10 Day Surf Lessons and Excursions | Thimarafushi Island

10 Days 9 Nights

Minimum Age

12
Maximum Age

65
Trip Type

Short Getaway
Peak Season

November – April
Off-Peak Season

May – October
Transportation

Speed Launch, Airline
Group Size

1-11
Meals

All meals included (Full Board)

Overview

Discover the thrill of surfing in the Maldives with this immersive 10-day surf and island adventure experience at Mikado Surf Camp, hosted by the locally run Stay Mikado Guesthouse on the serene island of Thimarafushi. Ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers alike, this package blends daily surf lessons with unforgettable excursions, offering the perfect balance of learning, adventure, and cultural immersion.

Led by experienced local surf instructors, you’ll ride the crystal-clear waves of the Indian Ocean while building confidence and technique. When you're not in the water, enjoy curated island excursions like dolphin cruises, sandbank picnics, and island hopping tours—all included in your package.

Whether you’re chasing your first wave or refining your surf style, this is your chance to soak in authentic island life, savor home-cooked Maldivian meals, and explore the turquoise beauty of the Thaa Atoll.

Highlights

Daily surf lessons tailored to your skill level
Ride uncrowded waves in a tropical island paradise
Guided excursions including dolphin cruises, sandbank trips, and island hopping
Stay at the cozy and welcoming Stay Mikado Guesthouse
Authentic Maldivian meals prepared fresh daily
Explore local island life and culture
Small group setting for personalized coaching
Ideal for beginners and improving surfers

Itinerary

Day
1

Arrival & Island Welcome

Welcome to Thimarafushi! Upon your arrival, you’ll be met by your local host and transferred to your guesthouse. After check-in, enjoy a relaxing island tour to get familiar with your new tropical surroundings, meet locals, discover quiet beaches, and feel the calm of island life settle in.
Day
2

First Surf Lessons

6:30 AM – 7:30 AM: Start the day with a nourishing breakfast served at the guesthouse.

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Your morning surf lesson begins. Under expert guidance, learn the fundamentals, including paddling techniques, wave etiquette, and how to catch your first waves safely. The calm morning conditions make it ideal for beginners.

12:30 PM: Return to the guesthouse for a fresh, local lunch.

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Continue practicing your new skills during the afternoon surf lesson, where you’ll focus on standing up on the board and balancing.

7:00 PM: Dinner is served, offering a chance to relax and chat about the day’s progress.
Day
3

Surf & Island Hopping Excursion

6:00 AM – 7:00 AM: Enjoy breakfast with sunrise views.

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Join your morning surf lesson to refine your techniques in the gentle morning surf.

11:30 AM: Lunch time at the guesthouse with fresh local dishes.

1:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Embark on an island hopping tour, exploring the nearby islands. Visit secluded beaches, meet island communities, and enjoy snorkeling in clear lagoons. This excursion offers insight into Maldivian island life beyond the surf breaks.

7:00 PM: Dinner back at the guesthouse.
Day
4

Two Surf Sessions

6:30 AM – 7:30 AM: Breakfast to fuel your day.

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Morning surf session focusing on paddling strength and catching longer waves.

12:30 PM: Lunch break with time to relax and recharge.

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Afternoon surf lesson targeting turning techniques and wave positioning to help you ride with confidence.

7:00 PM: Dinner and evening downtime.
Day
5

Surf & Sandbank Adventure

6:00 AM – 7:00 AM: Early breakfast to prepare for the day.

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Morning surf lesson concentrating on balance and stance adjustment.

11:30 AM: Enjoy a midday lunch.

1:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Set out on a 4-hour sandbank trip, a private escape to a pristine white sand island surrounded by crystal-clear waters. Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and savor a picnic lunch in this untouched paradise.

7:00 PM: Return for dinner and relaxation.
Day
6

Full Surf Day

6:30 AM – 7:30 AM: Breakfast to start your day right.

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Morning surf lesson to build endurance and wave reading skills.

12:30 PM: Lunch break to refuel.

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Afternoon session focusing on refining your take-off and turns, under instructor supervision.

7:00 PM: Dinner and opportunity to socialize with your group.
Day
7

Surf & Dolphin Cruise

6:00 AM – 7:00 AM: Breakfast as the island wakes.

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Early morning surf session designed to practice timing and balance in small to medium waves.

11:30 AM: Lunch served back at the guesthouse.

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Take a magical dolphin cruise along the coast. Glide through calm waters while spotting pods of playful spinner dolphins in their natural habitat, a highlight of the Maldivian ocean experience.

7:00 PM: Dinner and unwind.
Day
8

Final Intensive Surf Day

6:30 AM – 7:30 AM: Breakfast to energize for your last full day of lessons.

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Morning surf lesson focusing on mastering wave selection and control.

12:30 PM: Lunch at the guesthouse.

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Afternoon surf lesson to put all the skills together and surf with greater flow and style.

7:00 PM: Dinner and relaxation.
Day
9

Surf & Special Beach BBQ Dinner

6:00 AM – 7:00 AM: Breakfast before your final surf lesson.

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Your last morning surf lesson. Use this time to practice independently with instructor feedback, solidifying your progress.

11:30 AM: Lunch at Stay Mikado.

5:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Celebrate your surf journey with a special beach BBQ dinner. Feast on freshly grilled seafood and tropical delicacies under the stars, accompanied by island music and the soothing ocean breeze.
Day
10

Departure

6:30 AM – 7:30 AM: Breakfast and final goodbyes.

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Check-out and transfer to Thimarafushi Domestic Airport for your onward flight.

Depart with new skills, unforgettable memories, and a deep connection to the Maldives surf culture.

The Cost Includes

Pick-up and drop-off service from and to Velana International Airport
Round-trip transportation between the airport and Thimarafushi Island
10 nights’ accommodation in a local guesthouse with a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere
Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with tea or coffee
Daily guided morning yoga sessions
All surf lessons with experienced local instructors
All excursion activities listed in itinerary
Surf equipment (boards, rash guards)
Island tour, sandbank trip, dolphin cruise, island hopping, beach BBQ dinner
First aid kit available with your guide (guests are advised to bring personal medication)

The Cost Excludes

International Airfare
Visa Charges
Your travel and medical insurance
Surfboard is available for rental for 15 USD per day (variety of sizes available to match skill level and wave conditions)
Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency
Emergency expenses

Accommodation

Deluxe Room

Check in: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm | Check out: until 1:00 pm

Stay Mikado Guesthouse

Stay Mikado Guesthouse offers a peaceful and inviting retreat on the quiet island of Thimarafushi, a hidden gem in the Maldives’ southern reaches. With its charming design and focus on comfort, it’s the perfect base for travelers looking to unwind, reconnect, and explore the untouched beauty of island life.

We’ve handpicked Stay Mikado for our Thimarafushi Yoga Retreat not only for its warm hospitality and tranquil setting, but also for its commitment to local culture and sustainability. Here, you’ll enjoy genuine Maldivian hospitality in a serene environment that supports the local community and offers exceptional value.

What Stay Mikado offers

Each guest room at Stay Mikado is thoughtfully furnished with essentials for a comfortable stay, including air conditioning, a minibar, and private ensuite bathrooms. Many rooms offer calming views of the island surroundings, allowing you to relax and recharge after a day of yoga or ocean adventures.

Guest for this trip will be reside in the Deluxe Room where you can access free Wi-Fi throughout the property, ensuring you stay connected during your island escape. Mornings begin with a wholesome breakfast prepared fresh by the friendly kitchen team, and both Maldivian and international meals are available on-site for lunch and dinner.

Guests can enjoy communal lounge areas, outdoor seating, and the peaceful ambiance of Thimarafushi’s uncrowded shores just steps away. The staff at Stay Mikado are always on hand to assist with planning excursions, providing local insight, or simply making you feel at home.

Choosing Stay Mikado means more than just a place to sleep, it’s a chance to experience the true essence of island life in the Maldives, while directly supporting local livelihoods. Whether you’re here to relax, rejuvenate, or explore, Stay Mikado offers a welcoming and grounding space to do it all.

For more photos and room features, please see the gallery above.

FAQs

Is there a minimum number required for a trip to operate?

There is no minimum number for any of our land-based trips to operate.

What is the weather like?

The Maldives, like many parts of the world, is experiencing changes in climate and weather patterns, making traditional weather data less reliable. With its tropical climate, the Maldives enjoys abundant sunshine and average temperatures around 30°C year-round, making it a great destination at any time. There are two main seasons: the dry season (northeast monsoon) from January to March, and the wet season (southwest monsoon) from mid-May to November. While the 'wet season' doesn’t mean it rains constantly, there is a higher chance of rain during this period. However, rain can occur even in the 'dry season.'

For more detailed weather information, click here.

What is the dress code?

The Maldives is a Muslim country, so it’s important to be mindful of dress codes, especially on local islands and within communities.

For men, wearing t-shirts and shorts or swim shorts is generally fine, but women should take a more modest approach. It’s recommended for women to wear t-shirts with sleeves covering the shoulders, loose shorts or skirts that cover the thighs, or sundresses paired with a sarong around the shoulders.

On the islands we visit, guests can wear traditional beachwear, but it’s important for women to refrain from wearing swimwear except in specific areas. Swimwear is only appropriate on uninhabited islands, sandbanks, private bikini beaches (available on all islands where you'll stay), or while on our cruises and snorkeling boats. Your tour leader will provide guidance on when and where swimwear is allowed.

How fit do I need to be?

No prior experience is required for any of the activities included – just an average level of fitness and a spirit of adventure! The activities are designed to be enjoyable, not strenuous. The only requirements are that you should be comfortable in the water, able to swim, and able to climb a ladder to exit the water during snorkeling activities.

Do I need to bring my own snorkelling equipment?

We recommend bringing your own mask and snorkel if possible. This way, you'll have equipment that fits properly, ensuring comfort and reducing the chances of leaks. It’s also more hygienic, and since masks and snorkels are compact and lightweight, they won’t take up much room in your luggage. Due to the ocean currents and winds in the Maldives, fins are necessary for most snorkeling activities, and we provide them for all our tours. However, if you'd prefer a better fit, you're welcome to bring your own fins as well.

Can you accommodate dietary requirements?

When traveling on land-based tours, properties can usually cater to vegan and vegetarian diets. However, it's important to note that on local islands, over 95% of food products are imported and brought from Malé once or twice a week.

While fruit and vegetables are available, they may be in limited supply and don't typically make up a significant part of the traditional Maldivian diet, which may differ from the more varied and balanced meals you might typically have at home. As a vegetarian, you may find your options quite limited. For example, even a potato curry might include dried tuna. Local islands don't have regular supermarkets, and what's available in the convenience store one week may not be seen again for months, so the selection can vary.

We encourage you to be mindful of these factors and communicate any dietary restrictions ahead of time so we can assist with your meal planning during your stay.

Is alcohol available?

In the Maldives, the consumption of alcohol is prohibited in accordance with local laws, and you will not find alcohol available on inhabited islands, including the capital, Malé. Please refrain from bringing alcohol through the airport, as it will be confiscated and returned to you upon departure.

For those joining our cruise itineraries, alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on board, and payment can be made in USD or local currency directly to the boat captain.

If you're staying on local islands, we can also arrange visits to tourist resorts or floating bars in specific areas where alcohol is permitted.

Do I need Travel Insurance?

For your safety and peace of mind, travel insurance is required for all participants on our multi-day tours, including the diving course. Your coverage should include medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and any necessary repatriation in case of illness or injury. We also suggest your insurance covers travel disruptions, such as flight delays, missed connections, or lost luggage, to ensure you’re fully prepared for any unexpected events during your journey.

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

Arrival & Island Welcome

First Surf Lessons

Surf & Island Hopping Excursion

Two Surf Sessions

Surf & Sandbank Adventure

Full Surf Day

Surf & Dolphin Cruise

Final Intensive Surf Day

Surf & Special Beach BBQ Dinner

Departure