March 9th - March 17th, 2027

Early Season = Uncrowded

Join Helena from Women Soulful Surf (WSS) on a once-in-a-lifetime Maldives surf adventure

Created exclusively for intermediate women surfers, this early-season Maldives escape delivers playful, user-friendly waves perfect for funboards and longboards without crowd factor. This isn’t your average surf retreat — it’s a nine-day journey through the turquoise atolls of the Maldives, living aboard a private charter boat and moving in rhythm with the ocean as we seek out perfect, uncrowded waves.

Sleep under the stars. Wake to the sound of waves.
Out here, it’s just us — salt, sea and sky — and a rare stillness that reconnects you with what freedom truly feels like.

Set among the postcard-perfect atolls of the Indian Ocean, you’ll experience 8 nights of connection, laughter, learning and unforgettable surf sessions. Our mission is simple: to boost your confidence in the water and increase your wave count in a supportive, empowering environment, with multiple daily surfs at world-class breaks — many only accessible by boat.

There’s something magical about stepping straight off the deck into warm, crystal-clear water, surrounded by endless turquoise lagoons and untouched tropical beauty. Expect sunrise sessions that stop you in your tracks, glowing sunsets over glassy horizons, and long, joy-filled days in the ocean.

Under Helena’s guidance, and alongside the inspiring Women Soulful Surf community, you’ll refine your technique, deepen your ocean knowledge and reconnect with the spark that first drew you to the sea. You’ll laugh until your cheeks hurt with women who begin this journey as strangers and leave as sisters.

Between surfs, we’ll move mindfully, stretch on deck, nourish our bodies with delicious meals and soak in the simple magic of life at sea.

Onboard, enjoy 5-star service, chef-prepared cuisine, beautiful air-conditioned cabins and a warm, professional crew devoted to your comfort and safety.

This is where surf meets sisterhood, adventure meets ease, and memories are created that stay with you long after you return to land.

Spaces are limited. Say yes to the experience of a lifetime.

Trip prices are quoted in USD.
Payments may be made in your local currency via direct debit (no fees) or by credit card (low fees). IslandHop receives all payments in USD.

This will be the 5th Women Soulful Surf Maldives retreat in 3 years.

Helena Richardson — Founder, Women Soulful Surf

Originally from Poland, Helena left in 2015 with a one-way ticket to Bali to become a yoga teacher and follow a simpler, ocean-centred way of life. That’s where she fell in love with surfing.

After moving to Australia, stepping back into the water reignited both her passion and her purpose. Surrounded mostly by experienced male surfers, she recognised how intimidating the sport could feel for women — and from that, Women Soulful Surf was born.

Helena now empowers women of all ages and backgrounds to build confidence, embrace the ocean, and step out of their comfort zones. Supporting women on their surf journey is her greatest joy.

Helena will be assisted by another WSS coach throughout the week.

Male’ Atolls Surf Experience – North & South

A week in the Malé Atolls delivers a veritable buffet of waves, from long, down-the-line speed runs to playful walls and hollow tubes that will test even confident barrel riders. With a dozen or so quality reef breaks in close proximity, both shortboarders and longboarders will be equally stoked by the incredible variety and consistency on offer.

For Malé Atoll trips, we have 12 breaks to choose from within approximately six hours of cruising, stretching from Riptides in the South to Chickens in the North. The North Malé Atoll (Jails to Chickens – 6 breaks) is generally more consistent as it picks up more southerly swell.

The South Malé Atoll (Riptides to Tucky Joes – 6 breaks) can light up with a bit of east in the south swell and is often less crowded. All waves enjoy offshore conditions in west winds, making them some of the most user-friendly, high-performance reef breaks on the planet.

North Malé hosts iconic waves such as Cokes, Chickens, Sultans, Jailbreaks, Honkys and Ninjas, offering a balanced mix of rights and lefts — from forgiving point-style waves to punchier, hollower sections — all within around two hours’ cruising.

South Malé atoll is approx. 3 hr steam from Himmafushi and works best on larger East swells, generally breaking around 2 feet smaller than the North. As an example, a 1m, 14-second SE swell with west winds could see Sultans at 6ft+ while Quarters runs around 3–4ft.

This is not a learn-to-surf trip. Guests should be capable of catching their own waves and riding along the face. You will receive surf guidance and support throughout the journey, including in-water tips and encouragement, plus a digital photo package and some video analysis opportunities to help track your progression.

Board recommendation: Bring at least two boards – a mid-length to cover all conditions, and your preferred shortboard, fish or longboard for specific sessions. Board rentals may also be available locally.

This is not a learn-to-surf trip

You will receive surf guidance and support from Helena, Alyx-Jane and our experienced local guide, Jaate. We’ll be there to encourage you, answer your questions and assist with wave selection and positioning, however this is not a 1:1 coaching program.

You should feel confident catching your own waves and riding along their faces. This experience is designed for progressing–intermediate surfers, not beginners. We’ll be seeking out fun, user-friendly waves, while also providing opportunities for those who wish to challenge themselves with larger swell when it presents. There will also be plenty of chances to enjoy smaller, more playful waves throughout the journey.

Who is this trip for?

Progressing–intermediate surfers who are confident paddling out the back, able to catch unbroken (green) waves and surf across the wave face.

Longboards, mid-lengths and funboards are all welcome.

Board recommendation:
We suggest bringing at least two boards — a versatile mid-length to cover most conditions, plus either a fish or longboard for your preferred style. There is also an option to rent boards locally if needed.

Day 1: The girls arriving on different flights from all over the globe will arrive Malè Velana international airport throughout & transferred to Handhu in HulaMale Harbour for overnight sleep.
Day 2: Depart harbour at dawn and be at surf within 2 hours.

Days 2-8: 7 full surf days all over the Nth & Sth Malè atolls., Including sidetrip to Vaavu atoll to free-dive at the Nurse Shark Sanctuary

Day 9: Potential to surf the morning and delivery to Malè’ airport 2 hours prior to flight departure time **

NB: If the group members are on different flights then the boat will depart the surf zone approx 5hrs before the earliest flight departure time on the final day. For groups with morning or early afternoon flight departures on the final day, we will overnight on the final night in HuluMale harbour, closer to airport as it is impossible to surf on the final day.

• Book your flights to arrive Male' Velana international to arrive anytime on day 1 or even the day before and overnight in HulaMale' and sleep off jetlag. Day 1 is spent in HulaMale' harbour awaiting all guests arriving on different flights. See booking.com for HulaMale' hotel options

• Book your departure flights out of Male' Velana international, no earlier than midday on the final day or you may choose to stay on in the Maldives for longer.