Scattered through the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are the stuff that castaway island fantasies are made of. The 26 ring-shaped atolls are comprised of over 1,000 coral islands, yet only 200 or so are inhabited, creating a real-life, far-flung paradise.
Many a honeymooner has ventured here to while away a week or two on the white sands of a dreamy island resort, but there’s much more to a Maldives holiday than idle relaxation and staring into sunsets (though let’s be honest, they’re both great). There’s no need to worry about cabin fever or, dare we say it, boredom, as even the most adventure-seeking of travellers will find plenty to keep them entertained.
Things to Do in the Maldives: Active vs. Relaxing Resorts
You don’t have to trek far from your resort to find something to do in the Maldives, as many establishments offer a wealth of experiences and activities on-site or close by. Choosing between active or relaxing resorts depends on the atoll; those closest to Malé tend to offer watersports and diving access, while resorts further afield focus on wellness retreats and tranquillity.
Active and adventure-focused resorts are typically located on larger islands and offer watersports, diving, and excursions. You can find anything from flyboarding to kitesurfing, snorkelling, and fishing trips. Reethi Faru in Raa Atoll and Constance Moofushi in the South Ari Atoll are best for action-packed excursions and water activities.
Relaxing and serene resorts are often on smaller islands, offering a private and intimate setting, which is usually adults-only and ideal for couples and honeymooners wanting a peaceful getaway. Spa treatments, like massages and mud baths, and wellness experiences, such as yoga classes and meditation, are available for those wanting to relax and recharge. Anatara Veli is perfect for this type of stay, offering a tranquil retreat in overwater bungalows – an Instagram dream.
Water Activities: Diving, Snorkelling, and Above-Water Action
Scuba-Diving in the Maldives
In 2010, the Maldives banned all shark fishing and transitioned into a shark sanctuary. For the brave, the best way to witness the shark population here is to meet them at their level by scuba diving at one of the many dive sites that pepper the island’s surrounding Indian Ocean. Whale sharks (the world’s largest fish), hammerheads and grey reef sharks can all be spotted here year-round.
With a tropical climate, great underwater visibility and an annual year-round water temperature that spans a tempting 26-30°C, the Maldives offers some stunning scuba diving opportunities. Certified divers can extend their training to include underwater photography, drift diving or wreck diving, whilst novices can make use of the islands’ many accredited diving schools to get a taste of the sport. Caves, overhangs, and coral-filled swim-throughs can all be found here, alongside the chance to sight manta rays, tuna, and barracudas.
Much of the Maldives’ beauty lies under the water, in the form of colourful coral reefs and their rainbow of inhabitants. As the area’s a transit zone for marine species, there’s an abundance of eye-catching varieties of fish to watch out for, including zebra-striped lionfish, long-snouted unicorn fish, neon-bright parrotfish, and iconic clownfish. A casual snorkelling session gives you a glimpse of this particularly pleasing picture, whilst the Whale Submarine (which operates from Malé) offers a look into life on a reef – a particular draw for those who aren’t into scuba diving. For something a little more luxurious, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has a brilliantly atmospheric underwater restaurant, whilst Per Aquum Huvafen Fushi boasts a fantastic underwater spa.
What’s the Best Time for Diving in the Maldives?
The best time to go diving in the Maldives is during the dry season, between December and April, as this period offers clearer skies and calmer seas, which is ideal for spotting reefs, sharks, turtles and other pelagics. However, if you’d like bigger animal encounters, such as whale sharks and manta rays, monsoon season, between May and October, attracts a huge number of them. Be prepared for harsher weather conditions and choppier seas.
Above-Water Activities in the Maldives
Life above the water in the Maldives is just as action-packed as that below. Dhoni sailing boats originate from some of the oldest vessels on the water and, as well as being used for dedicated cruises, act as water taxis between the atolls. Fishing excursions are a reel (ahem) draw, with big game fishing and night fishing trips amongst the offerings.
Line-and-pole fishing, using local techniques (net fishing is illegal here), makes for a lovely afternoon-to-evening out, and can wind up with a barbecue on an uninhabited island – the perfect place to savour your catch. Whale and dolphin watching offers a further opportunity to get out onto the water, as well as a bevvy of watersports, including canoeing, water skiing, catamaran sailing, jet skiing and surfing (the Maldives once hosted the Asian Surfing Championships). Resorts will usually be able to organise these activities for you.
The Maldives’ Best Wellness Retreats
The Maldives are synonymous with their uninterrupted tranquillity; they are a place to truly switch off and relax. It’s no surprise, then, that many resorts extend this opportunity into fully fledged spas and wonderful wellness facilities.
When it comes to treatments, you can expect to pay around 50p per minute at three-star resorts, whilst treatments at higher-end resorts come in at around a pound a minute. You’ll often encounter exotic ingredients within the balms, creams and exfoliating scrubs, such as papaya, coconut, orange blossom and sea salt. The wellness experience can be enhanced even further with lagoon-side yoga lessons and sunset meditation sessions, affording an effortlessly immersive retreat from the everyday.
The Best of Maldivian Cuisine
As you might imagine, the Maldives’ unique location affords it some innovative ingredients when it comes to dining, let alone unforgettable settings (think the world’s first underwater restaurant and idyllic over-water eateries set on scenic wooden jetties).
The menus here often display influences from India, Malaysia, and Europe, whilst making excellent use of the Indian Ocean’s native fish species. Maldivian tuna, skipjack, mahi-mahi, and little tunny (or latti, as it’s known locally) are all residents of the surrounding open waters, and you won’t find them fresher than on a Maldivian table.
Look out for mashuni over breakfast – fish that’s shredded and smoked, then served with grated coconut and onion – and fihunu mas over dinner – barbecued fish that’s basted with chilli. Watch out for the appearance of Singapore’s SAVOUR festival here too; in past years, it has planted Michelin-starred chefs from all over the world within a Maldivian resort for two weeks of tantalising tasting menus.
Beyond the Resort: Exploring Malé and Local Culture
Malé is one of the smallest capital cities in the world, making it instantly interesting for the curious. It’s here you’ll find the Maldives’ oldest mosque, Old Friday Mosque (a coral-stone structure with intricate carvings, dating back to 1656), whilst the Grand Friday Mosque and Islamic Centre is an impressive modern structure in white marble, crowned in a gleaming gold dome that sits proudly within the city’s skyline.
The National Museum offers a glimpse into the islands’ unusual history, and the National Art Gallery hosts regular exhibitions of Maldivian art. Malé’s fish and produce markets give an authentic insight into Maldivian life, making them well worth a visit, whether you want to buy or browse. For souvenirs, head to Orchid Magu or Chaandhanee Magu, which are both lined with souvenir shops.
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