Things to Do in the Maldives

Take one look into the azure waters of the Maldives and you’ll realise why it is one of the world’s finest snorkelling and diving destinations. It doesn’t matter which island you choose to stay on – reef sharks, crayon-coloured fish, turtles and rays all abound in its coral-encrusted reefs and atolls. Whether you love diving the deeper depths or prefer to be snorkelling the shallows, there is a multitude of mesmerising marine worlds to discover. Resorts provide complimentary snorkelling gear and if you stay in an overwater bungalow, you can go swimming straight from your villa. There's a reason why diving in the Maldives should be on your bucket list!

A must-see Maldives attraction – the stars of the marine meccas are its magnificent manta rays, which you can spot at Hanifaru Bay in the Baa Atoll between May and November, or in the Ari Atoll between October and April. Whale sharks can also be spotted in the Maldives throughout the year, with the South Ari Atoll one of the best places to see them. Fancy a closer look? Guided tours organised through your resort afford you the chance to swim or snorkel with both of these beautiful beasts.

It doesn’t matter if you’re honeymooners, a group of friends or a family, a sandbank picnic is one of the best things to do in the Maldives. It’s the Indian Ocean at its most raw – just you and your loved ones on a sparkling white patch of sand with a delicious spread of food and drink to enjoy. You can snorkel straight from the sand during the day or dine against the backdrop of a crimson sunset in the evening. Bon appétit!

Staying at a resort, you rarely get the opportunity to see traditional Maldivian life. However, more and more resorts are offering you the chance to visit a neighbouring local island. There, you can wander an authentic village with its mosques and brightly painted houses, stopping at a café for some tasty local snacks. Locals are mad about football, so you can often spot them kicking a ball about among the palms or playing a match on a proper pitch. When visiting local communities, please remember to be respectful with your attire – dress conservatively and don’t show too much flesh.

Even though relaxing will likely be top of your list of things to do in the Maldives, there’s plenty you can do if you can bear to tear yourself away from the beach. All resorts offer an impressive range of non-motorised water sports, from stand-up paddleboarding to kayaking and windsurfing. With a variety of activities in the Maldives, like dolphin-spotting cruises, hands-on programmes with on-site marine biologists and wine-tasting sessions common across resorts, every day can be different!