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Underwater restaurants, relaxation in a dome under the starry sky, meeting giant whale sharks and majestic manta rays, an adventure in a submarine and even swimming with sharks - the Maldives have it all! Find out how to diversify your vacation on the paradise islands.

Choose and book hotels in the Maldives

Depositphotos
Depositphotos

Snorkeling in the Maldives

One of the main attractions on the islands is snorkeling, because swimming with a mask and snorkel reveals all the underwater wealth of the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean. Reefs consisting of many types of corals and a rich marine diversity, including anemones, giant clams, sharks, turtles and eagle rays, attract both beginners and experienced divers. The best time for snorkeling in the Maldives is March, when the waters are especially clear.

Tip : Choose hotels with the best house reef in the Maldives for snorkeling.

Kurumba Maldives
Kurumba Maldives

Diving in the Maldives

Scuba diving in the Maldives is a unique opportunity to see 70 species of corals and more than 700 sea creatures. The best time for diving is from June to October and from December to March. In the Maldives, you can dive on island reefs, as well as on more remote sites, where dive center instructors deliver. The possibilities are very diverse! And you will never forget encounters with manta rays and sharks in the Maldives ! Certified courses are held for beginners. You just need to choose the right resort .

All the details, prices, training, diving organization and the best sites in the Maldives can be found in this article.

Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa
Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa

Surfing in the Maldives

Often, from May to October, surfers flock to the Maldives to catch a wave on a board. At this time, the southwest monsoons blow in the Maldives, creating ideal conditions for surfing. The most popular surf spots are located on the North and South Male atolls. Surfers are offered all the conditions - attractive packages at resorts near popular spots, camping, surf schools, rental and sale of boards. The main task is to study the issue of the season on a particular atoll, since the Maldives stretch from north to south for more than 400 kilometers, and the weather is not the same on all the islands.

Read: Where and when to surf in the Maldives

Depositphotos
Depositphotos

Water activities in the lagoon

Both resorts and the coasts of the local islands of the Maldives offer a wealth of opportunities for active water activities . Among the most common options are:

  • Water skiing . There are two ways of skiing - by being towed behind a boat or by a rope installed on the water. The best time for water skiing is from October to April, as in the rainy season skiing can be difficult due to bad weather.
  • Kitesurfing : With constant winds and a warm climate from June to October, the Maldives is an ideal place for kitesurfing.
  • Underwater scooters . Dive to a depth of 3 meters, explore the marine life near the beach. You will be able to see tropical fish and colorful coral reefs, and also feel like a real explorer!
  • Kayaking . Paddling across turquoise waters allows you to enjoy the solitude and silence of the ocean, as well as see turtles, rays and even whale sharks. You can choose from a short 1-2 hour trip or a full-day route.
  • Glass Bottom Boating . The transparent bottom of the boat allows you to observe marine life in great detail. You can see corals, colorful fish and even stingrays without leaving the boat.

Depositphotos
Depositphotos

Discover the Glowing Beach in the Maldives

Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing world of Maldives Glowing Beach, also known as Sea of Stars Maldives. This natural phenomenon transforms the beaches at night into a fairytale spectacle, reminiscent of the starry sky reflected in the water. When the sun disappears behind the horizon and silence covers the islands, the real magic begins.

The culprits of the amazing glow are tiny marine organisms. They emit a soft bluish light when subjected to mechanical action, such as when waves crash onto the shore. This creates a stunning effect of glowing surf! Bioluminescent plankton is best seen during the new moon, when the darkness enhances its glow.
If you want to see this phenomenon, head to the beach of Vaadhoo Island . The best months for observation are considered to be from June to October.

Vaadhoo Island is located in the South Male Atoll, about 8 km from the capital Male . It can be reached by speedboat. Many resorts in the Maldives organize excursions there.

Transparent Domes: Sleeping Under the Starry Sky

Imagine being surrounded by nothing but azure waters and a scattering of stars. In the Maldives, thanks to the unique sandbanks and small sandy islands, this becomes a reality. Some resorts offer the exclusive opportunity to spend a night in a specially equipped tent. For example, the Finolhu resort, located on the Baa Atoll, is famous for its unique Beach Bubble room - a transparent sphere. This magical corner is especially popular among lovers and creative people who want to spend a night in the open air without giving up their usual comfort.

Finolhu Baa Atoll Resort Maldives
Finolhu Baa Atoll Resort Maldives

Dinner in underwater restaurants

The Maldives was the first resort destination to introduce tourists to a new concept - magical underwater restaurants . If you have the chance, be sure to watch colorful fish, stingrays and even sharks swimming past panoramic windows while you taste champagne.

Best Underwater Restaurants in the Maldives :

  • Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Conrad Maldives Rangali - The world's first underwater restaurant, located 5 meters below the surface, serves fine international cuisine with panoramic views of the underwater world.
  • Subsix at Niyama Private Islands Maldives is a restaurant and nightclub located 6 meters below the surface. The interior is inspired by the sea theme, and guests can enjoy signature cocktails and tasting sets.
  • SEA, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas - combines exclusive gastronomy with one of the best wine lists in the region.
  • Minus Six Meters at Ozen Life Maadhoo is a seafood and Mediterranean restaurant offering a unique underwater experience.
  • Romantic H2O, at You & Me Maldives, is a completely transparent restaurant that offers a completely immersive experience into the marine world.

Niyama Private Islands Maldives
Niyama Private Islands Maldives

Submarine Tour

Dive into the mysterious world of the Indian Ocean on a fascinating submarine tour. This is a rare opportunity to see marine life up close without having to don diving gear. Modern submarines with panoramic windows allow you to observe coral reefs, exotic fish and even whale sharks. Such tours are available from many islands, including Male, Hulhumale, Villingili and Biyadhoo. Dive to a depth of 40 meters for a full 45 minutes!

Kuramathi Island Resort Maldives
Kuramathi Island Resort Maldives

Sea Turtle Watching

The waters of the Maldives are home to five species of sea turtles, including the green and hawksbill turtles. Nature lovers can take special tours to see these ancient creatures in their natural environment. Some excursions include snorkeling with the turtles, as well as educational programs about conservation.

Depositphotos
Depositphotos

Snorkeling with whale sharks

Whale shark watching is one of the most exciting activities in the Maldives. These giants are actually not dangerous to humans, although they look scary. Seeing a whale shark in person will be an unforgettable experience. Most often, people go to Baa Atoll in Hanifaru Bay , South Ari Atoll, and Fuvahmulah Island , Gnawiyani Atoll to see them.

Depositphotos
Depositphotos

Swimming with reef sharks

Another unusual entertainment in the Maldives is swimming with grey reef sharks. Despite their frightening appearance, they are not at all dangerous to humans. The sharks are quite small, usually no more than a meter in length. This exciting adventure gives adrenaline, but is always under the supervision of an experienced instructor.

Depositphotos
Depositphotos

Planting a Named Coral

One of the most unique and meaningful activities in the Maldives is planting your own coral. Imagine returning home to find out from the mail that your coral is still growing in the waters of the Indian Ocean! At many resorts in the Maldives, professional biologists help guests plant coral on a special frame where they can leave their name or a message for future generations. These frames are left on the reefs, and after a few months, hotel staff check their condition and send photos to the person who planted the coral.

Constance Moofushi
Constance Moofushi

Retreats, Yoga and SPA

The world's best retreats, wellness programs, traditional Maldivian and Thai spa treatments - all this is about the Maldives. Some resorts offer a unique underwater yoga experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in a state of meditation under water. Classic classes on the beach or on floating platforms are also popular. And every hotel in the Maldives will offer relaxing treatments for a complete reboot of the mind and body. By the way, the fashionable Huvafen Fushi resort has an incredible underwater spa pavilion!

Choose from the best spa hotels in the Maldives

Huvafen Fushi
Huvafen Fushi

Picnic on uninhabited islands

Enjoy an unforgettable picnic on one of the secluded islands or beaches of the Maldives. Away from the noise, you can relax in the shade of palm trees, enjoy delicious food and picturesque views of the ocean. Resorts offer both private romantic picnics and family trips to uninhabited islands that are nearby. There you are left to your own devices and the tropical nature of the ocean!

Depositphotos
Depositphotos

Maldives from above

One of the most exciting ways to see the Maldives is by seaplane. It will allow you to enjoy panoramic views of the vast expanses of the Indian Ocean and the white beaches that are scattered like pearls on the surface of the water. Seaplanes take tourists to remote atolls, providing a unique opportunity to see this paradise from a bird's eye view. You can also choose sightseeing flights by helicopter. A helicopter will not take you as far as a seaplane, but the views of the archipelago from above are truly breathtaking.

Depositphotos
Depositphotos

Sea cruises

One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of the Maldives is to take a traditional dhoni or speedboat cruise. The hour-long cruise is a great opportunity to see stunning landscapes and admire the sunset. Most likely, you will meet dolphins! Such cruises are especially popular at sunset, when the sea surface and warm light create an unforgettable picture.

Depositphotos
Depositphotos

Fishing Tours in Maldives

Fishing in the Maldives is not only a way to enjoy nature, but also a great opportunity to catch exotic fish. There are two types of fishing: morning (or big game fishing) and night fishing. In the morning, you can meet marlin, barracuda, swordfish and tuna. Night fishing adds an atmosphere of adventure when you can catch emperor and snapper.

Hurawalhi Island Resort
Hurawalhi Island Resort

Male - the capital of the Maldives

Head to the capital of the Maldives, Male , to witness the country's rich heritage. Explore picturesque beaches, museums and cafes. Ancient mosques, museums and art galleries tell the story of the Maldives' development and cultural mix. Here you can see unique architecture and masterful stone carvings, and visit a colorful fish market.

Depositphotos
Depositphotos

Shopping in the Maldives

Every traveler strives to take a piece of sunny Maldives as a keepsake. You will have the opportunity to bring home unique souvenirs and gifts. Take a closer look at an authentic souvenir made by local craftsmen - pearl jewelry, traditional clothing, natural spices, aromatic tea.

Read: What souvenirs to bring from the Maldives

Where to go shopping in the Maldives :

  • Majeedhee Magu (Male) is the capital's main shopping street where you can find traditional clothing, handicrafts, spices and souvenirs.
  • Malé Local Market is a bustling market selling fresh tropical fruits, coconut products and traditional Maldivian delicacies.
  • Angolo Souvenir Shop (Hulhumale) - great selection of souvenirs, paintings, wood carvings and jewelry.
  • Boutiques at premium resorts such as Soneva Fushi and Niyama Private Islands offer designer clothing, organic cosmetics and exclusive jewellery.
Choose and book hotels in the Maldives

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Depositphotos

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