The best things and activities to do in the Maldives?

Whether you’re planning for an exotic honeymoon destination or family vacation or a long overdue trip to try some adrenaline-pumping activities, the Maldives is just the place you were looking for. You can indulge in a plethora of activities both on the land and under the waters.

On somedays, be completely laid-back and enjoy lazing around the pristine white sand beaches, sipping cocktails on the sundecks. Treat your eyes to the beauty of waves crashing on the shore. While on the other days get ready for action-packed affairs. Try water activities like snorkelling, diving, or underwater walking. Pamper yourself with therapeutic spa treatments. At nightfall, awaken the party animal in you, drink & dance the night at the decks by the ocean or at a luxurious underwater bar.

Some activities might involve a cost whereas some are completely provided as complimentary from the resort.

Here are a few amazing things you can do for free or at a minimal cost;

Activities that doesn't cost you

Go Snorkelling - Most of the resorts in Maldives has their in-house reefs. You can easily rent snorkelling gear for free or for 3-4 USD and swim out from your own villa. The biodiverse reefs of Maldives are home to some of the most colourful marine life such as Manta rays, Sting rays, Moray eels, Green Sea Turtles, baby sharks and other exotic fish. If you are lucky you will spot one of these while floating in the ocean surface.

Some resorts have their own snorkelling and house reef tour. In Sun Siyam Olhuvelhi it is 15 USD per person or 25 USD for couples. Even hotel and guesthouses organize snorkelling excursions

Try some fun workout - A beach jogging session, a CrossFit workout or take a free Yoga class at the beach. Check with your hotel/resort in advance to know the schedule.

Stroll at the beach - This will be one of your favourite past time when you are in the Maldives. Take a leisurely stroll at the breath-taking beaches at sunset. Feel the romance as you walk barefoot with your partner on the wet and soft sand of the beach.

Enjoy the unique offerings - Each of the resort has something unique of their own from traditional cooking classes to free crafting lessons such as wood painting, making palm leave baskets or coconut leave hat. From kayak racing to sandbank picnic or even a group nature walks to explore the island. Some ritzy resorts even provide experiences like Cinema under the stars, stargazing through a telescope as complimentary facility. Find out the special features of your resort and enjoy the free activities.

Explore your island - Rent a cycle and explore the corners of the islands in a leisurely manner for best photo opportunities.

Enjoy the in-house DJ night and live music - Most of the resorts arranges some music nights with local bands/DJs. You need not pay anything to immerge in this amazing experience. Sit by the lounge/deck, relish a fine wine and dance your heart out to the soulful music.

In the capital - If you are staying in the capital Male, then there are many free things to do. Visit the Male Fish market to see the local catches by the fishermen. Visit the beautiful Grand Friday Mosque. Explore the Artificial beach, Sultan park. See the local landmarks Sinamale bridge, Tsunami monument, Victory monument.

Things to try that are chargeable

Cruise Excursions - The resorts and even the local tour operators offer several excursions like Dolphin watching sunset cruise, stargazing cruise, Fishing cruise. Prices start from 40 USD.

Sail in a Dhoni - Dhoni is a traditional sea vessel that is used for multi-purpose. As a fishing boat, as a ferry, or just for excursions. Take an hour-long ride in one of these while you get to see the magical sunset on the horizon of the serene waters.

Go for Island hopping with your loved one - The Maldives is known for its untouched beaches and the crystal-clear water that will mesmerize you every moment you spend there. You may decide on to see some the uninhibited islands to feel one with the nature or explore one of the local island village to experience the Maldivian way of life and to meet the locals.

If you are staying in one of the island resorts then you need to use their service for island hopping. But if you are staying in one of the islands closer to Male then book the island-hopping tour with local travel operators. Or alternately take the local ferries to visit the nearby islands which costs 2-5 USD.

Some of the well-known islands for hopping are Biyadhoo Island, Maafushi Island, Guraidhoo island, Dharavandhoo island, Kuredu Island, Paradise Island, Bandos Island, Vaddhoo Island.

Try Watersports - The Maldives is not only a destination for honeymooners. It is also one of the best island destinations for adventurous water sports. Surfing, parasailing, Water skiing, Flyboarding, Kitesurfing, and whatnot. You name it and the Maldives will leave you with numerous options for adventure water activities.

Go Fishing - This can be the most fun thing for those who do not wish to go underwater but want to experience the magic of the blue waters. Besides tour companies, resorts also organize their own fishing trip for the interested guests at a charge. You can try your hands at fishing and hope to get some good catches like barracuda, swordfish, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, marlin, and wahoo. And the reward, you can feast on your catch with a BBQ fish on the boat or prepare a delicious meal by the beach.

Take a Scuba diving lesson - Now this is something you will get in every corner of Maldives. The Maldives has 5% of the global reef area which houses over 1000 species of fish, making it a premium diving destination in the world. There are many diving resorts, diving cruises, diving tours as well as dedicated affordable PADI diving centres in the local islands. You don't have to be a certified diver or need to do a diving course. Even as absolute first timer you can try one of the discovery dives. The options are limitless. Single dive sot starts from around 80 - 100 USD. More information on diving centres can be found in the link below

https://travel.padi.coy m/s/dive-resorts/maldives/

Sunset Dinner - Maldives is a dream destination for honeymooners from around the world for a reason. While there are a number of romantic things to do as a couple, having sunset dinner at a beach gazebo decorated in lanterns and candlelight dinner, could be the most precious moment of your trip.

Spend a night in an over water bungalow- It's truly spectacular to spend a day in an over water villa with direct access to the lagoon and with endless view of the ocean. Surely it comes at a huge cost. Nevertheless, we wanted to experience it for once. And I must say this was an experience like never before. We could jump right into the shallow lagoon waters, snorkel/swim to witness some amazing colourful fishes, sip wine at the comfort of our private infinity pool. We loved our bungalow so much that we didn't leave the room except for going out for the Lunch and Dinner. The private deck and the pool area were the perfect spot for sunbathing, morning floating breakfast and for some relaxation on the last day.

Note: Thinking about how to plan your budget for the Maldives. Then read our blog here. 

Find all other information on the Maldives before your trip.