Things To Do In Maldives

What attracts travellers from all over the world to this country is its premium water sport activities. Very few places offer an experience as good as the Maldives. Before you look for other things to do in Maldives, make sure to have your fill of adventure by participating in the following water sports:

Scuba Diving
People do not have to wonder about what to do in Maldives – its excellent scuba diving facilities is a major reason why tourists flock to this country in such large numbers. It has garnered a beaming reputation owing to its fine glinting sand, enchanting coral reefs, exotic marine life, clear and clean water and most importantly, a number of high-quality scuba diving spots. While diving, you have the opportunity to see a range of marine creatures such as clownfish, giant clams, hawksbill turtles, blacktip reef sharks, whale sharks, eagle rays, fusiliers, butterflyfish, bannerfish, and octopi. The best places to go diving in the Maldives include Rasdhoo Madivaru, Maaya Thila, Nilandhoo Kandu, Fish Head and Rangali Madivaru. The Maldives hosts many PADI dive centres where you can opt for different kinds of diving packages. If you go scuba diving, you can be assured that it’ll be the highlight of your things to do in Maldives itinerary.

Snorkelling
If scuba diving is too strenuous for you, choose snorkelling. Thanks to the clarity of the turquoise seas surrounding The Maldives, you do not necessarily have to dive deep to discover the beautiful aquatic life that thrives under the surface of the ocean. Some believe that snorkelling in the Maldives is the best in the

Catamaran Sailing
Sailing on a catamaran and discovering the atolls, coral reefs and islands should be among your top choices for things to do in Maldives. Experienced sailors may rent a catamaran whereas others can hire a guide and crew to navigate the boat. Going catamaran sailing is an ideal way to celebrate special occasions with your loved ones, besides being a popular option to watch sea creatures and going to snorkelling and swimming spots.

Canoeing
Canoeing is a great option for those who do not want to partake in the things to do in Maldives that require going further away from land. This is a fun activity that takes place in shallow waters and is a pleasant and slow-paced activity. Most resorts will offer you canoes.

Flyboarding
Dive through the sea and come out of it flying in the air, admiring the Maldivian landscape! It is possible to do so on a flyboard, also known as a jet blade. It is an adventurous aquatic activity that is fairly one of the new and rare things to do in Maldives. Exhilarating yet safe, you will be assisted by instructors to navigate the jet blade and have a fulfilling time flyboarding.

Surfing
Those into surfing are instantly drawn to the waves in the Maldives. It is one of the premier spots in the world for surfing. The Cinnamon Dhonveli especially lures in tourists from all over the world. You can also opt for windsurfing or kitesurfing – a mix of sailing and surfing. This sport requires one to balance himself or herself on a longboard while holding onto a sail. Opting for these things to do in Maldives will certainly accentuate the adrenaline levels of your trip.

Parasailing
Parasailing is considered to be one of the leading things to do in Maldives. You hop onto a boat to go further in the sea. As the sails are spread and you go flying up in the air, you will be pleased to soak in the sweeping view of the tropical island. The activity may last for about 15 minutes, but it is one of the things to do in Maldives that will enable you to truly appreciate the beauty of the island.

Water Skiing
This is one of the easiest things to do in Maldives when it comes to watersports. Water skiing requires you to stand on a board and hold on to a cable attached to a boat that pulls you. It is a fun way to spend your morning in the Maldives.

Marine Life Sighting
Most travellers keep other things to do in Maldives aside until they have gone for a sighting of marine life. The island is home to a biodiversity hotspot of aquatic creatures and thus people enjoy spending their time looking at the spectacular species in the sea. Some of the species you can spot on your trip are the whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, reef sharks and other pelagic fish.

Cost: Depending on which activity you’re doing and where, water sports can cost you between Rs.4000 and Rs.7000.

Are you looking for an affordable international destination to spend some quality time with your partner to begin your marriage? This tropical island is one of the top-rated destinations in the world to vacation for newlyweds. Top-notch beach resorts create incredibly romantic settings for you and your loved one to spend quality time together. Couples can engage themselves in a number of things to do in Maldives. You can have romantic dinners, massages, cruises and enjoy each other’s company while partaking in new experiences and things to do in Maldives together. The tranquil scenery and beautiful sights make it a wonderful destination to relax. This travel destination will certainly not be heavy on your wallets, but the exclusive packages with special romantic things to do in Maldives can be slightly pricey. 

Cost: Including the price of several things to do in Maldives, a honeymoon package to the islands can start from Rs.32,000 and cross Rs.2,00,000, depending on how long and luxurious you want your trip to be

Going on a sunset cruise is one of the best things to do in Maldives to experience its beauty in all its glory. You can either take a boat or a dhoni, a local handcrafted wooden sailboat. This entails going on an hour-long journey on the sea with the cool, gentle water reflecting the golden sky. Watching sunsets is among the most mesmerizing things to do in Maldives, and doing so on a cruise only enhances the experience. If you are lucky, you can also find fascinating sea creatures here, such as dolphins. Sunset cruises are great things to do in Maldives during the evening, whether you are travelling with your partner, family, friends or solo. So make sure not to miss out on it!

Cost: The price of such cruises starts at Rs.9000.

The archipelago of Maldives comprises of over a thousand islands, with habitation in about two hundred. Island hopping to experience the natural beauty of each of these islands is hence one of the most authentic things to do in Maldives to fully relish it. Some of the top islands you can consider adding to your itinerary while island hopping are listed below.

Male Island

The capital of the Maldives, Male is the ideal place to begin your trip. Home to large buildings, sightseeing spots, posh resorts as well as aesthetic cafes, restaurants and bars, this island offers some of the most varied experiences and things to do in Maldives. You are likely to fall in love with the country just by spending your holiday here! Some of the notable things to do in Maldives that you can do here are underwater scooter riding and other water sports and visiting places such as the Grand Friday Mosque, the Sultan Mosque, the Male National Museum, the Male Fish Market and the Tsunami Monument.

Mirihi Island

A pristine island, Mirihi is where most people like to go to escape swarms of tourists. It is especially renowned among divers as a base for the water sport, which is among the popular things to do in the Maldives. Private snorkelling sessions also take place at Manta Point. You can explore the House Reef and swim with schools of fish from different species such as glassfish, batfish and jacks. This is a good spot to view whale sharks and dolphins too. 

Maafushi Island 

Hit by the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, it is surprising how Maafushi has risen up from rock bottom to secure its name as a top place to visit in the Maldives. The population inhabiting this island shows a distinct resilience through the vibrant display of their culture. The things to do in Maldives that you can explore here are to interact with locals, visit the huge markets and amble about on the homely streets. Other things to do in Maldives that you can enjoy here include sunbathing at Bikini Beach, while your day away reading on a hammock and dive by the Banana Reef. 

Biyadhoo Island

If among the things to do in Maldives, indulging in water sports is what you are most interested in, you should head straight to Biyadhoo Island. From scuba diving to canoeing, there is little that you cannot do here. Besides, the island is laced with rich farms of coconuts, bananas, mangoes and the likes. The lush greenery bordering the turquoise sea exponentially enhances the scenic beauty of Biyadhoo. 

Kuredu Island

Like most islands in the Maldives, Kuredu abounds in natural beauty. What sets this place apart is the underwater 5.8 Undersea Restaurant which is one of its kind in offering dining space from where you can scan the Maldivian aquatic area. Spending an evening here will leave you with memories for years. Other things to do in Maldives easily pale in comparison to feasting on a meal submerged in the Indian Ocean.

Fulidhoo Island

Although this is one of the smaller islands to make a stop at in the Maldives, it is a secluded place where you can savour some alone time and peace of mind instead of wondering about the things to do in Maldives. This place is well known for serving authentic local cuisine. This is the right place to come to if you have arrived for some time off and not indulge in many things to do in Maldives. 

Cost: A tour package that includes most things to do in Maldives can be priced between Rs.32,000 and Rs.70,000.  

Although there are many things to do in Maldives, it is not particularly known for its nightlife. Its populous is majorly Islamic and the religion frowns upon consumption of alcohol. Hence, one would assume that the partying scene isn’t particularly booming. But you will be surprised to know that there are actually a good number of pubs, clubs and bars on the islands to make sure you have things to do in Maldives after sunset. You can accumulate some unique experiences, for example, heading down to Subsix at the Per Aquum Niyama Private Islands Resort, the world’s first underwater club. While feasting on the amazing food this place has to offer with its peaceful yet peppy ambience, you also get to enjoy the view of marine creatures traversing the sea through the club’s giant glass windows. After Subsix, you can head on to 15 Below, an underground club. As the name suggests, it is 15 feet below the beach’s surface. Exotic cocktails, anime-themed glow in the dark decor, a host of local and international DJs and a variety of delectable cuisines make it a top place to hang out for tourists. Babuna Bar’s White Night Parties, for which everyone has to dress up in white, is also intriguing to visitors. If you are looking for a place where you can enjoy a drink as well as the sea breeze, Moodhu Bar and Restaurant is where you should go. With a thatched roof and a structure settled a few feet above the sea, it welcomes guests at any hour of the day with its pleasing ambience. If you are looking for entertaining shows while gobbling down the local Maldivian dishes and cocktails, Club Med Kani is a comfortable option. Keep in mind that most clubs and bars are situated within the premises of resorts and private islands. Thankfully, even if you are not staying there, you can plan a night out to these places. Besides letting loose at these nightclubs and bars, you can indulge in other things to do in Maldives for a fun night. For instance, you can watch a film outdoors, as set up by two resorts, Gili Lankanfushi and Soneva Fushi. One is in an isolated garden and the other on the shore. It’s an extremely relaxing activity – you seat yourself in a comfortable reclining chair to watch Hollywood flicks while munching on snacks, sometimes even with proper dinners arranged under the star-studded sky. Another one of the fun things to do in Maldives is to book a Karaoke room and belt out tunes with your friends and family. Some unusual things to do in Maldives are crab racing and night fishing. With such a diverse range of activities available, be assured that you will have new things to do in Maldives every night of your trip.

Cost: One night of indulging in any of these things to do in Maldives can cost between Rs.3500 to Rs.5000 for two people.

If the definition of having a great trip for you is to dive into a culinary adventure, you do not need to look for more things to do in Maldives! Imagine dining in a secluded corner of  the beach, savouring the local cuisine with every bite you take. Digging into the meals here is one of the extremely gratifying things to do in Maldives, and you should make the best of it. The food is typically spicy, and the local staples include seafood (mostly fish), yams, coconuts, mangoes, pineapples and papayas. Every morsel indicates the influence of other cuisines, making the experience of devouring Maldivian cuisine even more exciting. You could skip some things to do in Maldives, but a few dishes that you must try are:

Mas Huni

A popular breakfast dish, this is essentially shredded smoked tuna mixed with minced onions, lemons and coconuts. It is usually eaten with a bread called roshi.

Garudhiya

This is a simple fish soup. It is cooked only with fish, water and salt, and then served with onions, chilly, lemon and rice. It is an everyday traditional dish. 

Masroshi

Masroshi is a traditional bread stuffed with smoked tuna and coconut, given a distinct flavour by the addition of some local spices and curry leaves. 

Bis Keemiya

A samosa infused into a spring roll, this dish consists of an interesting blend of tuna or hard boiled eggs, grated onions and sautéed cabbage. For a true taste of the Maldives, you must include this in your meal. 

Fried Yams

A crunchy snack, this is a popular dish in the country. Growing crops of yams is one of the top things to do in Maldives to generate income for the farmers of the island, hence making it a regular snack in the locals’ meals. What makes the snack delectable is the variety of sauces that accompany it. 

Saagu Bondibai

If you are a vegetarian, you would love this dish! It is made of sago or sabudana, which is a recurrent ingredient in Maldivian cuisine. Saagu bondibai is a sweet dish – a pudding, which includes heating up sago in coconut milk and condensed milk. It is flavoured with rose and cardamom that lend it a unique taste.

Boshi Mashuni

An amalgam of grated banana leaves and coconut accompanied with turmeric, cumin, lime, chilly, spices and curry leaves, boshi mashuni is a zesty dish. 

Kulhi Boakibaa

Kulhi boakibaa is a fish cake that will give you a taste of an ordinary Maldivian household. This dish is prepared for special occasions, made of smoked tuna, grated rice, coconuts and onions.

Fish Curry

As fish is a staple ingredient in the Maldivian kitchen, it is not surprising that fish curry is one of the most consumed dishes. Its addition can make any meal delicious, generally accompanied by rice, roshi and poppadoms. 

Rihaakuru

You need to dip your roshi in this paste made by consistent cooking of fish in order to give your palate a taste of authentic Maldivian cuisine. 

Maldivian Vegetable Curry

Vegans and vegetarians will be happy to know that one of the traditional meals in the Maldivian cuisine that does not incorporate seafood is the famous vegetable curry. Known as tharukaaree riha, this dish has clearly been influenced by the cuisines of neighbouring countries of Sri Lanka and India. A bowl of this curry will typically have sweet potato, pumpkin, beans, and carrots. It gets its scrumptious aroma from the pandan leaves and curry leaves used for its preparation. Not only is it a tasty dish, but also immensely healthy. 

If you are staying at a private resort, the food will generally be included along with the things to do in Maldives in your package. At high-end establishments, ordering food a la carte is preferred over buffets as it provides a wider variety for the guests to choose from. Male, on the contrary, offers genuine local cuisine in its hole-in-the-wall food joints. These small restaurants are not particularly luxurious, but they are the best places to intersperse your things to do in Maldives itinerary with and get the true taste of the island.  

Cost: Depending on where and what you are eating, a dish can cost between Rs.50 and Rs.2000.

The capital of the island, Male, is an intriguing place to explore. Of all the things to do in Maldives, going on a walking tour will show you that there are many things to see in Maldives within the capital that is rooted in local frenzy, far from the picture- perfect life oin nearby private islands. The group is led by a local tour guide who will make sure you spend the day learning about the place and the life of a local. As part of the tour, you will go to busy fish markets, hear historical accounts while visiting landmarks such as the President’s Palace, the Grand Friday Mosque, Sultan Park and the harbour area and rejuvenate yourself whilst devouring the local cuisine. The tours also present ample opportunity for you to interact with the natives of the island and gauge their perspective of the island and what are the things to do in Maldives that keep them busy. Such walking tours are around three to four hours long. It can be tiring but it is worth the effort since this is one of the only things to do in Maldives that give you an in-depth insight into the culture, heritage and everyday life of the islands’ inhabitants. 

Cost: A walking tour with all the basic inclusions can cost between Rs.2000 and Rs.3000.

The islands have earned a reputation as a relaxing travel destination over the years. One of the best things to do in the Maldives is to do nothing! A holiday here will loosen you and make you forget all your stress from your life back home. While the exotic landscapes and lazy, secluded beaches surely contribute to your unwinding, a quicker way to de-stress is to go for the popular Maldivian spa and massages. It will not only detox you of negativity, but it will also improve your skin and health. Spas have become an essential self-care ritual, and you should not hesitate to splurge on it on your trip as undergoing soothing spa treatments is among the top things to do in Maldives. Some of the highly rated spas are the underwater Lime Spa in Huvafen Fushi, Serenity Spa in Baros Island, Sundari Ayurvedic Spa in Anantara Resort & Spa, Veligandu, Iridium Spa in The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, Vommuli, Jiva Grande Spa in Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Emboodhu Finolhu and the Spa and Ayurvedic Retreat in Four Seasons Resort, Landaa Giraavaru. Other assuasive things to do in Maldives are organised by resorts too, such as yoga and meditation. 

Cost: A spa treatment’s cost can lie between Rs.6000 to Rs.14,000.

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