Sultans

The Maldives' never-closing-out right — consistent and rippable

Sultans is one of the most consistent and well-known waves in the Maldives, a right-hander breaking off the uninhabited island of Thamburudhoo in North Male Atoll. Its defining characteristic is that it never closes out — the takeoff can start behind the peak, offering an open wall for carving turns before the wave meets the reef on the island corner and slingshots into a spacious, fast tube. It breaks 3-8ft and is the most protected wave in the atoll from southerly winds, collecting the most swell of any nearby break. Best at high tide with solid southeast swell and any wind from west to north. The southwest monsoon from March through October is prime season, with June through August being peak. Accessed by boat from resorts or surf charters.

Best months to surf Sultans

Wave consistency

Consistent

Things to do nearby

• Snorkel pristine house reefs with manta rays
• Sunset dolphin cruise in the atoll
• Dive world-class sites in North Male Atoll
• Explore Male city markets and mosques