Activities for children in the Maldives: what to do on a family holiday

Children in the Maldives can try snorkeling and diving for the first time, see dolphins, manta rays and whale sharks, meet marine biologists or take part in coral restoration. At family resorts, marine adventures are complemented by kids' clubs, water sports, workshops and evening programmes.

The range of activities depends on the island. In some places, the main advantage is a house reef near the beach, while in others it is a large kids' club, water park and active activities throughout the day. Therefore, when planning a holiday in the Maldives with children, it is worth checking in advance what the child will be able to do at the chosen hotel.

Anantara Dhigu Maldives

The sea and underwater world

Many children's activities in the Maldives are connected with the ocean. You can start with snorkeling on the house reef, while older children can try diving and sea excursions to dolphins, manta rays and whale sharks.

Snorkeling on the house reef

For first-time snorkeling, resorts where the house reef is located close to the shore are convenient. The child will not need to take a boat excursion every time: they can start in the lagoon and then, if swimming skills and water conditions allow, move on to the reef.

A good example is Kandolhu Maldives, where the house reef surrounds the island and comes close to the beach. And at Kuramathi Maldives there is an eco-centre where you can learn more about the nature of the island and its marine life.

When choosing a resort, consider not only whether there is a reef, but also its distance from the shore, the current and convenient entry points into the water. More practical information is in our guide to snorkeling in the Maldives.

Kandolhu Maldives

Introduction to diving

Older children can try a real dive. Introductory programmes are available from around the age of 8, while some certification options are available from the age of 10. The first sessions usually take place in a pool or sheltered shallow water and only then - in open water.

Children's diving programmes are available, for example, at the dive centre of LUX* South Ari Atoll. Age, maximum depth and the format of the session should always be checked directly with the centre.

LUX* South Ari Atoll

Sessions with marine biologists

On some islands, getting to know the ocean begins even before a child puts on a mask. Resorts have marine biologists and environmental centres where children learn about corals, turtles, fish and how the reef ecosystem works.

For example, hotels in the Four Seasons Maldives network have Marine Discovery Centres with conservation projects. At Anantara Kihavah Villas children can attend marine biology sessions with a resident specialist, learning about reef inhabitants and the ecosystem. After this preparation, snorkeling becomes more interesting - the child already understands what they are seeing underwater.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

Coral restoration

Another unusual format is an introduction to coral reef restoration programmes. The popular resorts Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, for example, have long been developing the Reefscapers project.

Children can see coral frames and learn how marine biologists monitor their development. The format of participation varies: it may be educational sessions or observing the process from the side.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

Dolphin watching

Dolphin cruises are one of the simplest sea excursions for a family: there is no need to swim or dive, as the animals are observed from a speedboat or a traditional dhoni.

Such trips are offered by Niva Kurumba Maldives, Meeru Maldives Resort Island, Anantara Dhigu Maldives and many other resorts. The crew usually heads to areas where dolphins are seen most often, but their appearance cannot be guaranteed - the animals are in their natural environment.

Niva Kurumba Maldives

Snorkeling with manta rays

For older children who swim confidently, snorkeling with manta rays can be an interesting trip. The best-known location is Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll, where dozens of rays gather during certain periods because of the large amount of plankton.

There are several resorts in Baa from which trips to manta gathering areas are organised. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru offers excursions to Hanifaru Bay accompanied by marine biologists. Milaidhoo Maldives is about 15 minutes from the reserve, while The Nautilus Beach & Ocean Houses Maldives organises seasonal snorkeling trips with manta rays. Another convenient option is Dusit Thani Maldives, located near the bay.

The Nautilus Beach & Ocean Houses Maldives

Whale shark excursions

South Ari Atoll is considered one of the best regions for whale shark watching, where they are seen throughout the year. Conveniently located for such trips are LUX* South Ari Atoll, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and Vilamendhoo Island Resort.

At some hotels, this is a separate excursion; at others, it is a marine safari during which different large ocean animals are searched for. A whale shark encounter cannot be guaranteed. If this is one of the goals of the trip, also see Maldives hotels for swimming with whale sharks and manta rays.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Water activities for children and teenagers

Not all water activities require a mask or diving on the reef. In calm lagoons, children can go kayaking and paddleboarding, while older children and teenagers can try sailing, wakeboarding and other active entertainment.

Kayaks and transparent kayaks

A kayak is well suited to a calm Maldivian lagoon: you can paddle along the shore with parents and see the island from the water. Some resorts have transparent models through whose bottom fish and corals can be seen. This is a common activity on Maldivian coasts and is available at practically all resorts and local islands.

Paddleboards

Paddleboarding is more suitable for older children and teenagers. It is easier to learn in a calm lagoon, and children can go out on the water with their parents. Paddleboards are available at the water sports centres of many resorts; in particular, this activity is offered by Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Six Senses Laamu and Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. Conditions depend on the resort: in some places paddleboards can be used free of charge, while in others rental costs extra.

Glass-bottom boats

If a child cannot yet swim or does not want to snorkel, the reef can be viewed from a boat. Corals and fish can be seen through transparent panels in the bottom while passengers remain on board. Such excursions, for example, are included in the programme of the popular family resort Niva Kurumba Maldives.

Water sports

Windsurfing, sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, parasailing, "banana" rides and jet skis - the choice at large family resorts is quite extensive. Some activities are available only to teenagers or require an instructor. Useful information on this topic can be found in our guide to water sports in the Maldives and which hotels offer them.

Depositphotos

Sea trips and island adventures

To see more than your resort's beach and lagoon, you can head out to sea: for fishing, a dhoni or yacht trip, a sandbank or an uninhabited island. Such excursions are usually organised directly by the hotel.

Family fishing

Fishing in the Maldives - a traditional activity and an opportunity to go beyond a usual beach holiday. One of the most accessible family options is evening or night bottom fishing on a traditional dhoni. The resort provides the tackle, and the crew helps beginners.

With teenagers, you can choose a longer sea trip, but the weather and the possibility of seasickness should be taken into account. Independent fishing near reefs may be restricted.

Cruises and boat trips

In the Maldives, you do not have to spend the entire holiday on one island. With children, you can spend a few hours in the ocean, watch the sunset or combine the trip with snorkeling and visits to other islands.

With small children, a trip of a few hours or half a day will be comfortable. With teenagers, longer routes are possible, up to journeys between atolls.

Picnic on an uninhabited island or sandbank

How about a small Robinson Crusoe-style adventure? Many resorts organise trips to uninhabited islands and sandbanks that form in the middle of the lagoon. The programme may include a picnic or barbecue, swimming and snorkeling.

Formats vary: from a trip lasting a few hours to private retreats. On a sandbank, there may truly be nothing around except the ocean and a strip of white sand, while an uninhabited island usually has greenery and a natural beach.

Treasure hunts and island quests

A fun activity that is often part of kids' club programmes. Children receive clues, complete tasks and explore the beach, tropical greenery and different corners of the island.

Quests can be combined with nature walks and environmental tasks. For example, treasure hunts are held at Soneva Fushi. The schedule changes, so it is better to check it for your holiday dates.

The Nautilus Maldives

What to do at the hotel

At family resorts, part of the day can be spent without sea excursions. Kids' clubs offer games and workshops, while some hotels have their own water play areas, sports grounds and programmes for teenagers.

Kids' clubs and play programmes

A kids' club in the Maldives can be a small playroom or a separate complex with a pool, playgrounds, creative spaces and an all-day programme. In addition to games, there are quests, sports activities, small performances, workshops and activities introducing children to the nature of the islands.

For example, at Niyama Private Islands Maldives there is an Explorers Kids Club with an outdoor play area, children's kitchen, stage and programmes for different ages. At Niva Kurumba Maldives there is a Majaa Kids Club for children aged 4-12; the programme includes creative activities, snorkeling, kayaking, treasure hunts and an introduction to Maldivian culture.

When choosing a hotel, it is important to check the age from which a child can attend without parents, opening hours and the current schedule. More examples are in our selection of the best Maldives hotels with a kids' club.

Water parks and swimming pools

Some kids' clubs have their own shallow pools, fountains and water slides. For example, a water area with children's attractions is available at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, while at Furaveri Maldives there is a shallow pool and a large outdoor playground.

For families with preschool children, such infrastructure can sometimes be more useful than a large house reef. At the same time, the presence of a kids' club does not necessarily mean that it has its own water play area.

Cooking workshops

Pizza, cookies, desserts and tropical fruits often become part of the kids' club schedule. At Dusit Thani Maldives, for example, there are pizza-making and cookie-decorating workshops, while at Niyama there is a dedicated children's kitchen for young guests.

During the hot daytime hours, such a workshop makes it possible to take a break from the beach and spend time in an interesting way.

Dusit Thani Maldives

Creative workshops

Painting coconuts, drawing, folding origami, making crafts and building sandcastles - such activities are found at many resorts. Some resorts add local themes and introduce children to Maldivian crafts and natural materials.\

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

Active recreation on the island

On large islands, the choice is not limited to water activities. Children and teenagers can play football, tennis and volleyball, train with a coach or explore the resort grounds by bicycle.

Sports and sports games

Large islands have football fields, tennis courts, padel, beach volleyball, badminton and table tennis. In some places it is enough to take the equipment and play with the whole family, while other resorts offer sessions with a coach.

Kandima, for example, has a football field, tennis courts and courts for volleyball and badminton. A large choice of land activities is also available at Meeru Maldives Resort Island. Other options are collected in our selection of sports resorts in the Maldives.

Kandima

Bicycle rides

Bicycles are especially convenient on large islands. At Soneva Fushi guests are provided with bicycles and tricycles, while families can request child seats and helmets.

You can also cycle at Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences and other resorts with spacious island grounds. More options - Maldives hotels where you can ride bicycles.

Depositphotos

Which activities to choose by the child's age

Age restrictions are set separately by each resort and operator, especially for diving, water sports and sea excursions. As a rough guide:

• 2-4 years - children's pools, beach games, simple creative activities, cinema and walks with parents. In the kids' club, children of this age can often stay only with an adult or nanny.
• 5-7 years - kids' club, treasure hunts, cooking and creative workshops, glass-bottom boats, sessions with marine biologists and calm sea trips.
• 8-11 years - snorkeling, first diving programmes, kayaks, paddleboards, coral restoration, fishing and dolphin excursions.
• 12+ years - diving, active water sports, snorkeling with manta rays, whale shark trips, sports activities and longer sea excursions.

There is no need to look for a resort with every activity at once. For a preschooler, a good kids' club, pool and convenient lagoon are more important, while a teenager may be more interested in a house reef, diving and water sports.

Meeru Maldives Resort Island