Learn to Surf With Us
in Maldives
Welcome to a Life Changing Experience
Answering your request for beginner trips, we have crafted this unique experience for people who connect with our values and vision and want to learn to surf with us.
We know we are not for everyone, we believe:
surfing is not just standing up;
Maldives is not just sunshine, transparent water and resorts.
Thulusdhoo Island, Maldives
To be confirmed (7 days / 6 nights)
Maximum 6 guests
Beginners
You’ve never touched a surfboard? We are here for you
More activities offered: diving certificate, windsurf, sailing, etc.
Shared room 2880 USD per person
If you want to truly introduce yourself into the surfing world in a welcoming friendly atmosphere, whilst experiencing the true local Maldivian lifestyle… you are in the right place.
La Familia
For us the experience becomes unique not by the destination, but by the people you get to share the experience with.
Silvia San Laureano
Ismail Miglal
Husain Simah
Our Learn to Surf
Methodology
For us surfing, is much more than standing up.
Surfing is playing with the waves.
Regardless of who you are, how old you are, etc.
With time a stereotyped vibe and prejudices have boxed surfing. That is not surfing for us.
With our team you will find a group of people who just want to share their love, passion and knowledge for the waves to others who feel the call, and want to learn in a welcoming and inclusive space.
Much More Than Learning to Stand Up
You might have heard Maldives is not an ideal place to learn to surf, it’s ideal for intermediates as it’s an aquapark of waves.
But hey…if it’s not that ideal how have the locals learnt to surf?
YES, you can learn to surf and be introduced to surfing in Maldives, you just need to be in a small group, with the same level, and be with professionals who know where and when to take you.
We have decided to create this experience, as we have been contacted by people who do not feel welcomed or respected in the traditional surf schools. We know and understand how you feel.
We want to share with you the love and passion we have for the ocean.
Feeling One With the Ocean
History of Surfing, Etiquette & Much More
Physical Environment Theory
Board and Ocean Agility
Practice in Waves and Land
Welcoming & Inclusive Space
What is Included
• 6 nights / 7 days accommodation at our hotel;
• Surf instructing team made up of 1 assistant and 2 coaches;
• The Ocean Spell surf beginners program: 1 session in the waves with no board just you and your body playing, 1 session in the lagoon, theory classes, 7 sessions in waves;
• Some sessions we will film to work on video correction;
• Copy of your surfing footage at the end of the trip;
• 6 Breakfast and 6 dinners included in local venues;
• 24/7 water, tea, coffee;
• Surf transfers in speedboat to other spots;
• Surfboard included during the sessions;
• Local break righthander 5 min walking from our home;
• Daily yoga and meditation practice;
• 1 x Day excursion to another atoll;
• 1 x Local gastronomy workshop;
• 1 x Local music workshop;
• 1 x Sandbar excursion;
• Snorkel excursions, bbq, visiting other islands;
• Available delicious products made locally (homemade muesli, bread, nut butter, plantbased milk, juices, organic soap, etc in order to support the local entrepreneurs);
• Lifts to airport/Thulusdhoo/airport;
• GST & green tax & service tax (all taxes included).
What is not included
- International flights;
- Lunches;
- Photo package;
- Other activities: diving, windsurf, catamaran, etc.
Home in Thulusdhoo
Our local home base in Thulusdhoo is a freshly new 4-star hotel, the Coral Inn. This hotel, run by locals, is 4 minutes walk from the beach, and provides various facilities, such as a garden and a terrace.
You can choose to share a room or to have one for yourself. All rooms have air conditioning, free WiFi and private bathroom.
We will experience the real local vibes, and we will be able to help the local community by eating and hanging out at the different venues, tasting local gastronomy.
Much More Than Surf
Other Water Activities
Diving Certificate or Baptism
Local Gastronomy
Yoga
Local Experience
Wild Life
PRICING
Owen Watson – Cronulla, Australia
“I have been home a few weeks now and cant stop thinking about how good this Maldives trip was. They have created the ultimate surf trip experience by incorporating surf coaching with video analysis and yoga for the mind and body. The surf coaching part of this trip is such a great concept, video analysis is the key to breaking down your surfing so the coach can give feedback on mistakes you are making and gives you the techniques needed to improve your surfing. My surfing definitely improved over the 10 days and I have lots of new skills to work on to make my surfing more enjoyable. This trip was awesome to share with my son (truly a family friendly trip) and all the other like minded people on the boat, it was such a great experience meeting all these people from around the globe becoming good friends and having a fun surf trip together! Thanks!”
Kerri Heard – Cornwall, UK
“My trip to the Maldives with Silvia from The Ocean Spell was INCREDIBLE. So well organised and I felt confident throughout the process of booking that I was going to be looked after by the team. I had the best trip of my life. Met incredible like minded souls and had the best coaching I could have ever imagined. I recommend The Ocean Spell to anyone, you’ll be guaranteed the best trip of your life and with amazing people to support you and show you that you are capable and can achieve anything. Cant wait till the next trip!”
Sunshine Makarrow-California, USA
“In the two weeks I spent working with the coaching in the Maldives, my surfing improved more than it would have in months if not years on my own (I have been surfing more than 20 years). The daily video analysis was especially helpful to truly understanding how to improve. I highly recommend The Ocean Spell surf coaching trips to anyone looking to take their surfing to the next level.”
Iván Fernandez – Spain
“I had a great and awesome surf trip with The Ocean Spell, all the organisation was fantastic, great surf coaching sessions, very nice boat (double room, AC, private toilet, towels), awesome surf photographer, and obviously amazing waves. Yoga sessions on the rooftop during unbelievable sunsets, unbeatable experience. Besides, the small group and the staff creating a cozy environment, good vibes. This trip was for experience surfers, and I can assure you everyone improved in the 10 days of perfect waves and video analysis. I also joined the group trip as The Ocean Spell has a strong purpose promoting environmental actions. Obviously everything can not be perfect, but was very close. I highly recommend to book your surf holidays! Great organization.”
David Becerra – USA
“If I could give them 10 stars I would!! The Ocean Spell team is formed by amazing, funny and down-to-earth people, I feel like I have made new friends for life. Definitely the best surf trip I have been on. The whole trip was super organised. After more than 20 years surfing, the video analysis was super educational, I was able to make changes to my surfing and improve in the 10 days I was there. Now I have a ton of tips I can work on to get my surfing to the next level for many years to come.We spent the entire time surfing, laughing, learning and having a blast. They are very well respected by the locals and regulars in the water, and they make sure to educate everyone on proper surf etiquette to maximise fun in the water for everyone. Highly recommend to any surf at any level who wants to surf great fun waves and meet some cool people. Will be definitely going back!”
Annie Croteau – Canada
“I have been in one of the all women surf trip in the Maldives and strongly recommend the experience if you want to improve your surf. 10 days in paradise with an amazing group of inspiring women that I am so happy to now call my friends. An excellent coach, very patient and passionate. I improved a lot in 10 days and I now know what to work on in the next year to keep improving. The yoga was also very nice after long days surfing, my back needed this! Thanks The Ocean Spell for the unforgettable experience.”
Karmen Lopez – Spain
“UNBEATABLE. I joined the only women Maldives trip, 10 out of 10! The boat with all comforts, surf coaching incredible, I have improved my level in just 10 days, what could have taken a couple of years! I have returned with amazing photos as we had a professional photographer on board! The food was varied, I am vegetarian, so I was afraid that I would be hungry, but the crew would surprise us each day with different delicious meals, lucky that we burnt all the calories while surfing! The opportunity of meeting women from all around the world, in an amazing atmosphere, it has been so much fun that the bad thing has been to return home. The Ocean Spell team took care of us, showed us the best waves in the Maldives. Every night Silvia would give us a yoga session on the top of the boat, watching the stars. Next year I will repeat! I recommend it 100%!” ❤️
Haruna Pager – Japan
“l really enjoyed my Maldives surf coaching trip, I went to the all genders trip. One of the best quality waves in the world with great people. The coach was very professional, passionate and funny.
Silvia is kind, caring and always making sure everyone is happy and things are going well.
My surfing skill definitely improved in 10 days especially with the video analysis was so helpful in understanding what needed to be improved.Also evening yoga helped my bad neck and shoulder a lot, to survive surfing 3 times a day for 10 days.
I highly recommend this trip to anyone thinking of joining. It included what you need, comfy boat, nice food, professional surf coaching, yoga, every morning surf session video and awesome photos, off the scale of my expectation!
Thank you so much, hopefully see you soon!”
Yael Zamir – Israel
“Highly recommended, amazing experience. Great hassle-free organization,professional attitude, with super fun environment. Will definitely do it again.
It was my first trip without my family (I’m a mum of three grown up kids), initially I was going with a friend to one of the only women surf coaching trips that The Ocean Spell organizes, but my friend pulled out…and honestly I was going to cancel it, as I was scared of traveling alone, joining a group of unknowns. Silvia transmitted trust and confidence and told me how everyone was in the same position as me, with doubts and fears. So good she insisted me, I have repeated again after that trip! And soon more! My recommendation, don’t think it twice, don’t look for a friend with who to travel…as you will find plenty of like-minded people at The Ocean Spell.”
Are there any pre-requisites to join?
To be keen to experience the local lifestyle of Maldives, and keen to push your limits with us by your side.
Is there an age limit/requirement?
You must be 18 years old to book a trip by yourself.
Minors are welcomed on our family trips, or on our kids surf coaching trips. Please contact us for more information.
Am I too old to join?
Excuse me? We have been joined by 65 year old women who were younger in spirit than some of the 20 year olds we know.
Most of our guests range between 30 and 60 years old.
I do not have with who to travel...is it a problem?
These group surf trips were originally put together for solo surfers who want to travel the world in search of waves, but want to do it with like-minded people.
If you are waiting for a friend to join you, our recommendation is “just go”, the people joining our trips are with similar circumstances to you.
If I do not know how to swim...can I join?
If you want to push your limits, with us by your side, you can join us. You need to understand that there are 5 other guests who may know how to swim, so we will need to arrange so we can give our best service to you all. Please get in touch with our team.
Is there WIFI?
Our recommendation is to buy a SIM card at the airport upon arrival. There are several packages of 15 Gigs and 30 Gigs, pretty reliable if you need to work or speak with your family.
Can I work from my laptop?
Sure you can if you buy a SIM card at the airport upon arrival. There are several packages of 15 Gigs and 30 Gigs, pretty reliable if you need to work or speak with your family.
Time
Note some resorts operate Island Time, which is 1 hour ahead of Maldives standard time.
Dietary Requirements
Do I need to bring snorkel, mask and fins?
We would advise to bring along your own mask and snorkel as this means you’ll be assured your mask fits your face properly and is comfortable and less likely to have leakage. We find that peace of mind goes a long way. A mask and snorkel is small and light and should take up very little space in your suitcase.
Do I need to arrive one day early?
If you decide you want to arrive early in order to rest and become acclimatized to the weather, we can help you book a hotel close to the airport with pick up and drop off.
When & where do we meet on the first day?
We will meet at Malé Velana International Airport, at 10 am, date to be confirmed.
When & where do we finish on the last day?
We will finish at Malé Velana International Airport, in the afternoon (around 7pm). Date to be confirmed.
How much cash do I need?
This depends on personal preferences.
Here are some things you might need cash money for:
– alcohol, softdrinks (remember, no alcohol available on the island);
– photo package (aprox 200 USD);
– SIM card (50 USD for 30 gigs);
– lunches between 5-20 USD.
Local Currency and Banking in the Maldives
One US Dollar is equivalent to aprox 15.5 Rufiyaa. The US Dollar is accepted as legal tender. All major credit cards can be used.
The national bank, Bank of Maldives has a branch and an ATM in Male’ International Airport.
The banks in the Maldives are very particular about the condition of bank notes and will refuse deposits of old style USD$, even though still an active currency, damaged notes, badly creased or well-worn notes will also be rejected. Therefore, if presenting such a note as form of payment you may be requested to change to a note of better condition. Please do not take offence, it is purely that the note will have no worth to the individual to whom you are paying. Also, note that small bills .i.e. $1 and $5 have a lower exchange value, as the Bank of Maldives charges for small notes to be deposited.
Travel Insurance
You can buy an insurance package to suit you and your travel plans, allowing you to depart on your holiday confident that you are covered. We recommend our clients to get quality travel insurance with a well-known company: Blue-Cross, Manulife, Escapade, RBC, TravelGuard, etc. You should check the small print in the policy to make sure activities like surfing, snorkeling are covered. You need to be covered for medical expenses abroad and any emergency repatriation that may be required due to your illness/injury. We also recommend that you take out cancellation cover and baggage cover.
IMPORTANT: We must have your travel insurance details (policy number, issuing company details, and emergency telephone number) before you depart or you may not be allowed to join the trip.
Booking Information
A video-call must be organized with the team, in order to be invited to book your space in this adventure. To fully confirm your spot, a non-refundable deposit is needed.
Private and shared rooms availability are on a first-come, first-served basis. Please book your reservations early to receive your preferred accommodation.
Travel & Flight Information
If you decide to extend your stay, we can assist you to book your desired vacation in our luxurious resort recommendations.
Travel Documentation & Insurance Policy
Maldives Entry Requirements with Covid-19
Citizens/residents from most countries are currently allowed to enter Maldives by air. Passengers traveling as tourists arriving from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan or Sri Lanka are not allowed to enter.
Quarantine not required.
Specific entry requirements that must be met:
1) Mandatory Maldives PCR Test for Entry
All tourists traveling to Maldives in COVID-19 must take a mandatory PCR TEST (nucleic acid nasal & throat) taken no more than 96 hours before the departure time of the first ticketed flight to Maldives, counting from the first port of embarkation en-route to the Maldives. If the tourist makes a transit during the journey, the initial PCR test will be valid if the transit does not exceed 24 hours. If the tourist makes a transit exceeding 24 hours, the passenger must repeat the PCR test within 96 hours prior to embarkation at the port of transit.
Maldives Immigration requires the Negative PCR test results to show the name of the passenger (name as in passport), name & address of testing laboratory, testing officer & testing officer signature, type of test stated as a PCR test, date & time of sampling, result.
Tourists who have completed the full vaccination process and hold a valid vaccination certificate for a vaccine approved by the World Health Organisation are still required to take a mandatory PCR test for entry to Maldives when traveling to Maldives in COVID-19.
The PCR test result should be submitted through the IMUGA portal within 24 hours prior to departure to Maldives. In addition, the lab result should be presented in paper or electronic format during the airline check-in.
2) Pre-fill Online Health Declaration Form
The Health Declaration Form must be pre-filled 0-24 hours before traveling to Maldives. The Negative PCR Test results must be attached.
Recommended to take a screenshot of the form’s QR Code upon completion.
A separate form must be pre-filled 0-24hrs prior to your departure from Maldives . Take a screenshot y of the new QR code again upon departure as it’s required to enter the departures hall for flight check in.
3) Confirmed Reservation & Return Flights
Travelers must have a confirmed reservation at our licensed accommodation facility when traveling to Maldives (including a resort, liveaboard, guesthouse, that is approved by the Ministry of Tourism in conjunction with safe tourism guidelines).
4) Passport Validity
Passport must have 6 months validity from departure date for entry.
Exit Requirements
Cancellation Policy due to Covid-19
We want to make the booking process as re-assuring as possible.
In the extenuating circumstances that the entire group trip needs to be rescheduled to new travel dates, due to international border closures and/or restrictions due to Covid-19, all funds paid will be rolled over to the new travel dates. New dates will be discussed with all attendees before being confirmed. If attendees are unable to attend on new proposed group travel dates, existing booking payments will become credit for other The Ocean Spell signature group trips (value to exclude any group fees previously utilised to a third party supplier). Credit not redeemable for refund.
It is mandatory to purchase travel and health insurance with cancellation cover, that in the event of individual attendee tests positive for Covid-19 in the days prior to the trip departure, the insurance provider will refund the credit, always with the proper evidence and proof. The Ocean Spell or our providers cannot refund the money, that is why it is mandatory to be covered for such circumstances. We do know various good insurance providers and we also work with some excellent products, please get in touch with our team.
Non-Covid related refunds. If you cancel 90 days or less before the trip departure date, we will reimburse any payments made to us (excluding admin fee and any non-refundable monies paid to third party suppliers), as long as we are able to resell the place(s) that we have been holding for you. The reimbursement can be either in the form of a refund or held in credit for a future booking. Either way, we will retain a $200 admin fee per person. We will be able to offer a partial refund (excluding admin fee and any non-refundable monies paid to third party suppliers) only if we are able to resell the place(s).
Please note that fear to travel due to Covid is not a valid reason for cancellation or for any insurance provider.