Top 10 Things to Do in Maldives for the Ardent Traveller

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Think of Maldives and the first thing that comes to mind are the blue skies, white sand, pristine turquoise waters and sunshine making it a picture worth saving as a screensaver on the laptop. This little archipelago, nestled in the cosy nook of the Indian Ocean is hailed as one of the best Honeymoon destinations. The Maldives has something for everyone. Be it the luxury resorts and spas or the scuba diving, the water sports or the local food and cultural experiences, brace yourself for some lasting memories that will keep bringing you back to the Maldives all over again!

The Maldives is bliss for all those people who enjoy the outdoors. Laze in the private pool or try the wide and varied variety of water sports, else simply go scuba diving and take a look at the bounties of the underwater escapes or simply soak in some spirituality at the Buddhist temples. Our Maldives tour packages will allow you to indulge in the best experiences in Maldives.

Get that hat on, wear some sunscreen, and wear those flip flops and sunglasses as we take a look at things to do in Maldives.

Things to Do in Maldives – Explore the Island like a Traveller

1. Exploring the Islands – Among the best things to do in Maldives

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Maldives is home to quite a few islands. While, the sun, sand and the beach can be enthralling, the islands are no less and have some interesting places to see and explore. The Male Island, Hulhumalé Island, Biyadhoo Island, Fihalhohi Island, Maafushi Island are a few to name.  Don’t be afraid to get a tan and try some water sports.

• Best time to visit: December to April, May to November for snorkelling and surfing enthusiasts.
• Approximate cost for two: Depends on tour operators and resorts
• Operating hours: Open all 24hours all 7 days a week.
• Trip Advisor rating: 4.5/5

2. City Tour of Male             

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Male is the capital of Maldives and is certainly not to be missed. The local attractions are an absolute delight and best enjoyed in the company of the locals. Sultan Park, President’s Palace, Friday Mosque and the National Museum are a part of the city tour. Don’t miss the overhead arches formed by the trees in the residential streets and the excellent fruit, vegetable and fish market. Make sure to sip on some coconut water, while taking this tour.

• Distance from the airport: 45 minutes
• Best time to visit: December to April
• How much time to spend: Approximately 4-6 hours
• Operating hours: 24 hours
• Approximate Cost for two: Price depends on the guided tour
• Trip Advisor rating: 4/5

Also Read: 20 Best places to visit in Maldives 

3. Diving and Snorkelling at Naifaru Island

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Naifaru is one of the most popular islands in the Maldives. This island is located about 140kms north of Male. What makes this island so popular is its local attractions like historical monuments, cultural places and snorkelling and diving activities. The breath-taking underwater life will make you ask for more.

• Distance from the airport: Approximately 140kms.Flying from Male International Airport to Naifaru will take just about 15-20 minutes under normal weather conditions
• Best time to visit: December to April
• How much time to spend: Depends on the operators
• Operating hours: Depending on tour operators and weather
• Approximate cost for two: INR 12,500 upwards
• Trip Advisor rating: 4/5

4. Whale Submarine Maldives

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If you think you have missed out on seeing the under-water life just because you cannot swim, you are mistaken. The Whale Submarine is a treat, not just for the eyes, but also the soul. Look out for the most colourful corals, fish, turtles and reef fish. Let the child in you squeal with excitement and leave you in awe on this 90-minute trip.

• Distance from the airport: 40-50 minutes. Approx. 5.5kms via ferry
• Best time to visit: All year round
• How much time to spend: 90 minutes
• Operating hours: Sunday to Thursday – 10 am – 2 pm, twice a day
• Approximate Cost: – Adult: INR 7,700 approx. Child: INR 4,000
• Trip Advisor rating: 4/5

5. Underwater Dining

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Ithaa is the world’s first all-glass undersea restaurant and is based at the Conrad Maldives, Rangali Island in the Alif Dhaal Atoll. Built 5 metres below the sea level, the Ithaa offers you a luxury, elegance and great scenery which is not just a treat to the eyes but a feast to all the senses. The restaurant is stunning during the night and if you are lucky you can spot turtles and stingrays.  What better than to have a fantastic meal in the company of some sea life.

Nearby Kihavah Anantara resort has followed suit with the Sea.Fire.Salt.Sky, where Sky is a rooftop bar and Sea is underwater restaurant.

• Distance from the airport: The seaplane takes about 25 minutes to get to Rangali Island from the Maldives Airport.
• Best time to visit: All year round
• Operating hours: 11AM–2:30PM and 6:30–10:30PM
• Approximate cost: A four-course meal costs around approximately INR 13,500 upwards, while a six-course meal is priced at approximately INR 25,000
• Trip Advisor rating: 4.5/5

Must Read: 10 Reasons to plan your honeymoon in Maldives

6. Glowing Beach – Among the top things to do in Maldives

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We have all wanted to touch the stars at some or the other point in our lives. The Glowing Beach will actually make you feel like walking in a field of stars. Located at the Vaadhoo Island, this beach is also known as the Sea of Stars. This beach is home to bioluminescent planktons which are found in warm coastal waters and they shimmer their blue-green glow as the waves break on the shores.

• Distance from the airport: Approximately 8kms from the airport, one can opt for a ferry which takes about 4 hours or a speed boat which can get you here in about 30 minutes.
• Best time to visit: All year around
• Operating hours: Open 24 hours but bioluminescence seen only at night
• Approximate cost for two: N/A
• Trip Advisor rating: 4/5

7. Tsunami Monument

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A memorial dedicated in the memory of all those who lost their lives in the Tsunami that washed the archipelago in 2004 and caused a lot of damage. The memorial is made of steel and is adorned by spheres.

• Distance from the airport: Approximately 40-45 minutes from the Maldives Airport
• Best time to visit: All year round
• Operating hours: 24 hours
• Approximate cost for two: Free Entry
• Trip Advisor rating: 3.5/5

8. Sublime Lake – Bandaara Kilhi

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Bandaara Kilhi literally means ‘State Lake’. It is one of the two freshwater lakes in Fuvahmulah, Maldives. The lake is clear and its bottom can be clearly seen. The bed of the lake is formed by the decayed corals, giving it clay like look. The lake is surrounded by coconut palms, tropical almond, and banana and mango trees. This freshwater lake is also home to the common moorhen which is endemic to Maldives.

• Distance from the airport: Approx 500kms
• Best time to visit: All year round
• How much time to spend: 3-4 hours
• Operating hours: 24 hours
• Approximate cost for two: Free Entry
• Trip Advisor rating: 5/5

9. Say Hello to the Dolphins

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Did you know Maldives ranks among the top five destinations to watch whales and dolphins? The Maldives is home to at least 20 different species of dolphins and whales. Take time out to say hello to the spinner and acrobatic dolphins. The sight of friendly dolphins brings a smile on every face irrespective of one’s age. This is one of the mandatory things to do in Maldives

• Best time to visit: All year round
• How much time to spend: Varies as per tour operators and resorts
• Operating hours: All day
• Approximate cost for two: INR 22,500 for a private hire
• Trip Advisor Rating: 4/5

10. Swim with the sharks at the Hanifaru Bay

The turquoise blue waters of the Hanifaru Bay are inviting and one cannot really resist getting drenched in these pristine waters. The Hanifaru Bay is truly an unforgettable experience, simply because it allows you to swim with the sharks and manta rays. Swimming around the Maldivian islands particularly, the Ari and Baa Atolls you will witness white shark, whale shark and many more sea creatures. The best part about this bay is that the sharks here are friendly and do not attack.

• Distance from the airport: About 115kms
• Best time to visit: All year round
• How much time to spend: As per tour operators and resorts
• Approximate cost for two: As per operators
• Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5/5

Maldives has something for everyone. Be it the beaches, the spas, the resorts, the water sports or the simple city tours, each of them have their own element of surprise and awe. Moreover, there are plenty of things to do in Maldives. There is never a dull moment in the Maldives and all you can make here is plenty of memories that will last a lifetime.

Visiting the Maldives and have a lot of questions on your mind? Here are some Frequently asked questions.

1. Where are the Maldives located and what is its capital?

Maldives is an island nation made up of a total of 1190 islands. It is situated in the Indian Ocean. Its closest neighbours are India and Sri Lanka. The Capital of Maldives is Male (pronounced as Maley).

2. Do I need a Visa to enter the Maldives?

No. You will be issued a free 30-day tourist visa upon arrival for all nationalities as long as you have the following:

• valid passport
• roundtrip ticket
• booking confirmation letter or funds enough to cover your expenses

3. What is the best time to visit the Maldives?

The dry months of December to April are the best period and also the peak season for the resorts so prices will be relatively higher. The months of May to November are considered off-season owing to the monsoon. This is, however, the best season for surfers and snorkelers.

4. How do I get to my resort?

There are 3 ways to get to your resort. A) speedboat transfer for nearby resorts mostly located in the South and North Male toll, B) seaplane transfer for other outlying islands and C) the domestic flight + speedboat transfer for resorts found at the southern or northernmost part of the country.

5. What essentials should I carry?

A valid passport, sunblock, summer clothes, flip-flops, and a camera are all you need!  Fancy dinners may call for more than your swimwear so do pack a couple of casual clothes and a pair of shoes. Night time strolls along the beach may get a little nippy so a light jacket or a shawl would be good.

6.What to wear in Maldives?

The dress code is generally quite casual in the resort areas, but more modest on inhabited islands. You don’t have to pack suits. It is advised to carry lightweight cotton clothes. Make sure to pack a number of swimsuits. Two-piece swimsuits are acceptable, however, overly skimpy swimsuits may be considered offensive. It is mandatory to cover up before entering restaurants. Check with resorts for the dress codes. It’s also important to note that nudity is not allowed in the Maldives so topless sunbathing is prohibited. It is not just culturally offensive, but a punishable offence.

7. What is the nightlife in Maldives?

Being an island nation, the only nightlife options available would be the bar or pub at the resort and the neighbouring resorts.

8. What is the language spoken in Maldives?

While the local language is called Dhivehi, English is widely used and understood. Resorts, shops and most establishments will have a local script with English translations written.

Maldives is the destination for water sport lovers, snorkelers, surfers and anyone and everyone who is a beach lover. This country with its numerous islands and luxury resorts is also the perfect honeymoon destination. Another interesting aspect of Maldives is how seriously they take Maldives tourism and tourists. There are no hawkers bothering you to buy, nor taxi drivers pestering you to take a tour. All you have to do is plan your trip well, coordinate with your destination expert or the resort and then just sit back relax and make some memorable memories. You are allowed to forget everything here, except sunscreen! Go ahead and enjoy the many things to do in Maldives and make your vacation memorable.1