Himmafushi

Himmafushi (ހިއްމަފުށި) is an inhabited island in the North Malé Atoll, around half an hour by speedboat from the capital. It combines the everyday life of a Maldivian village with one of the best known surf scenes in the country.

The island is famous for Jailbreaks, a fast right hand reef break off its southern reef that can link into one long wave in the right swell. Its name recalls the prison that once stood on the island. The neighbouring breaks of Sultans and Honkys at Thanburudhoo are reached by boat, and surf camps and board rental shops cater to visitors. The waves break over shallow coral and suit experienced surfers. Show more

Away from the reef, Himmafushi keeps a working harbour, a mosque, sandy lanes and a street of souvenir and handicraft shops. A designated bikini beach and a calm lagoon invite swimming, and guesthouses arrange snorkelling on the house reef, sandbank picnics, dive trips to the channels of North Malé and evening fishing with the local boats.

Public ferries and speedboats connect Himmafushi with Malé and the airport. Several days to a week suit surf trips. The surf season in the central atolls runs from about March to October, during the southwest monsoon, while the drier months from December to April bring calmer water for snorkelling. Modest dress is expected in the village, and alcohol is not sold.