (you may want to bring extras of these). Pack hydrogen peroxide for coral cuts, Rehidrat sachets, and anti-inflammatories if you’re over 30 and plan on surfing! We did not need to take seasickness tablets (even though two of our group usually get very seasick) as the cat is stable and the sea calm.

THE CRUISE

A seven-night live-aboard cruise on Micah in the North Malé Atoll is from R26 900 pp, including flights from Joburg, accommodation, three meals a day and tea, coffee and drinking water. Local beers and soft drinks cost about R50 ($4) . Micah takes minimum six and maximum eight people per charter, in one double cabin and three twins. Bigger boats with air con (sleeping minimum 10 people) cost from R29 500 pp for seven nights.

SURFERS NEED TO KNOW

North Malé Atoll arguably has the best and most consistent waves in the entire Maldives, and the surf breaks can get quite crowded in peak season. In the South Malé Atoll, you’ll likely have the waves to yourself. There’s also a sea of unexplored waves and islands in the farther-flung southern atolls. Three of the most popular waves have now, controversially, been privatised for exclusive use by resort guests staying at Cinnamon Dhonveli (Pasta Point surf break), Hudhuranfushi (Lohi’s) and Kandooma (Kandooma Rights break in the South Malé Atoll).