Things to do in the Maldives

Regardless of your experience level, you can be assured that expert, passionate instructors will ensure that you get the most out of your Maldives diving experience.

 

Which Maldives resorts offer diving experiences?

You’ll find a wide range of luxury resorts with fantastic diving facilities in this corner of the world. Set in the Lhaviyani Atoll with its own fully-equipped dive centre, Cocoon Maldives not only offers guests the chance to obtain their PADI certificate but is close to 50 dive sites including two shipwrecks and the ‘Kuredu Express’ known for its shark-watching opportunities.

 

When it comes to superior diving locations in the Maldives, the Ari Atoll is known as one of the best for divers consistently getting up close with a great variety of marine life, is a popular spot for photographing the underwater world. If you’re keen to explore for yourself, LUX* South Ari Atoll is a great base for heading out to these waters.

 

Lankan Manta Point, a well-known manta cleaning station, is another great location for seeing diverse underwater life, particularly (as the name suggests), manta rays. The best time to visit is between May – November when cleaner wrasse feed on parasites from the mantas’ wings. Plunge into waters around 15 metres deep as the rays circle around you. To be close to this coveted diving area, stay at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, or Paradise Island Resort & Spa. 

 

For most Maldives holidaymakers, the compact capital of Malé is simply a jumping off point to their luxury island destination. But to really get a feel for the Maldives, it’s worth spending a day exploring this vibrant and bustling city – and it makes a change from your poolside lounging!

Walk through tightly packed streets lined with brightly painted buildings that fit together like a game of Tetris on this densely populated island. At only 5.8 square kilometres in size – around half the size of London’s Richmond Park – Malé is easy to get around and seeing the sights won’t take you too long. 

 

Things to do while visiting Malé

Indulge in some retail therapy

Head to the Chaandhanee Magu shopping area, where you’ll find small, locally-owned shops selling everything from antique souvenirs and distinctive jewellery to textiles and clothing.

The fish market is also a must-see where you’ll find hundreds of fresh fish for sale, all caught locally. While you may not end up buying any fish, it’s an interesting spot to look around and you’ll get to see how vendors prepare their catch. 

 

Stop by the Grand Friday Mosque

Look out for the golden dome of this incredible religious building built from white marble, that dominates the Malé skyline. You can visit the mosque outside of prayer times, between 9am and 5pm. Modest dress is required; this means trousers and a shirt for men while women should keep their shoulders covered and wear a long skirt or dress. 

 

Visit the tsunami monument 

This commemorative sculpture looks out over the sea and is a place to stop and take a moment to reflect on the natural disaster that shook the islands in 2004.

 

Cool off on a man-made beach

You’ll find two public, man-made beaches on Malé, ideal for cooling down after a day of exploring the markets and cultural sights. It’s important to note that the Maldives is an Islamic country and as such, you should remain appropriately clothed on Malé’s beaches – that means no bikinis. Swimwear and bikinis are, of course, fine to wear on the Maldives’ resort islands.

 

Views of sprawling powder-white beaches, cloudless skies and sapphire waters are best enjoyed from the comfort of a relaxing spa. As a place to rejuvenate and escape the stresses of daily life, the Maldives is truly accommodating.

 

And for a unique experience, you cannot go wrong with indulging in a treatment in an over-water spa, allowing you to watch the sea life below as your cares are soothed away. Our top recommendations include the Duniye Spa at Kuredu Resort Maldives and the Ocean Spa at Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives – one of two spas at the resort. And it’s worth noting that spa credit comes as part of the Ultimate All Inclusive package at Centara Grand Island Maldives!

 

There’s more water than land in the Maldives, so why not get active and take part in a new watersport during your holiday? 

 

Types of watersports available to try in the Maldives

• Surfing – Catch some waves on a surfboard with instructors to guide you when it comes to the very best techniques. 
• Parasailing – Book a trip, then get strapped into a parasail and enjoy the incredible bird-eye views of the islands. 
• Banana boating – Hop on board and enjoy a thrilling ride on a long banana boat. 
• Fun tubing – Strap yourself into your life vest, jump into an inflatable, and get pulled along the water at incredible speeds by a boat.
• Windsurfing – Head out onto the big blue and attempt to master the art of windsurfing. 

 

Where to find the best watersports experiences in the Maldives

Looking for the most spectacular places to surf in the Maldives? Top of many surfers list are the North & South Malé Atolls (also known as the Northern Atolls), which have become increasingly popular, particularly during the ‘surfing season’ between March and October. 

The Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa boasts an in-house surfing school, where the aim is to get you standing on the board after just one lesson. Jet skiing, waterskiing, windsurfing, and banana rides are also available.

Seaside Finolhu is another great choice for those seeking thrills in the water, with everything from wakeboarding and hydro flights to speedboat adventures. Plus, non-motorised watersports including kayaking and catamaran sailing are complimentary. Take it from us, once you get a taste of watersports in the Maldives, you won’t want to sit still.

 

Without a doubt, the sugar-soft sands are a big draw card for most people travelling to the Maldives. And while picture-perfect beaches are aplenty – we dare you to try and find one that isn’t worth snapping a photo of – they aren’t the only natural wonders in this collection of coral-ringed islands.

 

At certain times of the year on the inhabited Vaadhoo or Mudhdhoo Island in the Raa Atoll, an incredible natural phenomenon occurs: the beach is illuminated by thousands of specks. This happens whenever there’s a mass gathering of bioluminescent organisms known as ostracod crustaceans and has become known as the Sea of Stars.

 

If all you seek is pure, unadulterated relaxation on a white-sand beach, head to the resort islands within the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve – the beaches here are considered to be some of the best in the world. Set yourself up for a day of R&R at the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru or Best at Travel favourite, One&Only Reethi Rah.

Are you a keen angler? Then you’re in luck! With endless blue seas stretching to the horizon and a bounty of marine life below the waves, fishing is not only a popular activity in the Maldives, it’s a way of life for much of the local population. It’s worth remembering that the use of nets is forbidden and that locals use handlines and raw fish as bait – a skill handed down from generation to generation.

 

And for anyone wanting to test their skills, most island resorts will offer a number of fishing experiences from big game and sunset to handline. You may even have the opportunity to bring your catch – tuna, snapper and marlin are just a few of the species living in these waters – and have it cooked for you by the chef.

 

Where to go fishing in the Maldives

The island of Kanifushi in the Lhaviyani Atoll – where the 5-star Atmosphere Kanifushi is located – has emerged as a popular destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. At the tip of the island you’ll find a large spit of shallow sand flats stretching to the next island, where it’s possible to wade into the water and practice self-guided fly fishing for giant and bluefin trevally, bonefish and lemon sharks, on a catch and release only basis. And the best bit? You’ll be walking distance from your suite or villa! 

 

For another type of marine experience, stay at the Kuredu Resort Maldives and book a night fishing excursion, suitable for both novice and expert trawlers. Cast your rod under the stars and try your hand at traditional Maldivian fishing, using handlines and raw fish as bait. If you’re lucky enough to reel in a great catch, you can have the fish cooked to perfection for you the next day.

 

Makaira Maldives Sport Fishing Charters, based in Malé City, offers game fishing within the North and South Malé Atolls. Owner-operator Hussain, aims to provide his clients with an exceptional fishing experience using techniques including trolling, popping and jigging.

 

While you’re likely to find more than your fair-share of international gastronomic delights on your island resort – there’s everything from undersea dining to the Maldives’ first vegetarian-only restaurant across our collection – be sure to look out for authentic Maldivian dishes amongst your hotel’s offering. Here are a few of our favourites. 

 

• Mas huni: a typical breakfast dish made from smoked tuna, coconut, onion and chilli served with roti. Fish for breakfast may be a strange concept for some but mas huni is popular with locals in the Maldives. 
• Freshly caught seafood: with an abundance of fish residing in the ocean waters, seafood is a staple dish in the Maldives. Tuna is perhaps the most common option but you’ll also be able to try octopus, grouper and smaller fish, including mackerel.
• Garudhiya: this clear fish broth (translated as tuna soup) flavoured with curry leaves and chillies is hearty, warming and very filling and is a traditional meal at dinner across the islands.

 

Take a look at our full guide here on food and drink in the Maldives.

Blissed out days in the sun, are followed by chilled out evenings when you holiday in the Maldives. And while entertainment tends to be low-key, that doesn’t mean you’ll be short on things to do once night falls! Depending on where you stay you can expect dance parties, live music, traditional Maldivian entertainment and much more.

 

Popular evening activities in the Maldives 

• Sunset cruise: one of the best ways to watch the sunset dip below the horizon in the Maldives is on a sunset cruise aboard a traditional dhoni or catamaran. Many cruises, like the one at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, include champagne and canapés 
• Cultural performances: most resorts will host a ‘Maldivian Night’ where traditional food and drink is accompanied by a Bodu-Beru band, composed of drummers and singers 
• Outdoor cinema: snuggle up under the stars to watch the latest blockbuster or classic movie screening – popcorn complimentary, of course! Six Senses Laamu schedules it’s ‘cinema under the stars’ three times a week as well as private screenings on request
• Crab racing: the pincered critters are placed in a circle and the first to exit it wins. You can play too by choosing a crab and if it makes it over the line first you get a prize

 

While it would be oh-so-easy to sit back, relax and never step foot off your island resort until it’s time to return back home, the idea of island hopping is certainly appealing across the Maldives. While this isn’t available at this moment in time, due to the impact of Covid-19 and ensuring the safety of visitors – we hope that in the near future visitors will once again be able to venture further for day trips across the archipelago. 

 

There are excursions to consider signing up for, when they are available. Once off-limits to anyone but the local population, many of the non-resort inhabited islands are now open welcoming of tourists on these excursions – half and full-day options are available from many resorts. This is a great way to interact with the local Maldivian people and learn more about their lives and culture. 

 

When island hopping becomes available again as an activity, we’d recommend stopping off at Malé to experience city life on the Maldives’ most populated island, heading to Felivaru to visit the fish factory or escaping to Mirihi if you’re seeking a romantic getaway.

 

Or you could go on a different kind of island-hopping experience… staying in two or more luxury resorts, scattered across the archipelago. For example, sister properties Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort and Anantara Veli Maldives Resort are only a short speedboat journey apart.

With very little light pollution and clear skies– as long as there aren’t any rain clouds around! – the Maldives is one of the best places on earth for stargazing. Situated just above the equator you’ll be able to see constellations from both the northern and southern hemisphere. 

 

Only a small number of resorts in the Maldives feature their own observatories, where you can look at the stars through a telescope. Both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani have on-island observatories, each with a resident astronomer on hand to educate guests, showing the difference in distances between stars. 

 

Alternatively, skip the fancy telescopes altogether and soak up the views of the stars from the beach, the pool or your own private villa.

Looking for the most wow-worthy shot to add to your Instagram feed? While it isn’t hard to take stunning picture after stunning picture on your Maldives holidays, there are a few ‘must snap’ locations sure to make you the envy of friends and family back home… 

 

• Sea swings: taking the joy of swings to a whole new level, sea swings in the Maldives come backdropped by azure blue waters and white sand beaches. We love the double swings at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort. 
• Underwater dining: there are more than a handful of underwater restaurants around the world, including M6m at OZEN Life Maadhoo. Open for lunch and dinner, you’ll be dining on modern seafood dishes under the ocean, with views of marine life swimming by.
• In-villa over-water hammock: check yourself into an over-water villa (a favourite with honeymooners and romantics in the Maldives) and you won’t have to go far for an Insta-worthy shot, particularly if they come with a  private over-water hammock like the ones at Grand Park Kodhipparu.

And if you’re looking to really up your Instagram game, head to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island which has ‘Instagram Trails’ as well as an ‘Instagram Butler’ to guide you to the most scenic spots on the island and give you tips on taking the best possible photo.

 

With all this excitement and wonder to take in, your trip to the Maldives is sure to be one to remember. Consider finding time for some of these activities during your stay and take a look at our luxury holidays to find the perfect accommodation.