THE SURF IN THE NORTHERN ATOLLS
ABSOLUTELY NO ONE OUT ! NEW AIPORT !
I found Kakuni Rights on August 2004 by accident on a 18h dhoni trip and it was pumping.
I came back with Callahan / Van Gysel and Oakley Boyz (Adriano de Souza, Adam Melling, Royden Bryson...now WCT guys) late April 2005. Royden probably caught 80 barrels in 1 day at Kakuni. Lots of amazing action with pumping 3-7ft at Kakuni and 2-3ft at Iboo's left, about 30min away. Couple of other spots were surfed in other atolls but swell got small. Callahan went back May-June 2006 taking 2 teams over 2 weeks. Female japanese bodyboarders and male japanese surfers and some europeans too.
In 2012, I stayed 6 days on the island opposite Kakuni and found out that Kamati left is a hell of a long ride, Kakuni is such a swell magnet, other waves could be easily reached, a newly opened airport in Daravandhoo (Baa) opens up that area in the North. Come to score virgin waves and become the first recreationnal surfers to cruise & surf those Northern atolls on a Safari boat ! In 2013, I had 3 groups cruised there from May20 to June28. It was one of the strongest monsoon onset with almost 20 days of SW winds and SW swells. The first 2 groups scored some waves and found a consistent right which we named Rasputin. Lots of new breaks were named and surfed in various conditions. Then, the 3rd group really scored with good surf at Kakuni and worldclass surf at Chatty's Left.
Atolls : Baa, Raa, Lhaviyani & Noonu
SURF TRIP DATES
The season for a safari boat trip in the Northern Atolls extends from May to August when the swell are the biggest in the Maldives and when the other atolls are really busy with surfers (peak season).
SE swell exposure is 70-80% while SW swell exposure is 70%, while W swell (Monsoon) exposure is constant.
Depending on availability, you can bend those dates by +/- 5 days.
The crucial point for groups is to find common dates. Once group has dates, everyone can face budget requirements.
The trip can last from 10 to 15 days within the time slot mentioned above. 12 days is good to guarantee classic surfing days. Once your group is confirmed with dates, please let us know if you expect to “open” your group for individuals so you can get the price down.
Our schedule is updated on a regular basis. If you have any question, please contact us.
DAILY RATES FOR SAFARI BOAT ON OOMIDOO + DHONI
Daily price: 1400 USD, unlimited mileage (within the zone), exclusive boat.
Price on a 6 guests basis. Additionnal guest is 120 USD.
Like 8 guests would be 1640 USD per day.
+ 2000 usd extra Fuel charge
Guests : 6 -12 guests
Duration : 10 days minimum
Includes :
- All meals & snacks + water
- A 12m dhoni
- Airport & surf transfers
- Bed in double cabin (10 guests max)
- Daily GREEN tax (6 USD / day)
- GST (12%)
Does not include :
- Cans (3 USD), beers (5 USD), alcohols (40-60USD)
- Tips (5 USD per day if happy)
Food : all meals included, great chef
Dhoni : YES (included)
Itinerary : arrive early in Malé, surf North Malé atoll in the morning, cruise 8h towards the north (night cruise ok), same thing on way back or fly in / out, your choice (see map)
Includes : 6 USD GREEN tax per day per guest, 12% GST.
Domestic flight : 160 USD per way per guest, MLE – DRV, not compulsory.
HOW TO BOOK YOUR SURFTRIP
For any request or booking, please contact Antony "YEP" Colas by e-mail, specifying the n° of the desired trip (see table) as well as the number of people composing the group (individual requests are possible).
Booking conditions :
More than 90 days before departure : 30% at booking and 70% 45 days before departure.
Less than 90 days before departure : 100% at booking.
PHOTO GALLERY
May 2013 : https://www.flickr.com/photos/64357569@N00/sets/72157634084987328/
June 2015 : https://www.flickr.com/photos/64357569@N00/albums/72157653729107201
August 2016 : https://www.flickr.com/photos/64357569@N00/albums/72157676304238035
VIDEO LINKS
May 2005 : https://vimeo.com/57397983
August 2016 : https://vimeo.com/181497639
OUR BOAT : OOMIDOO
Specifications :
Length : 87 feet / 26.5 meters
Beam: 24 feet / 7.3 meters
Cruising Speed : 8 - 9 knots
Number of Passengers: 12 Guests max
Number of Crew : 5 + 2 (dhoni)
Lower deck : 6 Guest cabins with self control AIRCON + 1 Crew cabin
Middle deck : wide lounge + outdoor dining table (back)
Upper deck : partly shaded sundeck (for boardbags, chill out, photos...)
Electricity: 220 and 110 volts AC
Desalinaters: 6 tons water capacity
