Things to do in the Maldives
The Maldives is a country consisting of approximately 1,200 islands, around 26 atolls. Only 200 islands are inhabited, but there are so many things to do in the Maldives, whether you’re enjoying an idyllic honeymoon or just looking to recharge your batteries.
Wherever your Maldives holiday takes you, you’ll be surrounded by the beautifully warm and clear waters of the Indian Ocean. From as little as a £49pp deposit, you could be looking forward to a spectacular multi-centre holiday that includes the blissful beaches of the Maldives and the excitement of island-hopping by speedboat.
One of the many great things about holidaying in the Maldives is that it can be as laid back or as action-packed as you choose. And you can go about your day without big crowds of people around for a chilled-out time in the sunshine. The country has many claims to fame, one of which is that it’s the lowest country in the world - with its highest point just eight feet above sea level.
The Maldives is home to a wealth of wonderful attractions and things to see and do. With nature at the heart of everything, you’ll fall in love with all it has to offer. We’ve highlighted just some of the best things to do in the Maldives below to whet your appetite and help you start to plan your luxury holiday in paradise right by the Indian Ocean.
Beaches
The obvious place to start when exploring ways to spend your days in the Maldives is with its beaches. There’s no such thing as a bad choice of beach on holiday in the Maldives because they’re all so perfect.
We could write an entire article on these, but for now, we’ve selected just some of the best below to give you an idea of what to expect on your trip:
● Mudhdhoo Beach
Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and features a luxury resort. The biodiversity below the waves is astounding, and for such a small island (700m x 400m approximately), it will leave a big impression on you.
There are also underwater caves here for keen divers to explore, and you can feed the local sharks (they’re not a threat) and stingrays.
● Dhigurah Island
There are no words to do Dhigurah Island justice. It’s a fishing village with one of the best beaches you’ll ever see. It’s part of the Alif Dhaal Atoll and has an iconic white sandy point which stands out against the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
● Fulhadhoo Island
When you’re looking for a long stretch of uncrowded beach, you don’t have to go any further than Fulhadhoo Island. It’s over 1km long and stretches out as far as the eye can see. You can sit in the shade of the trees, catch up on some reading or dive into the water to get up close to the array of local creatures who are lucky enough to call this place home.
● Artificial Beach, Malé
As its name suggests, this isn’t a natural beach like the ones described above. Instead, it’s located in a lovely little bay area and is a nice way to cool off if you’ve been walking around the city on a tour or doing a bit of shopping.
It’s worth noting that no swimsuits are allowed, so if you’re planning on heading here, you should respect the local customs, which means people should be covered up.
Things to do in the Maldives: A Wealth of Watersports
Splash into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean without a care in the world. One of the many great things about the Maldives is how close you always are to the sea. The gentle waves provide a relaxing backdrop if you're sunbathing or sightseeing.
And when you want to immerse yourself fully, there are many ways you can do this and experience the islands from a completely different perspective.
● Scuba diving
There are various Atolls in the Maldives providing opportunities for beginners and expert divers to explore the crystal clear waters, lagoons and coral reefs. These include Fuvahmulah Atoll, Malé Atoll, Vaavu Atoll, and Ari Atoll.
Scuba diving is a magical thing to do during your time in the Maldives. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot all kinds of wildlife under the waves, such as manta rays, whale sharks and turtles. There are also caverns, shipwrecks and more to explore for experienced divers.
Whatever your level of scuba diving experience, there’s an amazing world for you to discover beneath the waves.
● Surfing
If you’ve always wanted to try surfing, there’s no more welcoming place to get started than in the Maldives. The warm and inviting waters make it an absolute pleasure, even when you inevitably fall off your board. And because of the temperatures, you don’t need to bother with a wetsuit, either.
The Southern and Central Atolls serve up great surf at different times of the year. If you’re staying in and around Malé, there are lots of local guides who’ll pass on their knowledge and expertise. The best months for surfing here are generally between April and October.
● Snorkelling
With around 2,500 coral reefs comprising over 3% of the world’s total, snorkelling in the Maldives is something special indeed. Exploring what lies beneath the Indian Ocean’s surface is a fascinating and exhilarating way to spend time on your honeymoon or romantic holiday.
There are 200 species of coral and 1,000 species of fish, ranging from bannerfish and rays through to (harmless) sharks and barracudas. Seeing so much aquatic wildlife up close in their natural environment makes for a more memorable experience than in aquariums.
Banana Reef, HP Reef and Manta Point are a trio of snorkelling locations worth checking out. However, there are plenty of other places too, just make sure you do your homework and find a local instructor who can show you the best spots based on your comfort level in the water.
● Paddleboarding
You could give paddle boarding a go when you’d rather be on the water than in it. You can glide towards the horizon as the sun sets or gaze down below to see what colourful fish are swimming happily below your board.
Look back to the land from the serene waters as the palm trees sway on the gentle breeze. Paddleboarding in the Maldives is one of those activities that will always stay with you. There’s nothing else you need to consider other than the perfect present moment. This is paradise.
Depending on your appetite for adventure, you can also go canoeing, jet skiing, paragliding or even jump in a banana boat for something a bit different.
We’d highly recommend trying some form of water activity because there’s no place like the Maldives to enjoy yourself. It truly is a little slice of heaven on earth.
Honeymoon Holidays in the Maldives
Planning and celebrating your wedding is exciting, but it also takes up a lot of effort and energy. So flying off to the Maldives on your honeymoon will be the perfect tonic after a hectic few months. It also allows you to switch off, unwind and get ready to plan your new life with the one you love.
If the thought of lazing around doing as little as possible is appealing, then the Maldives provide the ideal environment. With so many luxury resorts, excellent service and fresh local cuisine, you can prepare to be pampered and enjoy every glorious moment without any worries or distractions.
Being in paradise with your new spouse, having romantic dinners, and enjoying the sunsets together are three things to do in the Maldives that require little effort. And don’t forget the cocktails!
Dolphin Watching
Diffushi and Huraa are two popular spots to go on dolphin cruises. These are incredibly relaxing and rewarding trips. Not only do you get to see these beautiful and intelligent creatures living their best lives, but you get to feel the cooling breeze in your hair as you sail amongst some of the most remarkable scenery on earth.
If you want to go a step further and swim with dolphins, snorkelling in Maafushi is ideal. Dolphins and humans have a special bond, and there’s no doubt this experience will stay with you forever. In addition, nurse sharks and many other species of aquatic life make this a unique and amazing activity.
Island hopping
With over 200 inhabited islands to explore, you won’t have time to visit them all during your holiday or honeymoon to the Maldives. However, nothing is stopping you from booking further trips with us if you’d like to see more of the magical Maldives.
We’ve picked out a few of our favourite islands below. Making your way from one to another by speedboat across the Indian Ocean will make you feel like you’re in a movie. It’s a special way to get around, and your surroundings will be the epitome of natural beauty.
● Biyadhoo Island is around 40 minutes from Malé International Airport by sea. It’s a great place to snorkel or scuba dive, especially if you’re a beginner. As you might expect, there are also plenty of opportunities for things like paddle boarding, canoeing and sailing.
● Fulidhoo Island is in the Vaavu Atoll. At 670 metres long and just 200 metres wide, it’s a small island perfect for a peaceful getaway. The locals are friendly and hospitable, and there’s a lagoon and coral reef to explore if you feel more adventurous.
● Kuredu Island is located in the Lhaviyani Atoll and is perhaps most renowned for its spectacular underwater restaurant. It’s got picture postcard white sandy beaches and also boasts the country’s largest watersports centre.
● Malé Island is home to the country’s capital city, so it’s much more fast-paced than many smaller islands. Its size does mean there’s a lot more to see and do, so it’s perfect for a day trip to do a bit of sightseeing before you head back to your tropical paradis
● Mirihi Island is small but perfectly formed. You’ll find it in the Alif Dhaal Atoll, at around 300m by 50m. You can also explore the Madi-Ge shipwreck if you enjoy scuba diving. The island's sunsets are also astonishing and the perfect way to round off your day.
● Vaadhoo Island is home to the ‘Sea of Stars’. When night falls in late summer, the local plankton population glows beneath the waves, creating an incredible light effect in the Indian Ocean. Vaadhoo Island is only around 8km from Malé and is definitely worth making an effort to visit.
You might also want to stop off at a mini-island. There are lots of sand banks dotted around the ocean where you’ll effectively have your own private beach. If you hire a boat for the day, you can ask your captain to find one for you.
Seaplane Tours
If you’ve got a head for heights, a seaplane tour is one of the most thrilling things to do in the Maldives. Of course, being on the beach or in the lovely warm waters are fantastic ways to spend your time. However, if you’re looking for a birds-eye view of the islands that make up this incredible country, hopping aboard a seaplane will give you panoramic views you just won’t get anywhere else.
From the moment you take off until it’s time to land, your senses are in for an absolute treat. A seaplane flight is something you won’t be able to stop talking about when you return home after your holiday.
Go Fishing
While you’re allowed to fish on Malé Island's reef, restrictions exist on other inhabited islands. This is to protect the fishing stocks and maintain the livelihoods of local fishermen.
There are organised cruises which enable you to fish at nighttime at Dhiffushi, Huraa and Maafushi, for example. You can expect to catch species such as yellowfin tuna, skipjack tuna and mahi-mahi. Being out on the water at sunset to experience the peace and quiet of Maldivian life is something you’ll want to do again and again.
Savour the Local Cuisine
One of the many enjoyable things to do in the Maldives is to sample the local dishes. These include a fish soup called garudhiya, mas huni (shredded smoked tuna), fried yams, fish curry and lobster.
With fishing being such an essential industry for the country, you can guarantee that any seafood dish you’re served up will be incredibly fresh and flavoursome. Plus, everything will taste even better if you’re having a romantic meal on the beach as the sun sets silently in the distance.
Hulhumalé Central Park
Hulhumalé is a reclaimed island and home to the picturesque Central Park. It provides a change of scenery in a country dominated by sensational sea views. It has a nice water feature, lots of recreational areas and great spots for stopping to have a romantic picnic or do some people-watching.
After a busy day on the water or visiting local sights, Hulhumalé Central Park is an oasis of tranquillity and a wonderful place to reflect and recharge before another day in this beautiful part of the world.
Visit Malé’s Markets
Malé is the capital city of the Maldives, with a population of around 250,000. If you’re looking for a slice of local life, you should stop by the local markets. There’s one selling all kinds of fresh fish, including giant tuna, and another selling fruit, vegetables and local delicacies.
These markets are great places to meet and chat with local people. You can also see the hard work that goes into providing a range of fantastic produce. And you might be lucky enough to eat some of it later in the day at your hotel or in one of the many local restaurants.
Other Things to do in Malé
Whether you’re staying in Malé or just visiting this thriving city for the day, there are many other things to do and see other than the markets.
One of the most popular ways to take in the sights is to book onto a walking tour. These allow you to see more of the city’s highlights in the time you have available and learn lots of interesting facts from your local guide. You can also take a tour by car if you have less time. But, of course, you can always find your own way at your pace, taking in the local cafes, shops and way of life.
So, what are some of the recommended things to see and do while you’re in Malé?
● Sultan Park
Sultan Park is on the site of the old Royal Palace. It’s a nice place to walk around if you’d like some time and space after being in the hustle and bustle of the city centre. You might want to sit for a while in the shade, have a picnic with your partner or plan the rest of your day in relaxing surroundings. You’ll also find the old National Museum building within the grounds.
● Victory Monument
This striking monument was built to mark the Maldivian Army’s victory over the Tamil Tigers. You can learn more about the history of the conflict in a quiet and respectful setting.
● Visit the Mosques
The Maldives is a Muslim country, and as a result, there are many mosques in Malé and across its various islands. The unique coral stone mosques include Fenfushi Friday Mosque, Ihavandhoo Friday Mosque, Isdhoo Old Mosque, Koagannu Cemetery and Mosque and Meedhoo Friday Mosque.
These are wonderful architectural examples you won’t see elsewhere and date all the way back to 1300, with the most recent in Hulhumalé being built this century. In Malé itself, you’ll find the Grand Friday Mosque and Hukuru Miskiiy (Old Friday Mosque), among others.
● Mulee-Aage
This is the country’s presidential palace which was completed in 1919. Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddeen III had it built for his son. It’s still used today as the home of the country’s president, so you won’t be able to tour the inside.
Still, Mulee-Aage makes for a great photo opportunity and is close to many other attractions and things to do in Malé. In 1972, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited the palace during one of their tours on the Royal Yacht Britannia.
● Sinamalé Bridge
The Sinamalé Bridge was part-funded by the Chinese government and opened to the public in 2018. It’s almost 1.4km in length and links Malé to Hulhulé and Hulhumalé. It has pedestrian access, so you can walk across to take some great photographs or just admire the views over the ocean below on your way back from dinner.
● The National Art Gallery
Away from the heat of the day, you can find a cool refuge in the National Art Gallery in more ways than one. It features photographs and paintings from local artists depicting daily life on the islands and the nature that inspires them.
If you’ve not been on holiday for some time or are planning a special trip, combining the Maldives with another destination provides great value with Viva Holidays. You can choose from Dubai, India, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Thailand and many more.
We’re the multi-centre holiday specialists. While we have many several ready-made packages available, we’re always happy to customise your trip if you have a specific itinerary in mind. So whether you’ve booked with us before or this is your first time, you’re guaranteed a friendly and helpful experience from beginning to end. We have hundreds of verified Trustpilot reviews to back this up.
Here’s what a recent customer, Ellis, had to say: “I used Viva (specifically Lucas) for our honeymoon, and despite me having to change details on the bookings multiple times, they were more than accommodating and helpful. I have booked another multi-destination holiday with them and can’t wait!”
Browse our holiday packages to the Maldives now and imagine doing many of the things we’ve listed in this article. If you have any questions or would like to customise your break, please contact us - we’re open 9am-9pm Mon-Fri and 9am-8pm on weekends.
