Think the Maldives are all honeymoons and water villas? You may be wrong. These beautiful islands in the Indian Ocean are home to more culture and water activities than you might think.
The Maldives is a tropical paradise with its idyllic overwater bungalows, soft sand and emerald water. It is almost impossible to imagine the Maldives without thinking of its turquoise waters and its fine sandy beaches. Here are 8 amazing things to do in the Maldives.
There are plenty of activities to keep you busy during your stay, including learning about the locals and spending time on the waves. These incredible experiences are not available anywhere else, and some of them are exclusive to the Maldives.
Tip: Be sure to choose your hotel wisely as transport within the Maldives is often expensive or non-existent. Some of these amazing experiences are not available to resort guests or are only accessible from nearby resorts.
Have a meal underwater
Conrad Rangali’s Ithaa may not be the only underwater restaurant in the world, 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 that serves set dishes for lunch and dinner.
The only experience in the Maldives offers diners a view of marine life under a glass archway. For those just looking to quench their thirst, there are also mid-morning cocktails.
Swim with mammoth manta rays and whale sharks
You can have an unforgettable underwater experience that’s both more intimate and almost indefinable if you don’t mind wearing scuba or snorkeling gear. The Maldives has a number of plankton-rich marine protected areas.
This includes Manta Point (just off Hanifaru Bay) and other whale shark and stingray haunts. While it can be surreal to get lost among massive manta rays, the experience of sharing space with whale sharks, the world’s largest mammal, will leave you feeling humbled and breathless.
Enjoy night diving or fluorescent snorkeling
You can sign up for a fluorescent night dive or snorkel if you’re looking for something different. The guide will provide UV light and a mask that makes corals and other organisms glow as if under black light.
It is a surreal experience to see the neon colored underwater world.
Snorkel or dive under an island
Many islands are built under the seabed, so you can only snorkel and dive off the tops of island reefs. There is an island in the Maldives that has a very unique shape, and you can explore what lies below.
The concave shape of Ellaidhoo Island is an absolute treat. It should be on every water lover’s wish list. Don’t worry if your first dive hasn’t been a success yet. The resort has a PADI-certified school that will have you ready to go in no time.
Dive a wreck
It is evident that the Maldives has a rich and diverse marine ecosystem. This makes it an ideal place to dive. Expert divers as well as 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 wreck, or looking for the Big Five: sea turtles and manta rays, but also whale sharks and dolphins.
If you’re a beginner, choose a hotel that has a great reef or stays near the best dive sites. The Maldives has the best visibility and coral structure in the world, so if scuba diving isn’t your thing, 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 that can be seen around the resorts. Although you may not want to swim or move in shallow water, it is possible to catch the occasional suckling. Nocturnal stingray feeding takes place in shallow water near a pier.
You can learn about native species, such as sharks and sea turtles, and listen to lectures.
Rent your own private island
It seems like the ultimate dream of owning your own island – 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 possibility of renting an island for a few hours.
Enjoy the sunset while cruising in a Maldivian Dhoni boat
A trip to the Maldives is incomplete without a dhoni trip to remote islands.
It has a beautiful Maldivian sailboat and organizes romantic dinners on the shore.
Pamper yourself in the world’s first underwater spa
You can be pampered under the waves while you are in the Maldives. Huvafen Fushi’s LIME Spa, with its innovative therapies and award-winning design, is unique in the world.
It is surrounded by vibrant marine life and features an exclusive underwater treatment room.
Relax in a hammock
Although many people travel to the Maldives for unparalleled luxury and exceptional experiences, sometimes the most memorable aspects of vacations are the simple things.
You can just relax in a hammock and enjoy the endless blue ocean.
Surfing in the Maldives
The Maldives is an international surfing destination. The best surfers travel to enjoy its amazing, crowd-free break.
Surfing is a great activity for adrenaline junkies.
Maldives FAQs
What things are not allowed in the Maldives?
It is an offense to import the following items into the Maldives: explosives and weapons, firearms and ammunition, as well as pornographic material and material deemed un-Islamic, including Bibles and idols for worship, as well as pork and other pork products. Only resort islands have alcohol.
Why are the Maldives so famous?
The Maldives are ranked among the best recreational diving destinations in the world due to their beautiful underwater landscapes and clean waters. There are over 60 dive sites on the islands. According to Agoda.com, it was also voted the most popular honeymoon destination in the world.