Surf Riptides

Guraidhoo is located in South Male Atoll, about 3h by traditional dhoni or about 45min by speed boat from Male. Guraidhoo is a home of "riptides" surf break and we are setup to help you surf Maldives on a budget through Surf homestays.

Guraidhoo is a a typical fishing island with about 2,300 inhabitants, sandy roads and palm trees. You can walk around Guraidhoo in 30min and thereby expericence the true and real Maldives.

See more photos of Guraidhoo.

Rather than staying in a resort you can find pure nature and live with local families and experience the fascinating culture of the Maldives and the warm hospitality of the Maldivians. The Maldives as they realy are.

There are day-trips from surrounding resorts, so Guraidhoo is kind of used to tourists. As tourism on local islands is only possible shortly, thanks to changes in law by the new president of the Maldives. Tourism on Guraidhoo is just starting and developing. In addition to a couple of small shops and souvenir shops, there is a hospital, pharmacy, schools, several cafes, restaurants and a bakery. At the local shipyard you can watch the carpenters traditionally constructing the typical local dhoni boats in all sizes.

The mostly calm indian ocean has a very constant, hat and tropical climate. Even at night temperature rarely is below 25 Degrees Celcius. The climate is influenced by the south-west-monsun (May to October) and north-east-monsun (November to April) with more intensive rain showers in June and July.

Accomodation

The accommodation on Guraidhoo is a simple but clean houses. The rooms are nicely decorated and are either in a home of a local islander or in a nearby guesthouse. Different room options are possible and rooms can be set for 2-4 persons. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a fan, bathroom and shower, a refrigerator and electric tea kettle.

Relax and visit in a hammock in the garden area or visit with the family in their sitting room. You are truly part of the family when staying in Guraidhoo.

Food

Expect to be treated as a member of the family. Most meals are served by the local family and consist of traditional Maldivian food (lots of fish, rice and curry) prepared with the utmost care and pride. Since the families are used to hosting Europeans, they have learned to prepare European foods as well and can arrange special needs if desired.
Within the Maldives' islamic culture, alcohol is strictly prohibited on Guraidhoo. In the evenings unfortunately, drinking alcohol is not possible
at cafes, restaurants or 'at home'. Trips to surrounding resorts can be arranged, but after having drinks there, it is important respecting the islamic culture after returning to Guraidhoo.

Social Environment

Maldivians love sports, so feel free to join in on a local football or volleyball game. There is alway plenty of time to snorkel, swim or sunbath on the beautiful beaches of Guraidhoo or its offshore island Lohsfushi. We request all of our guests to respect the local Islamic culture by wearing appropriate clothes while on the island with the locals.

Surfing

Guraidhoo is an ideal island for surfing with its own wave in front of the little offshore island 'Lohsfushi' which is in the South of the island at the edge of its lagoon. There are 3 more spots in the channel or round the corner and many more in South Male Atoll and further in North Male Atoll.

Surf transfers by dhoni to the spots around the island can be arranged individually. Excursions to other spots can be organized any time in small or large groups.