It’s no surprise that the Maldives has for long, continues to, and will always be a paradise for anyone looking for the ultimate aquatic adventure. Read our guide to find out if the water sports in the Maldives live up to expectations.
With its rich history as a world-famous holiday destination, the island archipelago has over 40 years of expertise in providing unforgettable adventures. Beyond the natural beauty of the islands, much of the fame the Maldives enjoys rest in the experiences you can look forward to.
Anytime is the best time of year to visit the Maldives; a true testimony to this is the extensive amount of water activities the islands offer. It might be hard to pick just one (luckily, you don’t have to).
Read on to discover the top additions to your next Maldives trip.
Maldives Water Sports – What You Can Expect
So you’ve got incredibly pristine beaches, uber-luxurious resorts, crystal-clear waters, and year-round near-perfect weather. What more could an eager traveler want? Well, how do some of the most enjoyable aquatic activities in the world sound?
That and so much more await on the island resorts of the Maldives. Underwater activities such as snorkeling and scuba-diving come out as favorites. And leisurely group attractions such as kayaking and paddleboarding hold endless fun.
But, the more adrenaline-pumping escapades such as wakeboarding and flyboarding are becoming equally sought after. Ultimately the real challenge is deciding which is your favorite. The best bit? These are just some of the best things to do in the Maldives.
Top 10 Ultimate Water Sports in the Maldives
Here’s our breakdown of the top 10 water sports in the Maldives you need to include in your trip. And if you love these water activities, you’ll enjoy the naturally mesmerizing experience of the Maldives beaches glow while you’re on land.
1. Snorkeling
As one of the world’s most beloved underwater activities, snorkeling needs no introduction. And while you can experience the joys of floundering with fishes in many other places worldwide, few can compare to snorkeling in the Maldives.
Resorts in the Maldives offer a few different snorkeling options, sandbank snorkeling, shore snorkeling, and boat snorkeling. What makes this such a fun thing to do here is how easy this activity is.
Even if you are a non-swimmer, grabbing your mask and fins and getting up close and personal with stunning aquatic critters such as nurse sharks is a must.
2. Scuba Diving
What’s a trip to the Maldives without scuba diving? Well, still pretty incredible, but thanks to its geographical location, the best time to dive in the Maldives is always. The north and south atolls of the Maldives are the home grounds for some of the best diving spots in the world.
And while you do need some experience to dive the more expert-level dives, there are countless beginner and intermediate sites as well. Diving with giants of the ocean, including manta rays, tiger sharks, and on some occasions, hammerhead sharks, is a once-in-a-lifetime Maldives adventure.
3. Kayaking
Just as much fun as lazing on a picturesque white sandy beach is, venturing out onto the waters in a kayak adds extra enjoyment. Many of the island resorts benefit from calm and crystalline waters just begging for exploration.
It’s a mainstream activity in the Maldives and thus should be on your to-do list. You can choose to paddle out at your own pace or, for even more fun, have your friends and family join you.
If you think you have found serenity on a beach, just wait till you experience the calm and tranquility of the Maldive waters from a kayak.
4. Banana Boating
Okay, we’ll admit the name does sound ridiculous, but, trust us on this one, this water sport in the Maldives is beyond ridiculously fun. This is the perfect thing to do with a group of friends or your family, and it is pretty exhilarating.
Strapped onto a banana-shaped float (which is pretty large, by the way), you and a host of either friends or family will get drenched in the best way possible. As a rigged speedboat pulls the float, expect to ride the waves around the islands at quite some speed.
One of the best things to do in the Maldives above water is the rough and tumble of a banana boat ride.
5. Kitesurfing
A bit more of an adventurer’s delight, kitesurfing is definitely a must-do while you’re in the Maldives. Now you might think that this is only for the daring, when in fact, the archipelago is the perfect place for all levels of experience to enjoy kitesurfing.
The top luxury all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives provide everything you need to get the best kitesurfing experience possible. And the flat lagoons of the archipelago are the best place to practice your skills.
With lessons available, you’ll be skimming across the waters of the Maldives in no time.
6. Parasailing
You’ve covered some of the best underwater and above-water experiences the Maldives offers, but what about an aerial activity? Parasailing is one of the most euphoric Maldives adventures, and anyone who has gone to the skies above the atolls of the Maldives will attest.
Harnessed by a specially designed parachute, you can choose to go solo or have a buddy along for the adventure. As you soar over the waters below, you can grab the perfect social media snapshots and take in the islands from a new perspective.
But, keep an eye on the waters beneath you as the quality of the Maldive beaches and lagoons always deliver epic sightings of marine wildlife.
7. Jet Skiing
Synonymous with water sports is jet skiing, and the Maldives knows this. That’s why the island archipelago is the ideal place to let loose and jet across the best beaches in the world. This is also one of those activities that anyone can enjoy regardless of age or experience.
A perk of jet skiing in the Maldives is that the latest in jet ski tech and crafts are used due to its popularity. Your jet ski adventure can be as long as 45 minutes, depending on where you’re staying—more than enough time to explore the surrounding regions.
8. Underwater Sea Walking
So how about walking underwater? One of the most unique underwater activities you can indulge in on your trip to the Maldives is traversing the ocean floor. Specialized oxygen masks are used to allow you to descend into the ocean floor and literally walk among the fishes.
Unlike other things you can do beneath the waters of the Maldives, underwater sea walking is a relatively new addition to the family. But, the distinct experience it delivers quickly becomes a staple of any Maldive adventure.
And yes, other options such as snorkeling get you close to the marine life of the beaches and reefs. Sea walking takes it a step further. Pun intended.
9. Wakeboarding
Adrenaline junkies assemble. Wakeboarding in the Maldives is a surefire hit for anyone looking for an unparalleled thrill-seeking attraction. This does require a bit of experience and courage, but it is worth it.
Strapped onto a wakeboard and holding onto a rope as a speedboat pulls you, you’ll get to glide over the water. And while you can walk underwater in the Maldives, this is as close to walking on water as you can get.
It’s a pure thrill to glide across crashing waves while you take in the beauty of the ocean and islands. And the only real thing you’ll need to make it better is a focus on your balance. Once you have that handled, this is one of the best things to do in the Maldives.
10. Flyboarding
Saving the best for last, the X Jet Blade, more commonly known as flyboarding, is the latest water sport addition in the Maldives. This activity combines aquatic and aerial exercise into one blood-pumping bucket list must-do.
You are basically strapped onto a wakeboard fitted with water-pressure jet nozzles attached to the bottom. That sounds crazy, crazy fun, yes. With a sharp increase in the water pressure, you’ll be sent jetting into the sky, taking flight.
Considered an extreme water sport, with enough practice, you can soar, swirl, dive, and fly across the waters of the Maldives. What better thing to do in one of the most beautiful places on Earth than fly?
Final Thoughts – The Best Water Activities in the Maldives
There you have it—a full breakdown of the best water sports in the Maldives. Although the island archipelago does offer more activities than those listed here, these are by far the ones that will turn your trip into an adventure.
So whether you’re a solo traveler, group of friends, or close family, adding these ultimate water activities to your itinerary is simply a must.
All there’s left to do is book your luxury tours, decide on the best airline for getting to the archipelago, and set off on an unforgettable journey.
