The list of the most interesting things to do in Maldives is long and quite impressive.
The Maldives are a special place with many things to do.
You should make sure to check all of the following things off your list when visiting the Maldives.
The Maldives is an archipelago made up of 1,192 coral islands and 26 atolls.
It’s the perfect place to enjoy leisure time surrounded by natural beauty and luxury.
10 WOW things to do in the Maldives
There are thousands of reasons why this island is the perfect choice for your next holiday. Here are my top 10 reasons to go to Maldives:
1. Exploring the underwater world
2. Get close to reef sharks and mantas
3. Lay on the perfect white sand beach
4. Get some spa therapies
5. Have access to a wide range of watersports
6. Find out more about local culture
7. Try the Maldivian Cuisine
8. Watch bioluminescent water under the clear sky
9. Explore Male, the capital of the Maldives
10. Stay in a water villa, on an island resort
It’s easy to picture little blue islands floating serenely above a beautiful lagoon, but think of this scenery with luxurious properties instead. This is what brings the place to life.
There is no denying that Maldives is a beautiful place, and it definitely deserves to be on everyone’s travel list.
The luxurious experience and the opportunity to connect with nature make it a truly special destination.
The Maldives is a place with secluded beaches, turquoise waters, and romantic dinners under the stars. You can also find villas by the water.
Maldives is more than just a place to relax. It is also a place full of life, with many amazing attractions.
If you wish to get there but don’t know exactly where is Maldives, it is located in the Indian Ocean, south of the Indian subcontinent.
If you have not yet decided if the Maldives will be your next travel destination, here are some reasons why you should visit these magnificent islands now.
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The most incredible things to do in Maldives
1. Exploring the underwater world
Maldives is a place where people can go snorkeling and see beautiful fish and other sea creatures.
The water is clear and the marine life is close to the islands, making it a great place to go snorkeling.
A reef surrounds each sandbank.
Most of these reefs have a lot of different kinds of fish and other animals living there.
During my stay in the Maldives, we went snorkeling each day in the shallow waters around the island.
We met reef sharks, eagle rays, dozens of species of colorful fishes, octopus, and morena eel.
You might also spot turtles, dolphins, manta rays, and other interesting marine creatures.
You can go on a snorkeling tour of the island, or if you’re lucky, you might see all these marine creatures right in the water around your villa.
2. Get close to reef sharks and mantas
The area has manta rays and reef sharks, which are the two main attractions.
If you have always wanted to swim with these animals, this is the perfect place to do it.
It is one of the most desired things to do in Maldives for water lovers worldwide.
I was very scared when I saw the first reef shark swimming in the ocean.
I forgot how to swim for a moment.
But after I got over the initial shock, I really enjoyed swimming with these creatures in the ocean.
You feel so tiny and insignificant, and a deep feeling of gratitude appears out of the blue.
These shy creatures are not easy to find, but manta rays can be seen only during certain months. Be patient and you will see these creatures in the waters around your resort.
You might see a whale shark if you go out on a boat into deep waters. They are gentle creatures that are harmless to people but are very big.
Seeing these massive creatures in their natural environment and even diving with them is something that won’t forget.
3. Lay on the perfect white sand beach
I have been to a lot of pretty places, but the beaches in Maldives are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen.
These beaches offer you a deep feeling of privacy, and you will be amazed by their white and soft sand.
The temperatures are constant all year round, between 25 to 32 degrees Celsius, perfect for laying in the sun and perfecting your tan.
After 10 days of holiday, I left Maldives with a perfect tan, many beautiful memories into my head and a lot of new friends among the Maldivian people.
These are the new essentials you have to pack for your trip
1. Hand sanitizer with 99.9% efficiency
2. Face mask with increased protection
3. Vaccine card and passport holder
10. First aid kit
The beaches are huge, with white sand, and if you choose to stay in a beach villa, you will have your own piece of beach just for your own.
4. Get some spa therapies
Besides the turquoise waters full of colorful fishes and pristine beaches, Maldives has one of the best spas in the world.
Therapists from Indonesia come here to offer one of the most relaxing spa experiences you have ever had.
Most of the resorts have a beautiful spa area with lush gardens and private cabanas specially designated for a wide range of massages and therapies.
You can choose from Thai Massage, Balinese, Maldivian massage, and many others so that you can enjoy your time and relax while listening to the sound of the ocean while a therapist destresses your muscles and relaxes your brain.
For the best experience in the world, we strongly recommend a spa session at Huvafen Underwater spa at Huvafen Fushi, the first and only underwater spa in the world.
This luxurious spa is located 9 meters under the surface and offers a once-in-your-life experience that cannot be lived anywhere else.
The list of messages available is long and impressive, and the quality of the services is top notch.
5. Have access to a wide range of watersports
Where the Maldives is located makes it the perfect destination for watersports lovers as a wide range of activities can be practiced here.
You can choose from kayaking, X-Jet, jet-skiing, sea bobbing, canoeing, snorkeling, diving, and many other sports and relaxation activities available on the atolls and private islands of Maldives.
Surfers are welcome here as Laamu Atoll offers consistent waves and perfect winds to enjoy your favorite water sport in these turquoise waters.
Scuba diving is also a very popular sport in the archipelago and almost all the hotels have their diving centers and organise daily diving experiences to different places where wildlife is abundant.
6. Find out more about local culture
Because of its proximity to India and Sri Lanka and their long common history, the Maldivian culture has strong influences from these 2 countries.
The Maldives are known for their welcoming and warm people who will do everything they can to make your holiday an unforgettable experience.
You might find these surprisingly, but Arab and African influences are also visible in the Maldivian culture.
The Arab influences remained from the times when the Arabs came to these islands for trading and the African influences were brought here by the slaves from the Royal family and nobles that lived here once.
The islands where these African influences are more visible are Maalhos and Feridhu from the North Ari Atoll and Goindhu from the Southern Maalhosmadulu Atoll.
7. Try the Maldivian Cuisine
Fish dominates the Maldivian cuisine as this was the easiest food to find in the area and fishing is the second largest activity in the country.
Generally, the daily meal of Maldivian consists of fish and rice, very few vegetables that were available just for the people that had their own farm.
We strongly encourage you to try the local food especially the Maldivian curry with tuna, as the tuna is freshly fished and has a very good taste and flavor.
On my trip to the Maldives I ate tuna each day and each time I was surprised by its great aroma and incredible taste.
Definitely one of the best things to do in Maldives when speaking about gastronomy is to eat as much fresh fish as you can because of its unique and intense flavour.
You have to try a fish soup with lime, rice, chilly and curry leaves, and coconut to understand better the local culture and have an idea about Maldivian gastronony.
Other common ingredients used in the local cuisine are potatoes and coconut as well as dried mango and dried coconut.
Many desserts contain coconut and pudding, and mousse is often served at independent restaurants and resorts.
The Maldives are known for their beautiful islands.
If you go there, make sure to try some of the delicious food. You might not have many chances to visit these islands, so make the most of it!
8. Watch bioluminescent water under the clear sky
The Maldives is one of the best places in the world to see a magnificent and unique show.
The Raa Atoll, in particular, is an excellent place to view this type of performance.
If you walk on the beach at night, you might see a special show where the stars in the sky dip down into the ocean.
The phytoplankton emits luminescent toxins to protect itself from fish and other ocean predators.
If you want to see more of the light show, go into the shallow water and wave your foot.
This will make the light show start.
If you want to find more things about this rare natural phenomenon, please check our article “Sea of stars Maldives: all you need to know about it“.
9. Explore Male, the capital of the Maldives
The Maldives is known for its beautiful crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches.
However, before flying to one of the resort islands, take some time to explore Male Maldives and its suburbs.
The Maldives is a place where you can find a mix of cultures from all over the world.
You can find influences from medieval times, as well as ancient times.
Arabs, Asians, and African people have all left their mark on the Maldives.
The Royal Bath is a great place to swim and see fish that live in coral atolls.
You can visit it from Villingili or Hurhumale.
I strongly recommend going to the fish and fruit market, where you can buy fresh fruits and fish, and other sea creatures.
You can use these ingredients to cook a delicious dinner based on a local recipe.
If you want to learn more about this part of the world, we recommend going to Maldives’ National Museum.
There is a large collection of ancient objects on these islands, including clothes, armor, and weapons belonging to former queens and kings.
There are also ancient manuscripts and other objects of value.
The museum is located in an old Sultan Park building and was once part of the Sultan’s Palace.
Another emblematic monument from Male is the Friday Mosque or the Male Hukuru Miskiy, the oldest mosque in Male.
The complex was built in 1648 and includes a minaret, a mosque building, a mausoleum, an octagonal water well, and tombstones from the cemetery.
It is a very interesting place to visit that should not be missed when exploring the capital city Male.
10. Stay in a water villa
If we say “water villa,” people will automatically think of the Maldives.
That’s because our brain associates those two words together.
The Maldives is a beautiful place to visit.
One of the most interesting experiences you can have is to try snorkeling.
The water villas are generally built on pylons overlooking a beautiful lagoon and a coral reef full of fishes and other marine life.
From your villa you can enter directly into the ocean and from your bed, the first thing you see in the morning is the beautiful turquoise water surrounding your villa.
This is undoubtedly one of the most wanted Maldives things to do and experience in your lifetime.
Some of the villas have a private swimming pool, a beautiful outdoor bathroom with a bathtub and shower, a huge living area, and your private piece of sand.
I prepared a full list of the most stunning resorts in various parts of the Maldives where you can spend a memorable holiday in this piece of paradise.
I don’t think there is something more beautiful and relaxing than bathing under the clear sky, listening to the ocean, or eating breakfast in your own private pool overlooking the sea.
Conclusion
The Maldives is a very special place because it is so beautiful and the ecosystem is very fragile.
If you want to go on a romantic escape, honeymoon, or just a relaxing holiday, the Maldives should be one of the places you choose.
Get a map of the Maldives so you can plan your trip.
There are so many interesting and unique things to do while in the Maldives that 10 days would hardly be enough.
It is not just the beauty of nature that makes this place a top destination, there are also the people that will make the most of your holiday.
Book your accommodation
We always use Booking.com as they have the best price-quality ratio and they offer a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and villas to choose from.
You will find here all types of accommodations, from the cheapest ones to the most luxurious.
Don't forget travel insurance
We never leave home without HeyMondo Insurance or Safety Wings Insurance as they offer the best services and a good value for money.
When we go for longer trips around the world we get Globelink Insurance as it offers a good cover for an affordable price.
Travel insurance will always protect you against unexpected costs caused by medical events like illness, injury, theft, or travel cancellation.
We never go on any trip without travel insurance and there were many cases when we had to use it.
Renting a car
We like to explore a country on our own and a car gives us the mobility and freedom to do that.
We always rent our car from Discovercars as they have free cancellation 48 hours prior to starting date and a wide range of car rental companies and options to choose from all over the world.
Tours and attractions
When we are looking for some adventure or we simply want to break up the monotony and discover new places, we always use GetYourGuide.
We love it because we always find the most amazing experiences, with free cancellation and a large variety of activities and tours to choose from.
Airplane tickets and holiday packages
Expedia is our ally when searching for the best price for airplane tickets as it works as an aggregator for a huge number of airlines and we always find the best price for our flights.
Travel tip: use Expedia when you are searching for holiday packages as they have many last-minute offers and great discounts for hotels, flights, and even the whole holiday packages.