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The Maldives are scattered across 500 miles of Indian Ocean. The pure white sands are fringed with green palms and surrounded by some of the clearest water in the world. Coral reefs and tropical fish — from neon clownfish to slow-moving manta rays — thrive in the warm ocean water. Sunset catamaran cruises are de rigueur, as are picnics on uninhabited islands, and decadent spa treatments. Secluded resorts on far-flung private islands are within an hour’s boat or floatplane ride from the bustling capital — and a world away from everyday life. Take a look below at the top Maldives things to do. Recommended by our local experts. Note that all tours & excursions can either be shared or private depending on your preference.
To make the most of your Maldives holiday, try out the fantastic range of non-motorized water sports being offered. Many resorts will offer free use of stand up paddle boarding (SUP), wind surfing, sea kayaking, beach volleyball, and pedal boats.
The Maldives is home to many whale sharks. These majestic creatures can best be seen in the South Ari Atoll Marine Protected area. Diving excursions and swimming tours are the best way to spot the whale sharks. Our team can easily refer you to the best resorts in the area to use as a base. *Please note that swimming with whale sharks is a seasonal activity that’s available in some resorts. Check with your travel concierge on the best resorts and locations before booking.
All flights arrive into Malé, the main international airport. It’s worth spending a pre-night so you can explore the local culture here. Male is also pleasingly quirky – alcohol-free cafes and restaurants jostle with shops and lively markets and the general capital-city hubbub is very much present. This island city may not have a huge number of sights, but it offers a very real chance to get a feel for Maldives and to meet Maldivians. We recommend visiting the top attractions of the capital such as the Fish Market and the Old Mosque.
The Maldives is one of the premier scuba diving destinations on earth. There are many affordable PADI dive centers where you can take a discovery dive if you are not certified. If diving isn’t your thing, snorkeling is a great alternative. The reefs are so pristine in the Maldives, making this one of the top things to do in the Maldives. And fortunately, you don’t have to go deep to see a lot!
If you want to take your holiday to the next level, make use of your resort’s great range of motorized watersports including jet skiing, parasailing, wakeboarding, tubing, fly boarding, banana boat riding, and even taking a speedboat safari.
It’s no secret that many of the 5-star Maldives resorts offer onsite spas. We highly recommend spending some time rejuvenating at your resort’s onsite spa. Forget about work responsibilities, and the day-to-day life back at home, and just enjoy time being pampered.
Where else can you find more than 1,000 little islands waiting to be explored?! While one vacation may not be enough to see it all, Maldives local island visit tours can save you some time and give you a comprehensive glimpse into multiple isles, and what each one has to offer. You’ll also get a glimpse of local living.
Sunset cruises are perfect for couples and families alike. These cruises can include champagne and appetizers or it may be tailored around spotting with dolphins. Catamaran cruise are perfect for any occasion, timing your adventure just right to see the sunset is even better!
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in the Maldives, enjoy our delicious cuisine like rihaakuru, fish curry, masroshi, gulha, and bis keemiya. Upgrade your stay to an all-inclusive resort, and don’t worry about additional costs of food and beverages when you should just be relaxing on vacation.
Let’s face it – staying in an overwater bungalow in the Maldives at a 5-star resort isn’t cheap. You may not want to have tours & excursions booked every single day. We recommend relaxing in your villa and enjoy your resort at least one of the full days you’re there. After all, that’s what you’re paying for!
We hope you enjoyed reading our list of the top Maldives things to do. If you’d like a vacation quote, please contact us here. We look forward to getting you to our little piece of paradise!
Go Ocean is a travel agency based in the Maldives that offers amazing holiday packages at great prices. With years of experience in the tourism industry. We know how to create unforgettable holidays for our guests.