Things to do at Maldives

Discover Paradise: The Top 10 things to do in Maldives

The Maldives is famous for its glimmering turquoise waters, snow-white beaches, and luxurious island resorts. This Indian Ocean paradise offers a dream tropical vacation with plenty of things to do, like snorkeling vibrant reefs, gazing at magical sunsets, and relaxing at five-star spas. From adventure watersports to beachside dining under the stars, the possibilities are endless. The 1,200 islands that make up the Maldives cater to every travel style and budget. Whether you’re seeking an active getaway or total tranquility, you’re sure to fall in love with the myriad things to do in Maldives.

10 Best Things to Do in the Maldives

Snorkel and Dive the Maldives’ Spectacular Reefs

Snorkeling and scuba diving the Maldives’ coral reefs teeming with exotic marine life are hands down one of the top things to do in Maldives. The best snorkeling and diving sites can be found at resorts like Kandahar Island Resort, Cocoa Island, and Baros Maldives which offer access to vibrant house reefs right offshore.

Snorkel straight from the beach to enter an underwater world exploding with color and sea creatures like turtles, manta rays, reef sharks, and schools of brilliantly colored tropical fish. Top dive sites reach depths of 30-100 feet where you can explore caves adorned with sea fans or watch massive whale sharks glide by.

Most resorts offer snorkeling equipment and dive excursions for all skill levels. If you’re not staying at a resort, public islands like Maafushi also provide outstanding snorkeling and diving opportunities. No trip to the Maldives is complete without spending a few hours taking in the dazzling reefs and exotic marine life, which is truly among the most exceptional things to do in Maldives.

Relax on Pristine White Sand Beaches

Famed for some of the world’s most beautiful beaches with snow-white sand and iridescent turquoise waters, the Maldives is a beach lover’s idea of paradise. The beaches are consistently ranked among the best in the world and provide the idyllic backdrop for a dream tropical getaway.

Each of the Maldives’ 1,200 islands is surrounded by soft powdery sand beaches and translucent calm lagoons perfect for swimming and sunset strolls. The exclusive resorts boast some particularly stunning stretches of sand, like Vadoo Island which features a flawless white beach dotted with thatched umbrellas and sun loungers. Public islands like Maafushi also offer lovely beaches where you can swim, snorkel, and partake in watersports.

No stay in the Maldives is complete without whiling away a few hours relaxing on a spectacular beach and gazing out at the mesmerizing blues and greens of the Indian Ocean. Beach bliss is definitely among the top things to do in Maldives.

Savor Exotic Cuisine

The Maldives’ location along ancient spice trade routes and strong fishing culture come together to create a delicious and unique blend of flavors. The national dish is tuna, locals have perfected cooking this fish over coconut wood fires to produce a mouthwatering dish that every visitor should sample.

Resorts have elevated Maldivian cuisine by infusing local ingredients into exotic fusion fare. Sample grilled snapper in a garlic and chili sauce at Soneva Fushi or feast on a traditional Maldivian breakfast of mas huni (shredded smoked tuna with coconut, onions, and chili) at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island.

Don’t leave without trying kulhi bōkiba, pequeñas bolas de pescado mezcladas con coco rallado, cebolla picada, chiles y hierbas, envueltas en hojas de plátano y cocidas al vapor or vapor — the flavors will transport you to tropical paradise with each bite. Exploring the creative cuisine of the Maldives that mixes Indian, Sri Lankan and Arabic influences is a memorable culinary experience and absolutely one of the top things to do at Maldives.

Watch an Unforgettable Sunset

Watching the sunset in the Maldives is an unforgettable experience. As the sun melts into the shimmering turquoise ocean waters, the sky explodes in a riot of orange, pink, and purple hues. Every resort and guesthouse in the Maldives is oriented towards sunset views over the sea. Find a quiet spot on the beach, relax on your private deck, or sip a cocktail at an oceanfront bar as day softly fades to night.

For particularly spectacular sunsets check out Thulhagiri Island Resort which has panoramic sunset views from both sides of the island. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort also offers a world-class sunset vista from its iconic Sunset Water Villa with a specially designed sunset plan. Or head to the local island Himmafushi where locals and visitors alike flock to the boat harbor area after sunset and erupt in rapturous cheers as the final sliver of sun disappears below the horizon.

This nightly ritual has made Himmafushi one of the most popular places to catch a quintessential Maldives sunset. Dedicate your evening to watching the sky blaze in colors during the all too brief sunset hour, one of the most photogenic things to do in Maldives that will leave you awe-struck.

Cruise the Islands by Liveaboard

Taking a live-aboard cruise through the Maldives provides the opportunity to dive and snorkel remote reefs as you island hop aboard deluxe boats outfitted with all the amenities of a resort. Liveaboards such as the luxurious Scubaspa Ying offer diving, spa treatments, yoga sessions, and gourmet dining as you sail through crystalline waters without crowds.

The Four Seasons Explorer catamaran takes guests on a customizable 5-night cruise with stops at secluded sandbanks and local villages between dives. Or try Theia, a sophisticated catamaran offering 8 to 12-night cruises focused on manta ray experiences while diving the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere. Night dives reveal creatures only active after dark, like spawning cuttlefish. A liveaboard unlocks the magic of the Maldives from a unique perspective as you wake up to dramatic new scenery each morning without packing and unpacking.

It’s also a chance to visit protected conservation areas and dive sites you couldn’t reach otherwise. To discover the secret corners of the Maldives, enjoy world-class diving, and wake to pink-tinged sunrises over turquoise waters, booking a liveaboard adventure promises to be a scenic highlight and one of the most exclusive things to do in Maldives.

Experience a Luxury Spa Treatment

After all that swimming, snorkeling, and beach lounging your body will be craving the rejuvenating touch of a spa treatment, one of the most relaxing things to do in Maldives. The luxury spas at Maldives resorts offer sublime treatments ranging from traditional Thai and Balinese massage to the latest wellness therapies using locally sourced coconut, sea salt, and even products from the ocean.

Start by selecting an over-water treatment room with glass floors showcasing tropical fish swimming below to set a tranquil mood. Resorts like Joali Being offer unique Mindful Movement sessions guided by a personal well-being consultant to align your energies. Or check into the Holistic Wellbeing program at Mirihi Island Resort which includes yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic therapies, and spa treatments based on your body’s needs. For the ultimate indulgence, The Nautilus Maldives features swanky overwater villas with private plunge pools and your butler assigned to take care of your every need.

After pampering sessions in your villa sanctuary, head to the resort’s massive open-air Thalasso Pool for a soothing mineral-rich seawater soak. Let the cares of the world wash away as you surrender to the healing hands of master spa therapists – this is what the Maldives dream vacation is all about.

Go Surfing and Windsurfing

The Maldives is a world-class destination for surfing and windsurfing adventures thanks to optimal conditions like strong winds, giant waves, and crystal clear water. Malé Atoll’s eastern edge has earned fame as the “Wilkes Passage” with perfectly peeling 6 to 8-foot right-handers that can run for over 200 meters when conditions align.

Experienced surfers flock here between April and October when southeast tradewinds whip up these thundering gems. Resorts like Six Senses Laamu retain elite surfers to offer to coach and lead surfari expeditions to discover secret quality breaks. The North and South Malé Atolls also serve up excellent surf under the right circumstances – you just have to find the right reef pass. For windsurfing and kitesurfing the central lagoons around Dhigurah Island provide ideal flat water conditions for jumping and tricks.

If learning to surf or windsurf interests you, Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi offers beginner lessons in a dedicated surf school with expert instructors. You’ll get geared up to handle the waves or wind with lessons tailored to your skills. Glide across aquamarine bays as you soak up the raw tropical energy of surfing and windsurfing in the Maldives, a must for water sports lovers.

Dine at an Underwater Restaurant

For a truly singular dining experience book a table at one of the Maldives’ underwater restaurants, where you can enjoy gourmet cuisine surrounded by schools of fish and coral reefs instead of walls. Ithaa Undersea at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island claims fame as the first all-glass undersea restaurant in the world, situated a tantalizing 16 feet below the ocean.

Dine on a multi-course tasting menu paired with wines specifically selected to complement each dish. The 180-degree panoramic aquarium views make you feel like you’re inside a giant fishbowl in the middle of a coral reef. Or check out 5.8 Undersea Restaurant at Anantara Kihavah Maldives which requires a short boat ride to reach its sand-fringed shore. Descend to the restaurant in an elevator to be awed by 180-degree views of the sea in all directions with the sunset visible through a special aperture.

Seafood features prominently on the menu, sustainably caught from local fishermen each morning. As your food is prepared before your eyes, schools of snapper and jackfish will peer in curiously through the clear acrylic windows. There are only a handful of underwater restaurants in the entire world and two of the very best are found in the Maldives. Don your resort formal wear to dine in true style at these aquatic marvels serving up an ambiance no ordinary restaurant could ever match.

Try Ocean-Centric Activities like Fishing Trips and Water Parks

The Maldives is synonymous with aquatic adventures and once you witness its vibrant reefs and luminous lagoons you’ll see why. Ocean-centric activities abound like guided fishing trips aboard dhoni boats to catch sailfish or skipjack tuna you can later grill yourself. For family fun visit the Crystal Lagoons at Sun Island Resort & Spa Maldives, which claims fame as the largest recreational marine lagoon in the Maldives spanning nearly 4 acres of crystal clear filtered water.

Take the thrilling 150-meter-long water slide through a real coral cave or test your balance on the floating obstacle course. See baby blacktip reef sharks and stingrays right from the sandy beach at OBLU Select at Sangeli which hosts the Maldives’ only marine awareness center focused on education and conservation. Or relish an exclusive castaway picnic experience on a remote sandbank in Baa Atoll organized by Finolhu Maldives.

You’ll be left on a pristine beach with a gourmet champagne lunch for a true Robinson Crusoe experience. The possibilities for aquatic fun seem endless on the islands and you’re sure to return home with a camera full of photos captivated by everything the vibrant waters have to offer.

Watch Magical Bioluminescence

One of the most magical phenomena found in Maldives waters is bioluminescence, a chemical reaction that causes microscopic marine organisms called dinoflagellates to emit an eerie blue glow when disturbed. This mysterious event can transform the oceans into glittering electric wonderlands several times a year during specific moon phases.

Many resorts offer night snorkeling or diving to witness the mind-blowing sight of neon blue trails swirling around your hands and body as you glide through the plankton clouds. Or take a moonlit kayaking excursion where every paddle stroke sparks underwater fireworks that will leave you spellbound. Island resident guides know the best spots to observe bioluminescence so you can plan your visit during the peak glowing season. Local legends say the shimmering blue lights represent lost fisherman souls and haunting jinn spirits.

Scientific explanations link the biblical-scale phenomenon to factors like rainfall and temperature shifts combined with seasonal phytoplankton activity. Yet the true cause remains elusive, only adding to the mythical allure. Whenever the waters start to glow it creates a vision of the Maldives that seems almost supernatural yet captivates all lucky enough to immerse in the hypnotic light. Gazing awestruck as swirls of underwater stars transform the ocean into electricity is a once-in-a-lifetime thing to do in the Maldives.

Conclusion

So whether you dream of snorkeling psychedelic reefs, catching manta rays leaping from the sea, beachfront massages, luxury yacht cruises, or dancing under the stars at a tropical sunset wedding, the Maldives truly offers every magical experience you could imagine and countless things to do at Maldives during your visit. Plan to spend at least one blissful week in this Island nation to relax and explore the aquatic playground of your fantasies.