Where to Surf in the Indian Ocean
Chasing the perfect wave no longer means compromising on comfort. Today’s surf travellers are seeking effortless access to world-class breaks, paired with exceptional stays that balance considered design and elevated experience. With many resorts now entering peak surf season, this newsletter spotlights a curated collection across the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, and Mauritius, each offering its own interpretation of surf-led luxury, alongside insider tips from Hummingbird’s own surfers.

Surfing the Maldives
The Maldives offers a rare balance of luxury and world-class surf, making it ideal for clients seeking both style and adventure across a single itinerary.
In the North Malé Atoll, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives pairs spacious beach and overwater villas with direct access to Chickens Break, a consistent left-hander known for long, hollow barrels. Guests can make use of surf equipment and lessons on site.
Gili Lankanfushi combines eco-chic overwater villas with guided surfsessions across nearby breaks, with three just a ten-minute boat ride from the resort and several more within twenty minutes.
Further south in the Dhaalu Atoll, Niyama Private Islands offers a more barefoot-luxury setting, with access to neighbouring reef breaks best suited to intermediate and advanced surfers with surf experiences guided by TropicSurf.
Surfing Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s south coast is one of the Indian Ocean’s most accessible and consistent surf regions, offering a mix of reef and beach breaks suited to all levels. The Six located near Ahangama and within easy reach of the vibrant Galle Fort, is a design-led boutique stay positioned in front of many of the area’s most renowned reef breaks, best suited to intermediate to advanced surfers.
Alternatively, Kabalana and Weligama Bay offer more forgiving conditions for beginners, making it a strong option for mixed-ability clients. Surfboards and experienced instructors can be arranged at the property for a tailored stay. Despite It's prime season, July and August also offers reliable shoulder conditions. Beyond the waves, calm swimming areas, natural rock pools, and seasonal turtle nesting add another layer to the Sri Lankan experience.
Surfing the Seychelles
The Seychelles’ remote outer islands offer a rare sense seclusion and surf potential, best experienced in the Amirantes archipelago where conditions are shaped by seasonal swells and open ocean exposure. Set on Desroches Island, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles embodies barefoot luxury. Guided by TropicSurf, guests can reach a range of offshore reef breaks, alongside lagoon sessions for beginners and tailored coaching for more advanced surfers.
Surfing Mauritius
Mauritius’ southwest coast, particularly the Le Morne Peninsula, is a key hub for surf and ocean activities, with consistent swell, reliable trade winds, and a striking mountain-backed coastline.
The St. Regis Le Morne Resort sits at the heart of it, offering direct access to fast, powerful waves for experienced surfers, as well as lagoon and outer reef breaks for varying abilities. With kitesurfing and windsurfing also on offer, it’s well suited to multi-activity itineraries, complemented by beachfront suites and butler service for a more refined stay.
Chasing Waves: Insider Tips with the Hummingbird Team
James's Favourite Wave: “Sultans in the the North Malé Atoll of the Maldives. Long, perfectly shaped right-hand walls with real heritage as one of the Maldives’ earliest surf discoveries that helped put the region on the surf map".
"It was a particularly special experience as I surfed it in the off-season, when the break is much quieter. In main surf season, it is a far busier lineup with significantly more people in the water".
Standout Experience: “Niyama Private Islands Maldives, having a wave you can paddle to directly from the beach is incredibly rare in the Maldives. It gives guests complete freedom to surf on their own schedule, while still enjoying the full resort experience".
James Leet-Cook

Our Business Development Manager

Perfect For: “The Maldives works brilliantly for mixed abilities, you can access multiple breaks by boat, so each day can be tailored. Timing is key: April to October brings more consistent swell, while shoulder seasons are ideal for those looking to progress".
Insider Tip: “Plan the surf around the wider holiday. Properties with accessible waves make a huge difference especially when not everyone in the group is surfing".
Bucket List: “Exploring the quieter breaks around Six Senses Laamu, or a seaplane surf safari from Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, flying to remote, empty waves".
Alex's Favourite Wave: “A wave called Chambers near COMO Maalifushi in the middle of the Thaa Atoll in the Maldives. There were only a handful of other surfers. It's truly a picture perfect island and a magical place".
Standout Experience: “The Six in Sri Lanka is incredibly special, villas overlooking multiple breaks, so you can roll out of bed and head straight to surf. For pure wave quality, Sultans in the North Malé Atoll of the Maldives remains one of the most memorable".
Perfect For: “Sri Lanka is perfect for beginners, with gentle waves and great coaching. For more advanced surfers, the Maldives offers exceptional quality, particularly around North Malé Atoll such as the Niyama left hander and Kuda Villingili's iconic wave, Chickens".
Alex Chambers

Our Cheif Executive Officer

Insider Tip: “Look beyond the most obvious destinations, resorts accessed by seaplane or domestic flight often mean far fewer crowds and a much more exclusive experience".
Bucket List: “Back to Chambers, without question and Alphonse Island for its completely uncrowded waves".
Favourite Wave: “Cokes in North Malé Atoll of the Maldives, a fast, powerful right-hander with a wide barrel section. Perfect for those chasing something more adrenaline-fuelled".
Standout Experience: “Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa and Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives both give access to a cluster of well-known breaks, so you’re not limited. For something more exclusive, Niyama Private Islands Maldives is a great option".
Perfect For: “Clients open to varying conditions, where timing plays a key role. Shoulder seasons offer softer, more manageable waves suited to beginners, while peak periods bring greater power and consistency for more experienced surfers. Niyama Private Islands and Kuda Villingili Resort, also feature more sheltered areas that can work well for those starting out”.
Insider Tip: “Great planning and timing are everything. Peak season delivers consistency, while shoulder seasons offer a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds".
Bucket List: “The Mentawais in Indonesia, the ultimate surf escape".
Ali Shaam Rafiu

Our Contracting & System Executive



