The Hummingbird Guide: Surfing in our Destinations


Welcome to our Hummingbird surfing guide to finding the best surf spots across our destinations in the Indian Ocean and Caribbean. Meet our Hummingbi...
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Welcome to our Hummingbird surfing guide to finding the best surf spots across our destinations in the Indian Ocean and Caribbean.

Meet our Hummingbird Surfers

Sham Surfing

Ali Shaam Rafiu – Sales Operations Executive

Surfing for: I've been surfing for 15 years now - bodyboarding, to be exact.

Where I started: It all started at my home break in Malé with friends, and what began as fun quickly turned into a long and rewarding career as a national-level athlete. These days, I’m more focused on free surfing and just enjoying the ride. I’ve surfed most of the breaks across the Maldives and had the chance to compete abroad in places like Australia and Malaysia.

Favourite spot: My favourite spot has to be Hadigillas, also known as Mauroof's, in Dhaalu Atoll, especially when it's firing, just across from Niyama Private Islands.

Favourite memory: Some of my best memories come from the days I was winning titles, but also from the simpler times—waking up with nothing on my mind but surf.

Bucket list: I'm now dreaming of exploring more and planning a trip to Indonesia to chase that passion even further.

Jack Surfing

Jack Mace – Strategic Director

Surfing for: 8 years

Where I started: I first caught waves in North County San Diego, California

Favourite spot: Over the years, I've had the chance to explore some incredible surf destinations, with my favourite spots being Six Senses Laamu (Maldives), The Six (Sri Lanka) & Four Seasons Desroches (Seychelles).

Bucket list: Still on my bucket list is Alphonse Island in the Seychelles—an untouched paradise I can't wait to experience.

Favourite memory: My top memory from surfing our destinations has got to be waking up at our incredible villa at The Six on Sri Lanka's beautiful South Coast and having not one, but two, amazing surf breaks to choose between - all whilst baby turtles were hatching on the beach!

Alex Surfing

Alex Chambers – CEO

Surfing for: Properly for about five years now - after plenty of time just messing around on a board.

Where I started: It all really started at COMO Maalifushi

Favourite spot: My favourite wave has to be Chambers right there at Maalifushi - not just because we share a name. It's epic! The Sultans (North Male Atoll) is where I've had the most fun, but Chambers wins it for me thanks to the lack of crowds. I'd also love to get good enough to take on a heavy day at Sultans.

Bucket list: Alphonse Island for sure, and also Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka.

Favourite memory: One of my best surf memories is from Sri Lanka: waking up at 5am at Jetwing Surf, catching a tuk tuk to Elephant Rock near Arugam Bay, scrambling over the rocks, and paddling out to a perfectly empty Elephant Rock Beach. Magic.

 

Sri Lanka

Best Time to Surf:
Sri Lanka is a top surfing destination, offering world-class waves year-round with conditions that shift between the west and east coasts depending on the monsoon season. The island is home to vibrant beach towns, each with its own unique atmosphere, and a range of stunning surf spots. Plus, you can fuel up with some of the most delicious food for pre- and post-surf sessions!

Surf Regions:

West Coast 
  • Season: November to April
  • Best for: All levels
  • Known for: Consistent swell and offshore winds during the dry season
  • Spots: Hiriketiya, Weligama, Midigama, Ahangama, Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa
  • Where to stay: Cape WeligamaThe Six

West Coast Sri Lanka surfer

East Coast

  • Season: May to October
  • Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers
  • Known for: Long right-hand point breaks and warm, dry conditions
  • Spots: Arugam Bay
  • Where to stay: Jetwing Surf

East Coast Sri Lanka Surfing

Maldives

Best Time to Surf:
The Maldives delivers world-class waves during the southwest monsoon, with the prime surf season running from April to October. This surf paradise boasts everything from dreamy reef breaks to long, glassy walls, all set against a stunning tropical backdrop. And if you're lucky, you might even share the waves with some playful dolphins!

Surf Regions:

Northern Atolls (North and South Malé Atolls)

Central Atolls (Meemu, Dhaalu, Thaa, Laamu)

Central Atoll Surfing

Southern Atolls

  • Best for: Experienced surfers
  • Season: March–April & September–November (best balance of swell and wind)
  • Note: May–August can bring stronger winds, affecting conditions
  • Where to stay: Ayada Maldives

Central atoll surfing

 

Seychelles

Best Time to Surf: 
The Seychelles is a dream surf destination, with conditions that shift between the seasons. From May to October, the southeast trade winds bring consistent swell and drier weather, especially around Mahé and Praslin, ideal for catching world-class waves. From November to April, the outer islands like Desroches and Alphonse offer lighter winds and clean, glassy swell. Beyond the surf, the Seychelles offers tranquil lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and unforgettable sunsets, making it the perfect escape after an epic session.

Surf Regions:

Mahé & Praslin

  • Best for: Intermediate surfers
  • Season: May to October (South-East Monsoon)
  • Known for: Steady south-easterly trade winds and solid swell
  • Spots: Beau Vallon, North East Point (Mahé)
  • Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, Mahé

Mahe Surfing

Desroches Island

  • Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers
  • Season: November to March
  • Known for: Consistent swell and offshore winds during the wet season
  • Vibe: Remote island surf with luxury accommodation
  • Where to stay: Four Seasons Desroches

Desroches Surfing

Alphonse Island

  • Best for: All levels (depending on swell size)
  • Season: November to April
  • Known for: Waist to shoulder-high waves with occasional bigger sets
  • Vibe: Tropical, quiet, and perfect for secluded surf sessions
  • Where to stay: Alphonse Island

Alphonse Surfing

Other Notable Spots

  • La Digue (Grand Anse): A scenic and powerful beach break
  • Mahé: Additional spots include Beau Vallon and North East Point

 

Caribbean

Barbados:

Best Time to Surf:
Late October to March is ideal for surfing, as North-Northeast swells produce consistent and powerful waves—especially along the exposed East Coast.

Surf Spots:

East Coast (Bathsheba)

  • Best for: Experienced surfers
  • Highlight: Soup Bowl – a renowned break offering powerful, hollow waves
  • Best season: October to March (peak swell season from the North Atlantic)
  • Note: Waves here are heavier and more challenging
  • Where to stay: Atlantis Historic Inn

Barbados East Coast Surfing

St. Barts:

Best Time to Surf: 
The best time to surf is November to April, when consistent North Atlantic swells bring the most reliable surf.

Surf Spots:

Lorient Beach

  • Best for: Beginners
  • Known for: Gentle, forgiving waves and a laid-back vibe
  • Vibe: Great spot to learn and practice in a scenic setting

St. Barts Lorient Surfing

Toiny

  • Best for: Experienced surfers
  • Highlight: More powerful, challenging waves with stronger currents
  • Note: Conditions can be rough—best tackled by confident, skilled surfers
  • Where to stay: Hotel Le Toiny

St Barts Toiny Surfing

We look forward to sharing our luxury island expertise with you,
so please don't hesitate to get in touch.