Think the Maldives is all about honeymoons and over-water villas? You could be wrong. These beautiful Indian Ocean islands are home to more water-based culture and activities than you might think.
The Maldives is a tropical paradise with its idyllic overwater bungalows, soft sandy beaches and emerald waters. It’s almost impossible to imagine the Maldives without thinking of its turquoise waters and soft sandy beaches. Here are 8 amazing things to do in the Maldives.
There are plenty of activities to keep you busy while you’re here, including learning about the locals and hanging out on the waves. These amazing experiences are not available anywhere else and some of them are exclusive to the Maldives.
Tip: Be sure to choose your resort wisely as transportation within the Maldives is often expensive or non-existent. Some of these incredible experiences are not available to resort guests or can only be accessed from nearby resorts.
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Have an underwater meal
Conrad Rangali’s Ithaa may not be the world’s only underwater restaurant, but it is the first all-glass restaurant. It also houses the largest wine cellar in the Maldives, as well as a European-inspired gourmet menu serving set meals for lunch and dinner.
The only experience in the Maldives offers guests a glimpse of floating marine life under a glass arch. Mid-morning cocktails are also available for those just looking to quench their thirst.
Swim with mammoth manta rays and whale sharks
You can have an unforgettable underwater experience that is both intimate and almost undefinable if you don’t mind wearing scuba gear or snorkel gear. The Maldives has a number of protected marine areas that are rich in plankton.
These include Manta Point (just off Hanifaru Bay) and other haunts for whale sharks and rays. Though it can be surreal to get lost among giant manta rays, the experience of sharing space with whale sharks, the world’s largest mammal, is sure to leave you humbled and breathless.
Enjoy night diving or night snorkeling
You can sign up for a fluorescent night dive or snorkel if you’re looking for something different. The guide provides a UV light and a mask that allows corals and other organisms to glow as if under a black light.
Seeing the underwater world in neon colors is a surreal experience.
Snorkel or dive under an island
Many islands are built below the sea floor, so you can only snorkel and dive off the tops of the island reefs. There is an island in the Maldives that has a very unique shape and you can explore what lies beneath.
The concave shape of Ellaidhoo Island is an absolute delight. It should be on every underwater lover’s bucket list. Don’t worry if your first dive isn’t a success. The resort has a PADI certified school that will have you up and running in no time.
Dive a shipwreck
It is evident that the Maldives has a rich and diverse marine ecosystem. This makes it a great place for diving. Both experienced divers and beginners can enjoy beautiful corals and a variety of fish. Almost every resort has a PADI certified diving school. You can also try your hand at scuba diving in a shipwreck or look for the Big Five: sea turtles and manta rays, as well as whale sharks and dolphins.
If you are a beginner choose a hotel that has a great house reef or is close to the best dive sites. The Maldives has the best visibility and coral structure in the world. So if you don’t want to dive, you can still enjoy great views from shallower depths.
Watch the beach light up
Many marine species are found in the Maldives, including curious stingrays, which can be seen near resorts. Although you may not want to swim or move about in shallow water, it is possible to catch the occasional feeding. Nocturnal stingray feedings take place in shallow waters near a jetty.
You can learn about native species like sharks and sea turtles and listen to lectures.
Rent your own private island
Owning your own island seems like the ultimate dream – ask Johnny Depp, Julia Roberts or Steven Spielberg, who all have their own islands in the ocean.
The Maldives is your dream vehicle. This is the land of screensavers. Some islands even offer the option of renting an island for a few hours.
Enjoy the sunset by sailing in a Maldivian dhoni boat
A trip to the Maldives is incomplete without a dhoni tour of remote islands.
It features a beautiful Maldivian sailing ship and organizes romantic dinners on the shore.
Pamper yourself in the world’s first underwater spa
You can pamper yourself under the waves in the Maldives. The LIME Spa at Huvafen Fushi is unique in the world with its innovative therapies and award-winning design.
It is surrounded by a vibrant underwater world and features an exclusive underwater treatment room.
Lounge in a hammock
Although many people travel to the Maldives for the unparalleled luxury and exceptional experiences, sometimes the most memorable aspects of a vacation are the simple things.
You can just relax in a hammock and enjoy the endless blue sea.
Surfing in the Maldives
The Maldives is an international surfing destination. Top surfers arrive to enjoy the amazing break free from crowds.
Surfing is a great activity for adrenaline junkies.
Frequently asked questions about Maldives
What things are not allowed in the Maldives?
It is a criminal offense to bring into the Maldives the following items: explosives and weapons, firearms and ammunition, and pornographic materials and materials considered to be contrary to Islam, including Bibles and idols for worship, and pork and other pork products. Alcohol is only available on holiday islands.
Why are the Maldives so famous?
The Maldives is considered one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world due to its beautiful underwater scenery and clean waters. There are over 60 dive sites on the islands. It was also voted the #1 honeymoon destination in the world according to Agoda.com.