Things to do in the Maldives: Top 18 Vacation Ideas

Tired of lazy relaxation in your villa and want more adventure? Find out what to do on your vacation in paradise islands.

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Get to know the marine life

There are 1,100 species of fish in the Maldives, many of which can be seen while exploring the reefs and dive sites. Explore the ocean! Many Maldives hotels with a house reef offer an unforgettable experience.

Diving in the Maldives . Almost all resorts and islands have diving centers for amateurs and professionals. Go to dive spots where you can meet whale sharks or swim with manta rays. Try exciting night diving. An orange filter and a blue flashlight help the anemones and corals glow neon colors. The best time for diving is after the southwest monsoon season, which is from May to November.

Snorkeling in the Maldives . One of the leading leisure activities among the rich underwater life of the tropical region. Swim with manta rays! In the Maldives you will have a unique opportunity to observe these graceful animals in their natural environment. The best months for observing manta rays are from September to October and from December to May. Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll is one of the most popular places in the Maldives, where you can meet up to 200 manta rays at once, which come here during the plankton bloom.

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Catch a Wave in the Maldives

From April to October, surfing season begins in the Maldives. These months are ideal for this sport: stable winds arrive. Different atolls in the Maldives have their own unique surfing seasons, so it is important to know in advance which places are best suited to your level and preferences.

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Help restore corals

Coral reefs play a vital role in the very existence of the Maldives: without them, the islands would be damaged by strong waves. However, climate change, pollution and other factors threaten these fragile ecosystems. Tourists can take part in the restoration of corals together with marine biologists. You will attach fragments of coral to specially prepared metal frames, which will then be immersed in the ocean. Over time, the corals take root and begin to grow, creating new reefs that will become home to a variety of marine life.

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa

Visit a desert island

More than 83% of the 1,192 islands in the Maldives are uninhabited, allowing travelers to enjoy untouched tropical landscapes. Many hotels offer guests a Robinson Crusoe-style adventure. A boat takes guests to a small island where only palm trees grow. Of course, there is a romantic corner with a canopy, and the staff prepares treats and drinks for you. Guests can book a private island for picnics and photo shoots. During the picnic, the staff sets up a tent for relaxation and serves a champagne lunch.

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Learn more about Maldivian culture

Boduberu is a famous dance show. It is the art of singing and dancing to the rhythm of drums with a slowly increasing tempo, a rhythm with a bright climax.

Boduberu has been around in the Maldives for a long time and is still widely practiced in all parts of the country. It is said that this dance style originated from African sailors who reached the Maldives centuries ago. Shows are usually held during holidays such as Ramadan, Eid, birthdays, weddings. But many hotels organize shows weekly for their guests. Resorts also often offer cooking classes where guests can learn how to prepare traditional Maldivian dishes, as well as free workshops such as making coconut oil.

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa

Jump with a parachute

Skydiving in the Maldives is a relatively new activity that can be enjoyed at Ifuru Island Maldives Resort . It opened in September 2023.

Ifuru has its own runway, which allows guests to be transported from the airport, saving a lot of time. This runway is also the take-off and landing point for skydiving.

You can jump in tandem with an experienced skydiver who will control the flight. The cost starts from $650.

Ifuru Island Maldives

Marvel at the glowing Vaadhoo Beach

The Sea of ​​Stars is a natural phenomenon known as bioluminescence. Sea of ​​Stars is located on Vaadhoo Island in Raa Atoll. At night, the water glows with billions of stars! This stunning effect is created by microorganisms living in the ocean that emit light. Vaadhoo Beach is stunning in its beauty and makes you feel like you are in a magical world. The bioluminescence is most noticeable on warm, calm nights.

Vaadhoo is 195 kilometers from Velana International Airport. You can get there by speedboat or domestic flight to Ifuru Island Airport in the Maldives and then by speedboat.

Dive into a submarine

Don't miss the opportunity to go on an underwater walk and dive into the depths of the ocean. The whale submarine is the only one of its kind in Southeast Asia. And it is the largest passenger submarine in the world! It dives near Male, near a colorful reef where more than 100 species of fish live. The dive on the western outskirts of the capital will take about 45 minutes.

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Go horse riding

Horse riding is a relatively new activity in the Maldives, but it is slowly gaining popularity. There are currently two resorts where guests can enjoy this unique experience: Kihaa Maldives and Siyam World . They offer the opportunity to ride horses along picturesque beaches, enjoying views of the endless ocean and soft white sand.

Siyam World

Spend the night underwater

The Maldives is one of the few places in the world where you can spend a night in an underwater kingdom. All you need to do is book an underwater villa. The Muraka at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is a two-story residence at a depth of 8 meters. On the upper level (above water level) there are two bedrooms, a bathroom with an ocean view, an outdoor terrace with an infinity pool and a personal butler who will serve you around the clock. On the lower level (underwater) you will find a master bedroom with an acrylic dome, from where you can enjoy a 180-degree view of the corals. This is one of the most unique villas in the world.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Enjoy spa treatments with ocean views

Ocean view spa treatments are a magical holiday option that helps you relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Maldives. The Maldives has some of the best spas in the world, offering a wide range of services including massages, facials, body treatments, aromatherapy and much more.

The world's first underwater spa is located at The Huvafen Fushi Maldives . This unique complex offers guests an incredible experience of relaxation in the depths, surrounded by clear water and marine life. Treatments are carried out in cozy underwater rooms with panoramic windows through which you can observe the underwater world.

The Huvafen Fushi Maldives

Take a Dhoni Boat Ride

Crystal clear water, white sand and blue skies - a traditional dhoni boat will take you around the beautiful islands of the Maldives. Explore the amazing beaches and beautiful lagoons that make these islands so popular. A dhoni is a traditional Maldivian wooden boat with an elongated upturned bow. You will recognize it at the pier immediately. Once upon a time, the dhoni had only a fishing purpose, but today it often serves a tourist function as an unusual attribute of the Maldives. A dhoni cruise in the Maldives can be taken from Male.

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Relax at a yoga retreat with ocean views

Yoga retreats in the Maldives are incredibly popular. Your day can start with a sunrise yoga session, followed by a breakfast with local fruits. Pamper yourself with a spa treatment or simply relax by the infinity pool. Take part in a variety of workshops aimed at harmonizing the body and mind. End your day with a yoga session as the sun dips over the ocean, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.

Kuredu Island Resort & Spa

See the Maldives from above

A seaplane or helicopter ride allows you to see this beautiful archipelago from a bird's eye view. If you have chosen a hotel located far enough away, then a seaplane will be both a transfer option and entertainment at the same time. And if you are close to Male, book an excursion during which you will see Hulhumale and Male from above - the sight is simply mesmerizing!

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Watch the sharks

Shark watching in the Maldives is a truly exciting and unforgettable adventure. As you dive into the world of the deep waters of the Indian Ocean, you will be able to see majestic animals in their natural habitat. Shark watching excursions in the Maldives are organized using highly qualified guides and experienced crews who ensure a safe and exciting dive into the underwater world.

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Take a ride on a glass bottom boat

What could be better than admiring the magic of marine life in the Maldives, one of the most picturesque corners of the planet, without diving underwater? A walk on a glass-bottomed boat is a unique opportunity to look into the underwater world while remaining on the surface. By the way, one of the most popular types of marine entertainment in Male and on many resort islands. This is the perfect way to see the beauty of coral reefs, colorful fish and other inhabitants of the ocean.

Explore the streets of Male

Male is an adventure for those who want to immerse themselves in the culture of the islands and feel the authentic atmosphere of the Maldives. Explore the colorful markets, try the local food. Buy souvenirs from the Maldives - miniature boats, home decor items and sweets. Visit the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge. It has separate lanes for pedestrians, cars and bicycles. It offers a beautiful view of the ocean. See the white mosque built of coral stone, one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world.

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This is far from a complete list of interesting activities in the Maldives!