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The archipelagic island nation of the Maldives welcomes its visitors with a serene atmosphere and wonderful vistas. The country has an array of incredible locations that harbour right in the midst of the Arabian Sea. Plan a visit to this heavenly escape and encounter some of the most beautiful places on the planet. The Maldives is all about luxurious resorts, unspoiled nature, charming islands, and interesting culture. If you are planning a visit to this nation of quintessential beauties, please read on. Take a look at the most spell-binding things to do in the Maldives.
Top Things to do in the Maldives
1. A Relaxed Stroll Through the Streets of Male
Male is the capital city of the Maldives and home to a number of interesting places including markets, museums, religious centres, shores, and more. Once the ruling seat of ancient kingdoms, Male has in store an incredible history to explore. Go on a walking tour of this wondrous beauty and visit all the charm it boasts of. It has shopping streets, food markets, historical sites, and more.
Recommended For: Explorers, History Lovers
Location: Kaafu Atoll
Pro Tip: Wear comfy footwear as you might have to walk for hours to cover the major attractions of Male.
2. Spend a Quiet Day at the Beach
The Maldives is all about the sand, the sun, and the sea. Hence, spending a day by its glistening beaches is a must-do here. Escape the busy environment of the country and lounge in its calm sand. Take a stroll with your partner in the evening or have a great time chilling by the shore with your family and kids. Build sandcastles or play ball games. The beaches in the Maldives are phenomenal.
Recommended For: Beach Lovers, Couples, Families
Location(s): Maafushi, Fulhadhoo, Addu, Meeru Island, and more
Average Price: No Entrance Fee (Need to have your stay booked while visiting a private resort island)
Timings: Anytime
Pro Tip: Rasdhoo, Gaafaru, Maafushi, and Dhigurah are some of the islands that have bikini beaches and hence, are perfect to flaunt your body.
3. Snorkel Down the Shimmering Sea
Snorkelling in the Maldives is one of the best ways to explore the colourful marine life of the Arabian Sea. The country has some of the world’s safest locations to snorkel and that’s the reason its popularity has no bounds. Visit the islands of the Maldives and dive into the sea to witness the hidden creatures of nature.
Recommended For: Beach Lovers, Couples, Families
Location: Maafushi, Addu City, and more
Average Price: $10 per person
Timings: 06:00 am to 05:00 pm
Pro Tip: Rent equipment from certified suppliers only as they would provide you with the best quality. Also, do not touch any kind of corals while snorkelling.
4. Stay at a Water Villa and Enjoy Luxury
Unless you have booked your stay at a water villa and have relished its luxury, you haven’t enjoyed the beauty of the Maldives to the fullest. Hence, do stay in a water villa and enjoy total comfort and privacy. Come out of your bedroom to the expanse of the sea and witness nature romancing all around. Take a dip in the pool or enjoy luscious dishes while you watch the sea shimmer.
Recommended For: Beach Lovers, Couples, Families
Average Price: $400 per night
5. Visit the Glowing Beach of Vaadhoo Island
The best part of the Vaadhoo Island in the Maldives isn’t its tranquil shores or untroubled nature. Its beauty lies in the glowing beach that twinkles all night and creates wonderful scenery. Visit it and watch stars lying on the waters. The glowing Beach in the Maldives is one of its natural wonders and hence, must not be missed by anyone.
Recommended For: Beach Lovers, Couples, Families
Timings: 07:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Pro Tip: The beach is quite cold during the night hours and hence, it is advisable to bring some warm clothes.
6. Indulge in Island Hopping
The Maldives is an archipelagic island nation and comprises about 26 atolls that harbour a number of paradisal islands. Though most of them are private resorts, there is a significant number dedicated to public and uninhabited islands. Hire a boat and go exploring these wondrous beauties.
Recommended For: Beach Lovers, Couples, Families
Location: Addu atoll, Kaafu atoll, Laamu atoll, and more
Average Price: $100 per day
Timings: 05:00 am to 08:00 pm
Pro Tip: Try to dress modestly while visiting the islands as the locals in the country are quite conservative.
7. Catch Spectacular Sunrise and Sunset Vistas
As the Maldives features a beautiful environment away from the hustle and bustle of noisy cities, it makes for an amazing weekend getaway to spend time in the midst of nature. Visit its shores at the time of dawn and dusk and capture the most splendid views of the sunrise and the sunset. Frame the colourful horizon or just sit by the beach and enjoy hues spread across the sky.
Recommended For: Photographers, Beach Lovers
Pro Tip: Visit Male shore for capturing the best of sunsets and Alimatha Island for the best of sunrises.
8. Indulge in a Spa Treatment
Where there is a sea, there is beauty and life for the body and soul. And, the Maldives knows very well how to abide by it. Most of the islands in the country host great spa centres. So, how about spending a day at a massage parlour and detoxing your body and mind? Rejuvenate the inner you and feel all your surroundings alive once again. The Maldives houses incredible relaxing spas where you can renew your soul.
Recommended For: Massage Lovers, Couples, Luxury Seekers
Average Price: $70 per person per session
Pro Tip: Book your spa session along with your stay in advance to get great discounts.
9. Go on a Romantic Date at an Underwater Restaurant
The Maldives is a perfect destination for couples as the place is filled with innumerable romantic hangouts. Going on a lunch or dinner date with your partner at an underwater restaurant, truly one of a kind experience. Do not miss out on surprising your love with a date where you watch beautiful sea life as you savour delicious Maldivian meals.
Recommended For: Beach Lovers, Couples
Location: Rangali Island
Average Price: $120
Timings: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
10. Enjoy Whale and Shark Watching Tour
As the Maldives lies in the midst of the Arabian Sea, it has a number of places where you get to witness the charm of whales and sharks. Go on a watching tour of these incredible creatures and capture all of their activities on your camera. Cruise down the waters and spend your day with these lovely animals. You can also swim with sharks here. However, you need to book a slot for it in advance.
Recommended For: Adventure Lovers, Photographers
Location: Hulhumale, Maafushi
Average Price: $50 per adult
Pro Tip: Visit the Maldives during May, November, and December as these are the months when you can easily spot whales and sharks in the sea.
Browse For Maldives Special Holiday Packages here.
11. Go Deeper with Scuba Diving
Another activity in the Maldives to check your adventure quotient is scuba diving. It is one of the most popular and loved adventure water activities in the country. Dive deep down the sea water and explore the coral reefs of the Arabia Sea. Encounter unseen creatures as you swim across the waters.
Recommended For: Adventure Enthusiasts
Location: Ai atoll, Addu atoll, Dhaalu atoll, Faafu atoll
Average Price: $70 per person per session
Pro Tip: The best channels for scuba diving in the country are located at Lhaviyani, Vaavu, Laamu, and Gaafu.
12. Underwater Treasure Hunting
If you seek excitement and thrill when in the Maldives, then underwater treasure hunting is an activity you cannot afford to miss out on. A number of private resorts in the Maldives host such activities wherein you dive into the water and collect clues that lead you to a treasure. The game is organised in a safe environment and is definitely a unique experience to enjoy.
Recommended For: Thrill Seekers, Couples
Average Price: $50 per person
Pro Tip: Make sure to check with the resort whether they provide treasure hunting activity before booking your stay.
13. Explore the Nightlife of the Maldives
Though the Maldives is quite famous for its splendid sea villas and striking nature, it has an amazing nightlife to offer. Indulge in bar and pub hopping and witness the lively crowd of the country. Watch the Maldives stay awake and alive throughout the night. Dance all night and awaken the boisterous spirit in you. The country has some of the most beautiful and lovely bars and pubs.
Recommended For: Party Lovers, Bachelors
Location: Male, Horubadhoo and more
Average Price: $20
Timings: 07:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Pro Tip: Vihamanaafushi in the Maldives has some of the best nightclubs for partying. Do check them out.
14. Sail the Ocean in a Banana Boat
How about an excursion away from the lands of the Maldives in the middle of nowhere? Well, if you are in for a thrilling day, then a banana boat ride is a must for you. Hop onto one and cruise the glittering surface of the Arabian Sea as you gaze upon an unending expanse.
Recommended For: Adventure Seekers
Price Range: $30 – $60 per boat
Timings: 06:00 am to 05:00 pm
Pro Tip: Male and Kaafu atoll are the best places to partake in banana boating.
15. Enjoy Parasailing for the Ultimate Thrill
Parasailing is one of the most popular activities in the Maldives enjoyed by tourists of all kinds. It is one of the adventure sports that interests thrill-seekers as well as families. Experience a rush of adrenaline as you parasail along the shores of the Maldives.
Recommended For: Adventure Lovers, Couples, Families
Location: Reethi Beach, Cocoon Beach, Finolhu Beach, and more
Average Price: $150 per couple
Pro Tip: The best time to enjoy parasailing in the Maldives is in between the months of November and April.
16. Explore the Local Villages of the Maldives
Yes, there are hundreds of local settlements across the expanse of the Maldives. These are the places away from the luxury of private resorts wherein you come across the real country. These are the places where you encounter the raw lifestyle and culture of the Maldives. If you are an explorer by heart, then visiting these local villages is a must offbeat thing to do in the Maldives.
Recommended For: Explorers
Location: Addu, Dhidhdhdoo, Felidhoo, Funadhoo, Eydhafushi and more
Average Price: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
Pro Tip: Do hire a local guide before visiting a village as they would help you understand the place in detail.
17. Go For Souvenir Shopping in the Maldives
The capital city of Male is the best place to shop for local styles, souvenirs, and more. The street markets here are vibrant, spirited, and full of energy. From purchasing fresh fruits to buying traditional clothing, one has a lot to look forward to. The major markets in the country are Male Local Market, Majeedhee Magu, and Chaandanee Magu.
Recommended For: Shoppers
Location: Male
Timings: 09:00 am to 08:00 pm
Pro Tip: Visit markets early in the morning to avoid rush hours and get incredible deals.
18. Visit the Maldives National Museum
How about spending a few hours to learn about the history and culture of the Maldives? The national museum of the country located in the capital city makes for an ideal destination to turn back the pages of history. It has an amazing collection of ancient relics and artworks. The 11th-century coral stone head of Lord Buddha is one of the significant pieces here. Age-old ceremonial dresses, ornaments, arms and coins can also be seen here.
Recommended For: History Lovers, Culture Explorers
Location: Male`
Average Price: $7 per person (for foreigners)
$1.30 per person (For locals)
Timings: 08:00 am to 04:00 pm
Pro Tip: The Museum is often closed on Fridays and hence, make your plans accordingly.
19. Have a Great Time Enjoying a Beach Party
Beaches complement the beauty of the Maldives. These sparkling shores with roaring waves form an incredible atmosphere when they host high-spirited parties. These beachside celebrations would certainly make you energetic and dynamic enough to have an amazing day. Sip on your favourite cocktail and dance away or simply sit by the shore and enjoy waves crashing as you much on your favourite snacks.
Recommended For: Beach Lovers, Couples, Families
Price Range: $10 – $50
20. Pay a Visit to the Ancient Friday Mosque
The Friday Mosque is an amazing instance of human artwork. It depicts artistic excellence with its supreme architecture and fine structure. Otherwise called the Male Hukuru Miskiy, the Mosque was built in the mid 17th century from coral stones and since then, it has been a significant landmark in the country. Visit it and explore its beautiful lacquer work.
Recommended For: Beach Lovers, Couples, Families
Location: Male
Average Price: No Entry Fee
Timings: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm
21. Feast on Authentic Maldivian Delicacies
Your trip to the Maldives cannot be deemed complete unless you have savoured its unique recipes. The country houses a number of restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy the best of Maldivian cuisine. Enjoy a variety of coconut dishes or devour various fish delicacies. Maldivian food is all about satisfying taste buds. The must-try dishes include Masroshi, Garudhiya, Bis Keemiya, and Mas Huni.
Recommended For: Foodies, Culture Explorers
Location: Male, Addu, Maafushi and more
Average Price: $3 per dish
Pro Tip: If you are looking forward to savoring the best of Maldivian street food, then Male would be the perfect place to visit.
22. Get that Fish on a Hook
How about killing some time with your loved ones sitting by the shore and indulging in angling? Apart from catching fishes, you can sunbathe and catch scenic views of Maldivian islands. If you are staying on a private island, you can ask your resort or hotel staff to arrange a fishing kit for you.
Recommended For: Beach Lovers, Couples, Families
23. Spend a Day with the Locals
Spending a day or two with locals could be the best thing on your itinerary if you are one of those offbeat travellers who love to travel deeper. Mingle with the locals of the Maldives, learn the basics of their language and understand their culture. It is definitely one of the best things to do in the Maldives. You can also involve in street photography and capture some beautiful shots.
Recommended For: Explorers, Offbeat Travelers
Location: Male, Addu, Maafushi, and more
Pro Tip: The ancient streets of Male make the perfect locations for street photography.
24. Indulge in Beachside Romantic Lunch or Dinner
If you are on a trip to the Maldives with your partner, then indulging in a beachside romantic dinner or lunch is a must for you. Plan a surprise treat and make your other half feel special. Have sweet talks filled with love over your favourite drinks and food. Complement each other and feel the romance all around.
Recommended For: Beach Lovers, Couples
Price Range: $30 – $50
Pro Tip: Dine barefoot while on the beach to enhance your experience.
25. Explore the Peaceful Island of Villingili
Villingili is a beautiful resort island in the Addu atoll and is often regarded to be one of the most scenic and peaceful places in the country. You can come here with your friends and family and have a great time relishing nature, swimming, and photography. The island also has the only golf course of the Maldives.
Recommended For: Beach Lovers, Couples, Families
Location: Addu atoll
Recommended Reads: 10 Reasons Why Maldives should be on Your Travel Bucket-List Top Countries That Offer Visa On Arrival to UAE Nationals
1 Comment
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