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Home / International Travel Insurance / Articles / Travel Tips / Things to Do In Maldives:Thrilling Adventures and Serene Escapes

Things to Do In Maldives:Thrilling Adventures and Serene Escapes

TeamAckoFeb 15, 2024

Don’t you think it's time to get on a surfboard instead of a ride to work? Or sit by the ocean instead of your desk? And hear the waves and breeze instead of phone calls and meetings? We think it is!

To experience life one pebble at a time. To truly make memories and take them with you for stories to tell and stories to keep, here’s a comprehensive list of all the unforgettable things to do in Maldives.

Contents

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A quick glance at things to do in Maldives

  • Snorkeling - Explore the marine life  

  • Diving - Swim with them too!

  • Sunset Fishing - Traditional activity practiced in the Maldives that the visitors can try as well

  • Island Hopping - The best way to explore the Indian Ocean

  • Overwater Spa - Relaxing massages with breathtaking views

  • Water Sports - For the thrill of it

  • Bioluminescence Sighting - To walk on the stars

  • Skydiving - The Maldives from a bird’s eye view

Let’s dive right in! 

Snorkel With Majestic Marine Life

Dive into the crystal-clear waters and embark on a snorkeling adventure like no other. The Maldives boasts some of the most biodiverse coral reefs on the planet, making it a haven for marine life enthusiasts. Float alongside vibrant corals, spot colorful fish darting in and out of crevices, and keep an eye out for graceful sea turtles gliding through the blue. Banana Reef, Fotteyo Kandu, and HP Reef are just a few hotspots that promise breathtaking underwater vistas.

Best spots for snorkeling: 

  • Bodufolhudhoo

  • Thinadhoo

  • Ukulhas 

How much it costs: Starting at Rs. 600 per person 

Dive into the Depths

If you would like to dive deeper (quite literally too), scuba diving in the Maldives is an absolute must. Plunge into the depths to discover mesmerizing coral formations, vibrant reef fish, and even encounters with majestic manta rays and surreal whale sharks. The Maldives' abundant marine life will leave you in awe and make for incredible stories to share with fellow adventurers.

Suggestions for scuba diving spots: 

  • Banana Reef, Kandooma Thila

  • North Male Atoll

  • Maaya Thila

How much it costs: Starting at Rs. 5,500 per person

Sunset Fishing for the Soul

Experience the authentic Maldivian way of life with a sunset fishing excursion. Hop on a traditional dhoni boat and cast your line as the sun dips below the horizon. The thrill of the catch is only surpassed by the joy of savoring a delicious barbecue feast prepared using your very own catch of the day.

Suggestions for sunset fishing spots

  • Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives

  • Villa Park

  • Villa Nautica

How much it costs: Starting at Rs. 5,500 per person

Island Hopping Adventures

The Maldives is an island country made up of over 1,000 islands, each island with its unique charm. Take the time to explore many islands with an island-hopping adventure. From the local life of the capital of Malé, to the tranquility of secluded islands, you'll be immersed in diverse experiences, cultures, and landscapes.

Suggestions for Island Hopping

Male Island

How to reach: Land at Male International Airport and arrive at Hulhule Island

Mirihi Island 

Start point: Male International Airport

How to reach: Flight from Male International Airport or a seaplane ride from Male Island

Biyadhoo Island

How to reach: 30 minute speedboat ride from The Male International Airport

Baros Island

How to reach: 25 minute speedboat ride from the International Airport of Maldives

Maafushi Island

How to reach: 27 km from Male Island via boat

How much it costs: Starting at Rs. 5,000 per person

Unwind with Overwater Spa Treatments

The Maldives has a paradise within a paradise for you with the overwater spa experience. It's a journey that promises to not only refresh your body, but also nourish it, surrounded by the calm embrace of the Maldivian waters.

Picture this: You're cocooned in the ocean breeze, relaxing in traditional Maldivian spa treatments that have been perfected over generations. As expert hands work their magic, you're serenaded by the gentle rhythm of waves beneath you, all while the horizon extends for miles in all directions. A spa treatment in the Maldives is a beautiful song of serenity where your cares melt away. 

Luxury resorts in the Maldives take spa treatments to a whole new level. Their world-class spa rooms and equipment are designed to pamper you like royalty. Experienced therapists work their magic on you in a soothing ambiance that feels like it's straight out of a dream! 

In the Maldives, it's not just about relaxing massages and facials; it's about becoming one with nature and the Maldivian culture. The ocean is the center of life here in the Maldives, and the overwater spa treatment is a journey by the ocean to you!

So, when you visit the Maldives, don't just soak in the sun and sand; let the overwater spa take you to a world of pure bliss. Every spa treatment is a celebration of the Maldives' promise to well-being and a journey to make the most of the rejuvenating power of nature.

Suggestions for spas

  • The Spa by Guerlain at Cheval Blanc Randheli

  • The Overwater Spa at Conrad Rangali Maldives Island

  • Elena Spa at OZEN Life Maadhoo

  • Anantara Spa at Anantara Kihavah Maldives

  • The Spa AWAY at W Maldives

  • AVI Spa at Intercontinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

How much it costs: Starting at Rs. 33,000 per person 

Also Read: Best time to visit Maldives

Catch Waves with Water Sports

If you're a thrill-seeking adventurer, good news! The Maldives doesn't only have tranquil beaches, it's also a vibrant playground of water sports activities that will set your heart racing. Imagine the exhilaration of jet skiing, the freedom of parasailing, the rush of wakeboarding, and the excitement of kitesurfing with the crystal clear Maldivian waters as a backdrop! 

Jet skiing allows you to zip across the azure waters, feeling the wind in your hair as you explore the coastline from a whole new perspective. It's an adrenaline rush that connects you intimately with the ocean's energy.

Parasailing, on the other hand, takes you soaring high above the Maldivian waters, offering breathtaking panoramic views that will leave you in awe. The feeling of being suspended in the air, tethered to a boat below, is an adventure you'll cherish forever.

For wakeboarding enthusiasts, the Maldives presents a canvas of glassy waters, perfect for carving through the waves and performing tricks that will make your heart race with excitement.

And then there's kitesurfing—a thrilling dance with the wind and waves that will test your skills and keep you on your toes. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, the Maldives offers ideal conditions for this high-energy water sport.

Suggestions for water sports

  • Wakeboarding 

  • Fun Tubing

  • Windsurfing

  • Kayaking

  • Jet Skiing

  • Banana Boat Rides

  • Flyboarding

  • Scuba Diving

  • Snorkeling

  • Glass-bottom boat 

  • Dolphin watching 

How much it costs: Between Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 54,000

Best time to visit: April, May to October, November

Experience Bioluminescent Magic

When sunsets give way to night in the Maldives, get ready to capture the enchanting magic of bioluminescence. This natural wonder occurs when plankton in the water gives off a soft, ethereal glow while you walk. Getting to watch bioluminescence is a surreal adventure that you can't experience anywhere else in the world. 

This unique and rare adventure gives you a memorable and super cool encounter with nature. Catch this enchanting experience, which will leave you feeling like you just walked and sailed amongst the stars! 

Suggestions for Bioluminescent Sighting:

  • Vaadhoo Island

  • Hulhumalé Beach

  • Mirihi Island

  • Kihaadhuffaru Island

  • Kihaadhuffaru Island

  • Reethi Beach

  • Flyboarding

  • Athuruga Island

  • Snorkeling

When to spot it: you can't see it all year long, but you catch bioluminescence in the warm months of April to November 

Touch the Skies

Take your adventure to new heights with a skydiving experience that will leave you breathless in more ways than one. Imagine the rush of freefalling over the stunning Maldivian landscape, surrounded by turquoise waters and powdery white beaches. This thrilling activity will give you a perspective of the Maldives that very few get to experience. Almost all resorts offer skydiving as a part of their packages. 

Types of skydiving

  • Tandem skydiving

  • Solo skydiving

  • Group skydiving

How much it costs:

From Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 75,000

Best time to visit: Warm Season January to March

Explore Malé's Local Flavors

Amidst all the adventure, don't miss out on experiencing the local flavors of Maldivian cuisine. Head to the bustling markets of Male to savor traditional dishes like mas huni (tuna and coconut salad), garudhiya (fish broth), and hedhika (savory snacks). Engage with local vendors, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, and treat your taste buds to a genuine culinary journey.

Unplug on Secluded Islands

If you're brave enough to go on a digital detox, the Maldives has a lot of secluded islands that offer you the tranquility and solitude you're looking for, or that you need. You can escape to an island that offers zero to no connectivity (oops, there go your stories and posts), but you can soak up the sun and watch the fishes for hours, and swim with them too. Even though these islands purposely restrict or eliminate tech, they're absolutely gorgeous and have every other amenity you need. 

  • Kandima Island 

  • Komandoo Maldives Resort

  • W Maldives 

Conclusion 

It's more than just a destination, the Maldives is a whole different world that is waiting for you to experience! From sand between your toes to adrenaline in your body, it has everything. It can not just take your breath away but breathe into the beauty that it is. Explore some surreal adventures you can absolutely not miss out on. We hope this guide has been successful in getting you to look at your schedule so you can take some time, so you can take some stories! Get ACKO travel insurance before you fly out to the gorgeous Maldives! Travel insurance is a great way to make sure that you're covered in case of a medical emergency or sickness when you're in the Maldives. Sometimes, your insurance may not cover an emergency or treatment, but travel insurance will. Have fun in paradise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are FAQs about things to Do In Maldives.

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Where are the best snorkeling spots and marine life in the Maldives?

These are the top spots for snorkeling in the Maldives:

  •  Bodufolhudhoo

  •  Thinadhoo

  • Ukulhas

You can find corals, colorful fish, sting rays, sea turtles, and so much more.

Where are the scuba diving locations and marine encounters in the Maldives?

These are a few diving spots:

  •  Banana Reef

  •  Kandooma Thila

  • North Male Atoll

  • Maaya Thila

Get up close and personal with:

  •  Coral reefs

  • manta rays

  • whale sharks

  • Reef sharks 

What is the cost of snorkeling and scuba diving in the Maldives?

Snorkeling in the Maldives starts at around Rs. 600 and scuba diving starts from around Rs. 5,500.

What is sunset fishing, and where can you do it?

Sunset fishing is a local traditional Maldivian experience. Experience it at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives, Villa Park, and Villa Nautica. The price for this starts at around Rs. 5,000.

How to explore multiple Maldivian islands and the cost of island hopping?

You can go island hopping and visit Male, Mirihi, Biyadhoo, Baros, and Maafushi Islands. Island hopping costs around Rs. 5,000 per person. 

What are overwater spa treatments and where to find them?

Overwater spa treatments are rejuvenation and relaxation treatments for full body spas with ocean views. Find them at your resort, and the costs are around Rs. 33,000.

What are the thrilling water sports and the best time to visit for activities?

Some thrilling water sports in the Maldives are skiing, parasailing, wakeboarding, and kitesurfing. The best time to go to the Maldives for these water sports are during the dry season April to October, and November.

What is Bioluminescence in the Maldives and where to witness it?

Bioluminescence is when plankton glows by the beach. Find it at Vaadhoo, Hulhumalé, Mirihi, and more islands fromApril to November.

What are the skydiving options and costs in the Maldives?

Skydiving can be done tandem, solo, or in a group. It'll cost you around Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 75,000. The best time to enjoy this is from January to March.

What are the Maldivian flavors in Male and what traditional dishes to try?

Maldivian food is centered around seafood, so you'll find dishes like Mas huni, garudhiya, and hedhika. Explore local culture and vendors while you're in Malé.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please contact us on [email protected] before making any purchase related decisions.

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