Maldives in May

Stok's picture
Stok started the topic in Monday, 10 Jan 2022 at 2:51pm

Anyone care to share some experiences doing the Maldives in (what I assume is) early season, May?

Looking to do a family trip, so ideally somewhere I can get quick sessions in.

Anyone been recently? Seems they've been open for post covid tourism since 2020.

Stok's picture
Stok's picture
Stok Monday, 10 Jan 2022 at 2:51pm

.

geek's picture
geek's picture
geek Monday, 10 Jan 2022 at 6:21pm

I did a about week there in early May about 5 years ago. First day we arrived it was the end of a great run of swell with no wind, was in the water for about an hour at cokes when a change came through and was strong side/onshore for the rest of the trip. Still surfed everyday mostly by myself, got engaged and really enjoyed the place so it didn’t bother me. Wasn’t primarily a surf trip

Stok's picture
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Stok Monday, 10 Jan 2022 at 8:37pm

Yeah for me it won't primarily be a surf trip - family trip - so any waves will be a bonus. I have heard a few stories of disappointing trips - boat trips where it was 2-3ft max for 10 days....

Can you remember where you stayed?

geek's picture
geek's picture
geek Monday, 10 Jan 2022 at 9:11pm

Yeh stayed on Thulusdhoo at Season Paradise not long after it opened. Nice hotel with big rooms at amazing views. Dry island though, we did a day trip to club med for our fix half way through

donweather's picture
donweather's picture
donweather Monday, 10 Jan 2022 at 10:17pm

May particularly early May can be very hit and miss swell wise. Winds aren’t usually too bad so I’m surprised with what geek got in May. Any reason you’re particularly fond of May and not another month later in the year?

geek's picture
geek's picture
geek Monday, 10 Jan 2022 at 10:36pm

From memory there was either a mega monsoon or cyclone in southern India that messed things up, was just unlucky I think

Stok's picture
Stok's picture
Stok Tuesday, 11 Jan 2022 at 3:38pm
donweather wrote:

May particularly early May can be very hit and miss swell wise. Winds aren’t usually too bad so I’m surprised with what geek got in May. Any reason you’re particularly fond of May and not another month later in the year?

Ah it's just a busy year, could possibly do September but I'd imagine that would be the other side of the season by then.

Was looking at Kandooma or Niyama - both look incredible and not cheap, but would work best as a 'non surf specific' type holiday.

garyg1412's picture
garyg1412's picture
garyg1412 Tuesday, 11 Jan 2022 at 4:20pm

Stok I went there in 2001 so was a while back. Spent 7 days there and surfed at least 3 times a day. Pretty consistent 2 to 4 foot rippable surf with one 6 foot day thrown in. Winds were not a problem. Luck of the draw really. If you can afford it Pasta Point is the place to stay. You get a really consistent wave out front and can check out Honkys, Sultans (& Jails I think) with the binoculars to gauge the crowds over there and do some lightning strike sessions when the crowds thin out if they ever do nowadays. My pick of the bunch would be Jailbreaks. At 4 to 6 foot it'll do your head in.

gab23surf's picture
gab23surf's picture
gab23surf Friday, 14 Jan 2022 at 9:58am

I went in March April and conditions were improving week by week so I imagine May will be awesome. You will get the early season swells without the heavy July August crowds.
https://www.mywavefinder.com/destination/maldives-surf-guide/

greyhound's picture
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greyhound Friday, 14 Jan 2022 at 12:06pm

Stayed at lohis in April.. was pleasantly surprised by the surf. 2/5 ft. Fun as.

I focus's picture
I focus's picture
I focus Friday, 14 Jan 2022 at 2:27pm
greyhound wrote:

Stayed at lohis in April.. was pleasantly surprised by the surf. 2/5 ft. Fun as.

How was the crowd factor Greyhound?

greyhound's picture
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greyhound Friday, 14 Jan 2022 at 4:23pm

Crowd was fine. Was in 2012 however.