Established in February 2018, Bito's GH welcomes guests with a simple, warm, and modern new construction. Boasting a total of 6 double rooms equipped with air conditioning and private bathrooms, each space is meticulously designed and furnished to offer maximum comfort. A hot water shower is a standard feature in all bathrooms. The establishment features a spacious garden, providing an idyllic setting to relax, savor meals, enjoy drinks, or unwind in hammocks. Conveniently located in the center of the island and just a short walk from the beach, Bito's GH is the closest accommodation to the island's renowned surf spot, "Jailbreaks."
Maldives surf holiday hotel. Perfect waves out front of the surf camp. Forget Maldives surf resorts this surfing hostel has friendly staff & local culture.
North Thulusdhoo offers an authentic Maldivian surf experience with world-class waves like Cokes and Chickens, perfect for surfers seeking adventure and culture.
The Ultimate Surfing Experience in North Thulusdhoo
North Thulusdhoo, a local island in the Maldives, is a dream destination for surfers seeking world-class waves without the resort price tag. This island offers an authentic Maldivian experience, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture while being just a stone's throw away from some of the most renowned surf breaks in the North Malé Atoll.
The Waves: Cokes and Chickens
The main attractions for surfers in Thulusdhoo are the two legendary breaks: Cokes and Chickens. These two spots are conveniently located on opposite sides of the channel, offering different experiences for surfers.
Cokes, a powerful and hollow right-hand reef break, is named after the Coca-Cola factory on the island. It's a wave that will test your skills and reward you with some of the best barrels of your life. The wave is consistent and works best on a southerly swell. It's a challenging wave that is best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers.
Chickens, on the other hand, is a long, peeling left-hander that can offer rides of up to 500 meters on a good day. It gets its name from the poultry farm that used to be on the island. This wave is a swell magnet and can handle any size the Indian Ocean throws at it. While it can be a challenging wave, it can also be more forgiving than Cokes, making it suitable for intermediate surfers on smaller days.
Best Time to Surf
The prime surfing season in the Maldives runs from March to October, with the biggest and most consistent swells hitting the shores between June and August. During these months, you can expect to find perfect waves and sunny skies. The shoulder months of March, April, September, and October can also offer great surfing conditions with fewer crowds.
Who is it for?
North Thulusdhoo is a versatile surf destination that caters to a range of skill levels. While Cokes is a wave that demands respect and is best left to experienced surfers, Chickens can be more forgiving and enjoyable for intermediates. The island also has a few other spots nearby that are perfect for beginners to learn the basics of surfing.
What Makes It Unique?
What sets North Thulusdhoo apart from other surf destinations in the Maldives is its unique blend of world-class waves and local culture. Unlike the resort islands, Thulusdhoo allows you to experience the real Maldives. You can stay in local guesthouses, eat at local restaurants, and interact with the friendly local community. It's a more affordable and authentic way to experience the surfing paradise of the Maldives.
The peak surf season in North Thulusdhoo runs from May to October, during the Southwest Monsoon. This period sees the most consistent and powerful swells, creating world-class barrels at spots like Cokes. For surfers seeking fun, rippable waves with fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons of March-April and October-November are ideal. The off-season, from December to February, offers smaller, more gentle waves perfect for beginners.
North Thulusdhoo is best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers. The main breaks, Cokes and Chickens, are powerful reef breaks that demand respect and experience. Cokes is a fast, hollow right-hander that is not suitable for beginners when the swell is up. Chickens, a long left, is slightly more forgiving but still requires a good level of skill. For those looking for a more mellow experience, Ninjas offers a gentler wave. We recommend checking out our Maldives surf guide for more details on skill levels.
Thulusdhoo is home to two world-renowned surf breaks. Cokes is a powerful right-hand reef break known for its barreling sections, located right off the island. Across the channel, you'll find Chickens, one of the longest left-handers in the Maldives. Other nearby spots like Ninjas, Sultans, and Jailbreaks are easily accessible by a short boat trip, offering a variety of waves to explore.
The water in the Maldives is warm and tropical year-round, with an average temperature of 28-30°C (82-86°F). You won't need a wetsuit, but a rashguard or surf top is highly recommended for sun protection during long sessions under the tropical sun.
Besides your favorite surfboard, be sure to pack warm water wax, a sturdy leash, and maybe a spare set of fins. Reef booties are a good idea for navigating the sharp coral. For sun protection, bring high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. As Thulusdhoo is a local island, it's important to respect the culture by wearing modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees) when walking through the village. Swimwear like bikinis and boardshorts are perfectly acceptable at the designated 'Bikini Beach' and on surf boats.
Thulusdhoo offers an authentic Maldivian experience. It is a local inhabited island where the culture is Islamic. Visitors are asked to respect local customs by dressing modestly outside of the designated tourist beach and guesthouses. Alcohol is not sold on the island, but you can visit one of the nearby 'floating bars' (safari boats) for a drink. The locals are friendly and welcoming to surfers.
A trip to Thulusdhoo is generally more affordable than staying at a private surf resort. Accommodation is primarily in local guesthouses, which you can find on our North Thulusdhoo surf camps page. A speedboat transfer from the main airport in Malé costs around $25-35 USD each way. Expect to pay about $10 USD for boat trips to spots like Chickens. Food at local cafes is also reasonably priced.
While the waves are incredible, safety is paramount. The primary hazard is the shallow coral reef, so it's crucial to be aware of the tides and your own ability. Currents can also be strong, particularly on bigger days. We highly recommend hiring a local surf guide for your first few sessions to understand the lineup and potential dangers. This will not only keep you safe but also help you score more waves.
Absolutely! When you're not surfing, you can explore the vibrant underwater world by snorkeling or diving in the crystal-clear lagoons. The island has a beautiful 'Bikini Beach' for relaxing and sunbathing. You can also take a fishing trip, visit a sandbank, or simply immerse yourself in the local island life by exploring the village and its small shops and cafes.
