Looking for things to do in Maldives? You’ve come to the right place. Visiting the Maldives will transport you to paradise. With luxury bungalows extending over turquoise waters reaching out from the white sand beaches, the Maldives is a dream destination.
I must admit, we expected to do nothing more than bask in the sun, sip cocktails, and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean, but once we arrived at our little island oasis, we found out that there are more things to do in the Maldives than we originally thought.
Top Things to do in Maldives
It’s true, over the water bungalows are a spectacular sight and those images are what drew us to the Maldives in the first place. But are there things to do in Maldives besides relaxing? Definitely!
The Maldives are made for adventure, water sports, and romance. We stayed at two private islands in the Maldives, but we managed to do several day trips to explore the surrounding atolls and the capital city of Male. These are the best things to do in the Maldives for everyone!
1. Scuba Diving
The Maldives is one of the premier scuba diving destinations on earth, and if there is one place you need to give it a try, it’s here. There are many affordable PADI dive centers where you can take a discovery dive if you are not certified, or sign up for several dive options to one of the many reefs.
Baa Atoll is one of the largest groups of coral reefs in the Indian Ocean and is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, making it one of the best places to dive in the Maldives. It’s known for its manta rays and whale sharks.
The Maldives has an abundance of marine life, including manta rays, stingrays, and sea turtles. With crystal clear blue waters offering incredible visibility, there’s no need for a wetsuit here— the water’s warm and inviting. This was definitely one of our favorite things to do in Maldives.
2. Snorkeling Trips
If diving isn’t your thing, snorkeling is a great option. The reefs are incredibly pristine in the Maldives, so you don’t have to go deep to see a lot! We went snorkeling with sea turtles and saw more than half a dozen munching their lunches at the reef.
Spending a solid two hours in the water, we managed to see much more marine life than just sea turtles. Snorkeling is truly one of the best things to do in the Maldives.
My favorite moment was being surrounded by immense schools of colorful fish as they floated with the tides. When three masses came together, we felt as if we were in our own giant aquarium.
- 3 Point Snorkelling Safari – a snorkeling trip to three different locations.
- Submarine Tour from Male – If you don’t want to get in the water, see the underwater world of the Indian Ocean while staying dry from a submarine.
3. Dolphin Watching
Upon arrival at Cinnamon Hakuraa, we asked our greeter what she thinks is one of the best things to do in the Maldives. “Hands down, the dolphin excursion” she said. So, we decided to do it.
Just before sunset, we set out in search of pods of dolphins. It didn’t take long for our captain to spot one. We’ve seen a few dolphins in the wild, and we must say, the dolphins in the Maldives are some of the most active and playful we have ever seen!
We were particularly pleased to see that the captain of our boat maintained a safe distance, allowing the dolphins to swim off should they choose to do so.
4. Island Hopping
Believe it or not, there is a large settlement in the Maldives, where many locals live and work. If you stay on a private island, ensure to take an excursion to visit the nearby local islands and communities. This was a great day trip around the islands.
The Maldives people adhere to a strict Muslim culture, so be sure to dress modestly in long skirts/shorts and no spaghetti strap sleeves. I wore shorts but brought a sarong to wear when we landed on the islands. Bring cash to purchase local crafts and jewelry as well.
Remember that alcohol purchases are restricted off the resort, as the Maldives is an Islamic country. However, tourism is a significant source of revenue, so resorts allow guests to consume alcohol.
5. Meet the Locals
We visited two local islands in Maldives – Mule Island – the capital of Johnson Atoll, and Naalaafushee Island, a fishing village where we visited the fish market.
Walking through the concrete buildings, we were surprised to find a proper downtown and square on both islands with schools, community centers, and banks. These islands are probably the smallest inhabited islands we’ve ever seen, but there’s a lot going on there.
6. Surfing in the Maldives
The Maldives is a world-class surfing destination. The Cinnamon Dhonveli Hotel attracts top surfers from around the world to enjoy its incredible break without the crowds. For adrenaline junkies, surfing is definitely one of the best things to do in Maldives.
Although the surfing exceeded our amateur skill level, each morning we enjoyed watching the pros take on the waves while sipping our coffee.
This break is considered one of the best on earth, and Dhonveli even serves as a stop on the pro circuit. If you aren’t a pro, don’t worry; there are other islands in the Maldives where you can take surfing lessons.
7. Stand Up Paddle Boarding
If surfing isn’t for you, paddleboarding is another excellent choice. You can paddle in safe bays with water so clear that you can see fish swimming beneath your boards.
The Maldives is ideal for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) since most islands are surrounded by calm, shallow waters that only ebb and flow with the tides. Both resorts offer paddleboard rentals.
8. Visit the Spa
The Maldives was made for romance, and when visiting this island paradise, you must take time to pamper yourself. Most visitors to the Maldives are couples and families, and we highly recommend a couple’s massage to enhance the romantic atmosphere.
As soothing music plays, skilled masseurs will relieve the aches and pains from your long flight or day spent in the sun. After an hour and a half of relaxation, ensure that you have nothing else on your to-do list for the day, as you’ll want to fully enjoy the rejuvenation.
9. Sunset Romantic Dinner
I don’t think there is a more romantic destination on earth than the Maldives. If you are traveling as a couple and wish to indulge in a romantic night out, this is the perfect place. While most food is served buffet-style in the Maldives, take a break from the buffet and enjoy either a sunset beach or sunset pier dinner.
Although the meal was a bit pricey at $220 per couple, it included a bottle of champagne, a private waiter, and a meal prepared right at your table. However, I believe improvements could be made to this option to enhance the dining experience.
10. Scenic Flight over Maldives Islands
There is something magical about seeing the different shades of water below as you fly over the Maldives. Many resorts require a flight on a twin-engine float plane to reach them.
If you are not fortunate enough to stay on a private island that requires a flight across the Indian Ocean, we highly recommend booking a scenic flight to see the many atolls. The islands create a stunning pattern in the sea as the deep ocean crashes into sandbars and coral reefs.
From the air, you get a genuine sense of how isolated and beautiful the islands of the Maldives truly are.
11. Over the Water Bungalows
When we started writing this article about the best things to do in the Maldives, we asserted that there is much more beyond over-the-water bungalows and beach villas. However, you must take advantage of these beauties and enjoy them while you have the chance.
With an over-the-water bungalow, you can jump right into the waters to snorkel or swim. We loved our bungalow at Cinnamon Hakuraa so much that we never wanted to leave our room. With a private deck designed for sunbathing and relaxation, it truly felt like paradise.
12. White Sand Beaches
The Maldives is famous for its white sand beaches that stretch along the atolls, with smooth and easy-to-walk-on sand. Beachgoers will love visiting the Maldives, as you can walk far out along the sandbars and immerse yourself in the crystal clear waters.
If you stay at an over-the-water bungalow, you can walk directly from your deck and bask in paradise, which is exactly what the Maldives represent: paradise islands.
13. Fishing
If you are passionate about fishing, you will want to experience it here in the Maldives. Tuna is the most popular catch, and you can either go the Maldives way, where you try spearfishing with a local, or opt for a regular fishing expedition.
14. Parasailing
If a scenic flight is not within your budget, consider going parasailing as another fantastic way to see the beautiful atolls of the Maldives. There’s no better way to appreciate the beauty of the Maldives than from above.
It is exhilarating to feel the wind in your hair as you soar high above your boat, taking in the stunning scenery all around you. This is definitely one of the coolest things to do in the Maldives.
15. Explore Malé
You will find yourself flying into the Maldives through Male, and it’s worth spending a day or two exploring the capital of the Maldives. Malé is entirely different from the tranquility of the atolls.
This small island, with a population of more than 227,000, is one of the most densely populated places on earth. Spend a day exploring its top sites, such as the Male Fish Market and the Old Mosque.
The Male Fish Market serves as the city’s heartbeat, with a hectic energy as the catch of the day comes in. The National Museum is a worthy stop to discover the history and artifacts from the Maldives’ past, and the Old Friday Mosque, dating back to 1656, is the oldest mosque in the Maldives. Be sure to visit Sultan Park as well.
The Best Resorts in the Maldives
The Maldives comprises numerous atolls, including the North and South Male Atolls, and smaller atolls housing hotels. There is no shortage of stunning resorts in the Maldives. Here are a few of our favorite places to stay.
If you want a luxurious experience, I recommend the Hurawalhi Island Resort. Located on the Lhaviyani Atoll, this luxury resort features exquisite rooms and the world’s largest all-glass undersea restaurant, creating lasting memories. You can check availability here.
Another stunning option we loved is Cinnamon Hakuraa Hura, perfect for romance and an isolated escape into high-end luxury. Their platinum island caters to adults 18 and over.
If you seek a mid-range option, consider Cinnamon Dhonveli – located in the North Male Atoll, this resort is family-friendly with kids’ clubs and child-friendly inclusions, just a short boat ride from the capital of Malé.
Wondering about visiting the Maldives on a budget? It can be done. Many different guesthouses in the Maldives are available, and consider checking out apartment rentals for the best prices on the island, which can provide a unique local experience.
If you’re looking for something truly special, splurge on a stay at the Huvafen Spa and Resort, which features the only underwater spa in the world.
Plan Your Trip to Maldives
When it comes to planning a vacation to the Maldives, several factors should be considered. The Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of India and Sri Lanka.
The official language is Dhivehi, though many locals, especially in resorts, understand English. The Maldives was under British rule from 1796 to 1965 but has a Sultanate dating back to 1958.
When to Visit the Maldives
There is no bad time to visit the Maldives. The weather remains warm year-round, with the most popular visiting period being November through April, during the dry season. If you’re looking for deals, consider visiting in June, at the start of the rainy season.
For the best scuba diving, aim for January to April.
The Maldives is accessible via direct flights from Sri Lanka, Dubai, and Qatar. We flew into Velana International Airport, the main airport located roughly three miles from Malé.
From there, most travelers take a boat or floatplane to their resort, situated on one of the many islands. The sheer beauty of the Maldives is unparalleled, and experiencing it from a seaplane is extraordinary. As we flew in from Malé, we were treated to views of one paradise after another.
Due to their small size, many resorts have built bungalows over the water. The islands rest on underwater plateaus, just waiting for you to explore.
Note that drones are prohibited in many areas and resorts throughout the Maldives, so check the rules if you plan to fly one.
The Maldives can be explored independently, and you can grab a Lonely Planet Travel Guide of the Maldives.
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Our Maldives trip was graciously facilitated by Cinnamon Resorts, which offers several resorts across the Maldives, making for a perfect dual destination holiday. It was also in partnership with Sri Lankan Airlines, which offers daily flights from many global hubs.
