Thulusdhoo

Thulusdhoo sits in North Malé Atoll and is the centre of Maldivian surfing: the break off the island's edge, called Cokes after the bottling plant on shore, is a fast right-hander over reef, with Chickens across the channel. The plant itself bottles cola using desalinated seawater, which is a fact locals enjoy repeating. Guesthouses and surf camps have grown up since local islands were opened to visitors. The island is one of the closest inhabited islands to the airport, which is why it filled with guesthouses faster than most once the rules changed.

What you actually see

• The Cokes break - the fast right-hand reef wave off the island's edge.
• Chickens - the second break across the channel.
• The bottling plant - the factory that gave the wave its name.
• The village - the working island behind the surf.

When to go

March to October is the surf season with the biggest swell. November to April is calmest for everything else. Ferries run on limited days.

Honest expectations

The waves break over shallow reef and are not for beginners. Local island rules on dress and alcohol apply. The island is crowded with surfers in season.

Nearby

Malé is southwest, and Guraidhoo is south.