What is stand up paddling like in the Maldives? The short answer: Super-super-mega-genius. Crystal clear water, bright sunshine and exotic sea creatures await you under the SUP board. I ventured onto a SUP board in the lagoon of the dream island of Coco Bodu Hithi in the Maldives. Based on my experiences with the Maldives SUP, I can give you at least 3 valuable tips on what you should definitely keep in mind when stand up paddling in the Maldives. An experience report. 

For holidaymakers, stand up paddling is a minor reason for traveling to the Maldives. I felt very similar at first. I was traveling to the Maldives to discover the beautiful underwater world of the Indian Ocean and to learn as much as possible about the marine animals in the atoll kingdom. As a die-hard SUP fan who would never pass up a stand up paddle board, it was clear to me from the start that 8dz would definitely do that too Stand Up Paddling wanted to try it out in the Maldives.

My trips to Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu were ideal for this - as the islands have large lagoons and very relaxed water conditions. I would like to give you my conclusion in advance: For me there will no longer be a Maldives vacation without stand up paddling. This is just too good to miss out on while traveling.

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SUP in the Maldives

My experiences with stand up paddling in paradise

I actually went to Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi to relax and dive. The dives were – similar to the diving on Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu – simply fantastic. I was able to spot turtles, sharks and many other marine animals that are native to the Indian Ocean. Why am I telling you this? Because you don't just find them diving, but also paddling - and that's really incredible.

You're paddling around with nothing, nothing for you - and suddenly a shark darts under your board. Or a turtle. If you want, you can simply take your snorkeling equipment with you and jump into the water with the animals. Stand up paddling with sharks, turtles and many large, small and colorful fish is possible on the resort islands of the Maldives. With a bit of luck, the marine world of the Maldives will come directly to your board.

To put it briefly: I just wanted to try the SUP on Coco Bodu Hithi once. Nothing came of it - I was on the water every day and did a long lap. That was an adventure and a workout at the same time. Ultimately, I spent one to two hours on the SUP board every day because it was so incredibly beautiful. But it's also pretty hot - at 32 degrees Celsius and in direct sunlight you'll sweat a lot.

Resort Islands Water Sports Center – Where can I rent a SUP board?

No, you don't need to fly in your SUP board from Germany. If you are in Hamburg on the Alster stand up paddling go, you will first get suspicious looks from other athletes who take a close look at what kind of board you have. Fortunately, things are a little different in the Maldives.

Most of the resort islands (unlike in Maldives guest house on local islands) have a water sports center where you can usually rent stand-up paddling boards and paddles in addition to windsurf boards, jet skis and all sorts of other water toys. Don't expect the top boards (mine was quite small, for example) - but the equipment there definitely serves its purpose. And you can expect ultimate service. A friendly employee will carry the board to the water and the happy tour can begin.

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Tips & tricks for SUP on a Maldives island

If you want to try SUP in the Maldives, you should consider some tips and tricks that will make your life on the board easier. Because stand up paddling in the Maldives can be a bit tricky. I always have my inflatable life buoy with me. Alternatively, you can borrow a life jacket from the water sports center.

1. Watch swell and surf while paddling

So calm was the sea around Coco Bodu Hithi never. The Resort islands have a surf-facing side where the waves slap against the island most of the time. It can be recognized on some islets by the fact that larger fortification walls have been built into the water there in order to offer less surface to the waves.

As a SUP beginner, you should rather stay away from this side of the board. As a professional you will have a lot of fun here, because there is often a lot of going up and down. This side of the island is also ideal for SUP surfing when the weather is right.

It is much quieter in the island's lagoon. There you can do your laps quietly, relaxed and undisturbed by waves or do yoga exercises on the SUP board. Most of the island's lagoon is often their chocolate side.

2. Watch out for boats and other water sports enthusiasts

This tip seems a bit far-fetched at first - but it is certainly not. On a Maldives island, people are constantly in the water, swimming, kayaking, snorkeling and diving. Traditional dhonis and speedboats land. You can be knocked over with your board faster than you would like. In particular, you have to be careful of the speed boats and dhonis, which are not particularly considerate when they go on a collision course. So just keep your eyes open. This also applies to swimming and snorkeling in the lagoon.

On the other hand, other holidaymakers will keep rushing towards you because they want to try the board out. Whether you rent the SUP or keep the board to yourself is your decision - the surf school usually doesn't care.

3. Marine Animals: Sharks and turtles circle the board

It's just wonderful for everyone Animal-Fans and everyone who wants to become one. The sea creatures curiously come to the SUP board to see who or what is out there. Turtles in particular are used to people on the Maldives resort islands and are not at all shy. You often have them in the immediate vicinity of the stand up paddling board. And also Maldives sharks come to swim with you.

They circle the board curiously and sometimes even touch it. I had this situation several times where a reef shark brushed against my board. But don't worry, the animals usually don't do anything at all. As long as you don't encounter a great white shark, tiger shark or bull shark, everything is relaxed.

SUP in the Maldives – Stand Up Paddling is a successful change on your dream vacation

My conclusion

My conclusion after ten days on Coco Bodu Hithi with the stand up paddling board is clear: SUP in the Maldives is a completely different proposition than, for example, stand up paddling on the Alster in Hamburg or SUP tours on the Baltic Sea in Scharbeutz. Stand up paddling in the Maldives is in a completely different league - but that's no wonder, you have a much more attractive landscape and a more pleasant climate here.

Stand-up paddling is much more fun there. It is comparable to paddling in Thailand: That too SUP on Phuket (experiences) is really great and very similar to the tours in the Maldives. So I have to say: It's difficult to compare SUP around the world. Many SUP locations have their own charms.

Stand up paddling in the lagoon blew me away

But stand-up paddling in the lagoon of a Maldives island is simply a completely different experience - it really can't be compared to anything in the world and is the ultimate for SUP fans. Board sport can of course be practiced from many aspects: as a SUP endurance sport for speed and time, as a balance movement exercise or from a meditative and yoga perspective. Surfing or SUP in the Maldives is also a good alternative to jogging as a workout. It's all possible on a resort island. Sharks and turtles circle in the crystal clear water beneath the board. At the same time you can enjoy the peace and quiet on the water.

Relatively few holidaymakers have been paddling so far

Because so far very few holidaymakers are paddling on the islands. Stand up paddling is not yet particularly popular there. Every now and then you see a kayak driver, snorkeling on the reef is really popular anyway, but stand up paddling in the Maldives still has potential for development. If you want to get on the board there, you will still be part of a small group of brave people and can enjoy paddling to the fullest. Just give it a try, but know that you won't be able to stop anytime soon - but you don't have to.

Have you been to the Maldives before or are you planning your first trip? Share your experiences in the comments.