Wondering what are the things to do in Maldives? From staying in an overwater bungalow to scuba diving with manta rays and whale sharks, there’s no shortage of endless experiences and activities!
If there’s one thing I know, it’s that going to the Maldives will completely spoil you. Though I grew up in a country known for its gorgeous islands, the Maldives is in a category of its own, with swaying palm trees, pristine beaches, and crystal clear waters. This is the definition of paradise. Whether you’re visiting with family or there for your honeymoon, here are the top things to do in Maldives.
Here are 10 amazing things to do in Maldives!
Stay in an overwater bungalow
The quintessential Maldivian experience! Though pricier than villas on land, there is no better way to live in paradise than having your own private villa. These rooms offer direct access to the ocean, and are often complete with a plunge pool, over water hammock, glass bathtub, or other cool features!
Experience world-class scuba diving
Talk about being spoiled from the start…this is where I truly fell in love with scuba diving. I’d only dived briefly in Thailand before, and going underwater in the Maldives was like being plunged into the colorful world of Finding Nemo. My standards were set pretty high after the warm waters, terrific visibility, colorful corals and abundance of marine creatures!
Types of scuba diving you can expect to find:
- Drift dives
- Caves / swim-throughs
- Wrecks
- Reefs
- Drop-offs
- Corals galore
- Most importantly – huge pelagic animals!
Swim with the marine Big Five
Whether you scuba dive or not, there is plenty of opportunity to swim with large animals, with certain areas famed for their congregation of manta rays and whale sharks! Try to spot Maldives’ marine Big Five: turtles, mantas/eagle rays, dolphins, sharks, and whale sharks.
Dine at Ithaa, the famous underwater restauraunt at Conrad Rangali
You may have seen images of a hotel room under the sea…but alas, this is actually the site of Conrad Rangali‘s famed underwater restaurant, Ithaa! Sort of a misnomer, but the glass tunnel was only briefly converted into a bedroom to celebrate the resort’s anniversary.
Regardless, Ithaa is a one-of-a-kind dining experience. The restaurant seats 14 people, and serves fancy meals.
Go island hopping
With over 1,000 islands, don’t limit yourself to one! There are hundreds of uninhabited islands prime for exploration, and there’s nothing quite like having one all to yourself. Don’t forget to pack your snorkeling gear!
Picnic on a private island
Charter a boat (or kayak if your islands are close enough) and picnic on your own private island. At the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, my family and I asked the concierge to help out – and they sure delivered! Fast forward to a sand bank all to ourselves, with blue seas all around. The staff brought a variety of food, drinks, and even dug a makeshift seating area and lunch table for our feast!
Partake in watersports
If you’re a watersports fanatic, you’re in for a treat! Some common activities offered:
- Parasailing
- Jetskiing
- Kitesurfing
- Windsurfing
- Kayaking
- Seabob (this cool device!)
- Surfing
Go surfing
Surprise surprise! When thinking of surf, our minds often go to Hawaii or Bali, but the Maldives is actually a world-class surfing destination. Beginners beware – the reef breaks don’t make this an easy starting point! I’ve surfed there and can definitely attest to that – just imagine every time you finish riding a wave, having to paddle back out as quickly as possible to avoid being thrown up against the jagged reefs! One thing’s for sure – it’s a great workout, and if you’re a pro, surfing in the Maldives is a must.
Dolphin watching
Dolphin lovers rejoice! I’ll never forget watching hundreds of spinner dolphins leap into the air at sunset…what a magical experience. Definitely something to do, especially if you’re traveling with kids!
Get a massage
After a long day of watersports and activities, indulge yourself in a spa treatment! Most resorts offer over-water spas, complete with glass floors so you can watch the marine creatures swim by below, and some villas may even have a private spa room included. Talk about luxury!
