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Top 7 Things to Do in the Maldives

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Couple fat biking around Fasmedhoo Island in the Maldives

Emerald Maldives Resort and Spa on Fasmendhoo Island, Maldives

Overflowing with romance and beauty, excitement and discovery, the things to do in the Maldives demonstrate the timeless possibilities of the island nation and its remote location in the Indian Ocean.

Seductive nature meets a historic culture that easily lures with pristine white sands, crystalline waters, and elegant seclusion.

Whether looking for perfect Maldives beaches or excited to explore the waters, the islands celebrate uniqueness and help you experience distinction, with the following list acting as a guide to answering what to do in the Maldives during your trip.

Overview
  1. 1. Embrace the Romance of Dreamy Couples’ Activities
  2. 2. Snorkel or Scuba Dive in the Crystal-Clear Waters
  3. 3. Experience the Maldives’ Diverse Flavors on Food Tours
  4. 4. Embrace the Thrills of Local Active Adventures
  5. 5. Explore the Past and Present on History Tours
  6. 6. Embrace Nature’s Splendor at National Parks
  7. 7. Search for the Inspiring Wildlife
  8. Experience the Top Things to Do in the Maldives

1. Embrace the Romance of Dreamy Couples’ Activities

Couple on private island and secluded beach in the Maldives

Alifu Alifu Atoll, Maldives

Romantic activities are never in short supply in the Maldives. As a popular honeymoon destination or the setting for a passionate escape, the Maldives can steep almost any activity in romance.

Turn dinner into a secluded meal beneath the stars, enjoy a private snorkeling excursion at an isolated atoll, revel in the sands of a private beach, or indulge in the soothing touch of a couple’s massage. With so many opportunities for unique excursions and activities, the Maldives is the ultimate destination for romance.

Best Places for Romance: Emboodhu Finolhu • Fihalhohi • Halaveli • Mudhdhoo

2. Snorkel or Scuba Dive in the Crystal-Clear Waters

Woman snorkeling in the Maldives

Snorkeling in the Maldives

The Maldives is a paradise for scuba diving. With more than 1,200 islands and fabulously clear waters, it is easy to enjoy such an excursion across the various atolls.

A scuba adventure can unveil the captivating colors of the coral reefs or bring you into contact with sharks patrolling the edges of an atoll. Whether searching for grazing turtles or sweeping manta rays, elusive whale sharks or intimidating hammerheads, the Maldives promises majesty and delivers awe.

Best Places for Snorkeling or Scuba Diving: Rasdhoo • Addu • Male • Fihalhohi

3. Experience the Maldives’ Diverse Flavors on Food Tours

Romantic seaside dining at sunset in the Maldives

Sunset seaside dining in the Maldives

From dining underwater to basking under the stars, embracing a view from the tree canopy to enjoying an intimate meal on secluded sands, the cuisine captures the essential spirit of the archipelago, while the experience highlights the majesty.

Dining in the Maldives is an experience in itself, with the atolls, white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear lagoons only adding to the gorgeous ambiance. The cuisine of the Maldives represents a unique blend of luxury and locality because from the ice cream to the seafood, every dish is fresh, with every restaurant offering a touch of unparalleled beauty.

Best Places for Food: Maafushi • Dhigu • Fuvahmulah • Veligandu

4. Embrace the Thrills of Local Active Adventures

Woman surfing in the Maldives

Himmafushi island, Maldives

The Maldives often looks like a singular destination for romance, but is also a remarkable place for adventure and active exploration. Whether on a honeymoon or traveling with your family, the Maldives offers picturesque beaches and sensational discovery.

Snorkeling over a colorful reef, surfing the classic wave break, lifting over the Indian Ocean while parasailing, and taking in the active culture of Male only scratch the surface of possible adventures.

Best Places for Active Adventures: Maafushi • Rangali • Gan • Thulusdhoo

5. Explore the Past and Present on History Tours

Grand Friday Mosque in Male, Maldives

Grand Friday Mosque in Male, Maldives

Genuine culture thrives in the paradise of the Maldives. It is easy to immerse yourself in the heritage spread across the 26 atolls of the archipelago as you explore the local traditions and international influences.

From markets to customary afternoon tea, island history to distinctive museums, dancing to surfing, the islands possess a remarkable diversity that can take you beyond the white sands and turquoise waters.

Best Places for History Tours: Kudahuvadhoo • Huraa • Male

6. Embrace Nature’s Splendor at National Parks

Beach at Saafu Point on Fuvahmulah island in the Maldives

Fuvahmulah island, Maldives

The beauty of the Maldives is famous and enchanting. With more than 1,200 islands, only 200 of which are inhabited, you can discover the rare splendor of the preserved natural world.

Wildlife is diverse and exotic across land and sea scattered over dynamic geographical features. From palm trees to snow-white beaches, lush forests to coral, the Maldives showcase the wonders of the natural world above and below the waterline.

Best Places for National Parks: Fushi Kandu • Kuda Huraa • Dhigali Haa • Mendhoo Region

7. Search for the Inspiring Wildlife

Snorkeling in the Maldives

Manta rays in the Maldives

The Maldives is a surprising and fascinating destination for wildlife. The chain of islands rises out of the Indian Ocean, giving it a rich and distinctive ecosystem for animals on land and in the sea.

The tropical climate shapes the foliage and the wildlife, coral reefs and marine life. With over 2,000 species in the water and a litany of exotic land-based wildlife, the Maldives is a fabulous destination to explore and experience geckos, flying foxes, passing blue whales, and eagle rays.

Best Places for Wildlife Viewing: Bandos • Fulhadoo • Hanifaru Bay • South Ari Atoll

Experience the Top Things to Do in the Maldives

Woman lounging in a hanging chair watching the sunset in the Maldives

The Maldives is a fantasy of fascinating things to do and compelling natural beauty. You can relax in romance or embrace the marine life’s diverse splendor. The archipelago’s enduring charms stretch through the year and can be experienced with our best time to visit the Maldives.

You can also find inspiration on more specific islands to visit with Zicasso’s Maldives vacations and tours or find tips for making your trip perfect with our Maldives travel guide.

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