24 Hours in the Maldives

Last Thursday my boss told me I had overstayed my visa and needed to book a ticket out ASAP. Friday afternoon I headed to the airport. After paying a fee at customs I took an hour and a half flight to Male-Maldives. I took a short shuttle boat ride to Male from the island the airport is located on.  I researched a ferry leaving that night at 10:30 to Thulusdhoo – a quiet island visited mainly by surfers because of the famous “Cokes” surf break. Unfortunately after a taxi ride to the ferry location I discovered there was no longer a dock there and definitely no boats headed out. The locals even at another ferry port were no help and were sure no boats were leaving. I walked to a café and got on their wifi. Luckily I had messaged a few people about surfing and one had just arrived back on the island and gave me a call. He made a few calls and found the only ferry leaving at 10 and directed me there. He advised sitting on the upper deck which was perfect for an hour and a half of stargazing. Upon arrival I walked the 5 minutes to Season Paradise.

The streets on the island are very quiet and you only see a handful of people around. I never saw any dogs and there are maybe 50-100 people on the island. The houses are small and the residents paint their political vote on their wall outside. Bikes are the main use of transport but most people just walk as it is such a small island. There isn’t much to do other than go on a surf trip, go snorkeling, or relax on the beach. There is a Coke factory you can tour and a few places for food. I came at the very end of the surf season so even the few stores around had been closed for the season.

I woke up early and watched the sun rise from the infinity pool on the roof. Then I went downstairs, had breakfast, and walked over to Coke’s surf break. There is a narrow makeshift bridge that connects to a small island which is where the break is. It is one of the only breaks in the Maldives you can walk to and do not need a boat to get to. The waves were decent and a few guys were out.

I headed back to the hotel and arranged a surf to Sultans. The Australian guy- Tim who had helped me out with the ferry the night before told me there was a girl (Ni) at the hotel I was staying at who arranged surf trips. Two guys from Sweden, a guy from Spain, a guy from Australia, and I piled our boards in the back of a buggy and headed to the boat. We transferred the boards to the boat and set off on a 30 minute ride to Sultans. Ni and I sat up top in a patch of shade on the ride over and we passed all the famous glass bottom huts at the various islands on our way. We arrived at the break and there were maybe 5-10 people out. The waves were pretty mellow and clean and it was a short paddle from the boat to the line up. The water was so clear you could see the coral and fish below. We surfed for 2 hours and Ni took pictures from the boat.

We headed back and had lunch at the hotel. I walked around for an hour or so and laid on the beach before heading out for a snorkel with Ni. The water was a little cloudy but there were loads of fish and the reef was right in front of the hotel.  I then walked over to a pier to watch the sunset.

I headed back inside and packed up. I had arranged for a 7pm private speed boat as the only public boat left that day at 2:30 and since I only had a day I wanted to make the most of it-even if it was way more expensive. Normally the ferry is about $3 but I ended up paying $120. Thankfully the girls at the front desk helped me out with a great discount as it is usually $250. They dropped me right off at the airport and I headed back to Sri Lanka after a full day in paradise.

Expenses:

Airport to Male & Male to Thulusdhoo Ferries – $6USD

One night at Season Paradise with breakfast included-$100USD

Surf Trip -$25USD

Surf board rental – $20USD

Snorkel rental – $5USD

Lunch at Season Paradise- $12USD

Speed Boat Transfer – $120USD

Tips:

-Have either a small amount of USD in cash for the ferry tickets or use the ATM at the airport to take out some Rufiyaa

-Do not waste any time on Male. Its a pretty chaotic island that has had some issues with heroin in the past few years. There isn’t anything too beautiful or unique about it although I wasn’t there in the daytime- it is safe but spend as much time as you can off the island. There are a few good cafes and gelato shops. If you are looking for WiFi go to Seahouse which also has a great western menu.

-Do not spend any more than $25-30 Rufiyaa on a taxi (around $2USD)

-Taxis will pile in at least 3 people before heading out but you will all pay the same price.

-Download the Maldives on maps.me before you go so you have an idea where you need to go if you cannot get to wifi.