Maldives is known globally for its postcard-perfect beaches making it a great destination for honeymoons, solo getaways, and family trips. With its eye-catching tropical islands and extravagant water resorts, this archipelagic state attracts a plethora of international tourists each year. For those looking forward to visiting this picturesque destination, our experts at Burhan Tourism have compiled a list of fun and adventurous activities for you to try. Whether you are flying to this Island solo or planning a quick getaway with family or friends, here are some epic things you should experience to make your Maldives trip unforgettable.
One thing that Maldives is best known for is its water sports activities. It offers one of the top-notch facilities and resources when it comes to aquatic adventures like diving or paddling. From underwater excursions to no-frills adventures to marine exploration, Maldives offers some of the most unique water experiences in the world. Let's go through some top-rated water sports beloved by many travelers as well as locals.
Scuba diving and Snorkeling have become the most common tourist activity among all atolls. With numerous safari vessels and island resorts offering top-notch diving and snorkeling resources, these activities have become easier than ever to avail.
Dive deep into the majestic Indian Ocean accompanied by experienced guides and discover the rich marine life of Maldives. From captivating coral reefs to exotic fish species, immerse yourself in this experiential adventure. Some of the best locations for enduring this underwater exploration are South Ari Atoll, Fuvahmulah Atoll, and North Ari Atoll.
Not ready for Scuba Diving yet? Go on a snorkeling safari, less adventurous and more laidback. Although snorkeling isn't as explorable as diving, it's still great for kids and those who are afraid of depth. Book a snorkeling adventure and swim alongside beautiful sea creatures like stingrays, turtles, and vibrant fish.
Water sports like kayaking and canoeing are among the top-rated activities you can enjoy in the Maldives. Almost every other resort offers kayak and canoe facilities that you can rent. Embark on a serene voyage over the crystal-clear Maldivian waters and you paddle your way to solace. If you want to explore the Indian Ocean all by yourself, book a one-person kayak. If you want to venture across the pristine sea with a companion, the canoe is the option to go with.
Maldives is a literal paradise for surfers and wakeboarding enthusiasts. With its white powdery beaches to its sharp turquoise water, this tropical island offers some picture-worthy surfing spots for tourists. Facilities like surfboards and leashes are widely available throughout private island resorts and public beaches making this activity accessible for both tourists and locals. Typically, you can surf in the Maldives from March till November with best waves occurring from June to September.
Wakeboarding is possibly the most thrilling and safest water sport you can try in the Maldives. Equipped with safety vests and proper gear, wakeboarding in Maldives ensures a smooth and stress-free ride on top of the water. Gracefully venture through the saline water as the wind whiffs through your face and hair all while staying secure on your spot.
Besides actual surfing, you can also experience kitesurfing and windsurfing in the Maldives. For those who have little to no surfing experience, this option boasts a great opportunity to cruise across the sea while a salty breeze rushes through your face. Kitesurfing and windsurfing promise the same fun-soaked adventure as surfing but they are much easier to start with. Hop on a surfboard and glide over the Indian Ocean with the support of a kite or a sail.
Taking a family getaway in the Maldives? Don't miss out on these fun family water adventures. Tube boating famously known as banana boating has been riding the waves of popularity in the Maldives. Simply sit on a banana or tube-shaped inflatable boat while the instructor moves it with the help of a motorboat. Honestly, it sounds pretty silly but trust me it is an exhilarating activity to enjoy with your family.
Want to make your Maldives getaway adventurous and memorable but don't want to partake in any risky water activities? Well, don't worry as Maldives offers a host of no-frills water adventures that require minimum water skills and no prior practice.
Want to experience something adventurous but don't know how to swim? Maldives offers an array of water-based activities that don't necessarily require you to swim or dive into the ocean. The two most thrilling activities that top the list are jet skiing and flyboarding. While these activities are predominantly organized on the seawater they don't require any swimming skills. Rush through the calm sea with a speedy jet ski or flow over the majestic ocean with a flyboard, the choice is yours.
Looking for something to do in the Maldives without touching the water? Try skydiving or parasailing, both of these are equally fun and adventurous. Cruise over the picturesque Indian Ocean in the bright blue skies. Even if it is your first time trying any of these activities, rest assured that professional instructors will provide you a safe and secure experience. If you have no prior experience, try tandem skydiving offered specifically for beginners and inexperienced individuals.
Take an exceptional aerial view of the Maldives' mesmerizing turquoise waters through parasailing. Harness the power of a parasail attached with a speedy motorboat and feel the liberty and lightness of flying in the untouchable sky.
If you are not partaking in any other water sport or adventure, we recommend you go on a guided fishing trip. Fishing holds a cultural significance in Maldives as it is the main source of food for native islanders. Maldivians are always eager to share their sustainable and native fishing techniques with guests. Many short excursions teach tourists how to fish. Equipped with proper fishing gear and guided by experienced fishermen, this activity provides a unique traveling experience. Fishing charters are available in almost every atoll throughout the year so you can easily book one too.
If you are someone who looks for unique life experiences, then the glow-in-the-dark beach of Maldives is a place for you. Situated on Vaadhoo Island, this luminous and glowy beach is a perfect place to be at night. Imagine swishing your feet in the sparkling water while you stare at the starry night sky, this excursion seems perfectly ideal. This unique phenomenon is caused by the free-floating planktons of Male Maldives that embody unique bioluminescent particles
If you are traveling to Maldives but don't plan to explore its native marine life you are completely missing out. With over 2000 species of fish, this seafaring nation possesses a rich and abundant marine life. From danger-free Whales and friendly Dolphin species to green Turtles and unique sea creatures like Manta Rays, indulge yourself in a sea life discovery. Book a dolphin-watching cruise or hop on a whale-watching submarine adventure and explore the best natural belongings of the Indian Ocean.
Maldives is home to the third largest Manta Ray population that consists of nearly ten distinct species. Luckily, with the help of tour vessels and eco-tourism resorts, you can now get to experience these unique diamond-shaped gliding creatures. Join underwater tour excursions that include Manta Ray sightseeing. Some places where you can easily spot and interact with Manta Rays are Seenu Atoll, Ari Atoll, and Baa Atoll. Baa Atoll has a UNESCO biosphere reserve named ‘Hanifaru Bay’ that provides a guided snorkeling experience to look at Manta Rays.
Besides Manta Rays, you can also explore Maldives’ exquisite Dolphin species. Out of 85 global cetaceans, Maldives is home to approximately 23 cetaceans species. To watch Dolphins such as bottlenose or spinner you can easily book a cetacean watching cruise. If you are interested in spotting unique Dolphins, try to get on an exclusive cruise excursion. Even though it's best to enjoy your Maldives trip in scorching summer, if you want to spot Dolphins and porpoises, the ideal season is usually spring. Months from January to April provide an opportunity to sightsee as well as swim with the spinner and bottlenose Dolphins.
Despite the wide variety of Dolphin species, Maldives is also known for being a habitat to approximately 14 whale types that you can spot in person. You can either book a whale-watching submarine or join a sightseeing cruise to spot unique Whales. We recommend booking a submarine tour as they provide insightful information about Whales and also give a chance to have a closer look. Cruising is another great option to spot different species of Whales while staying over the water.
Additionally, you can also look at maldivian Whales by snorkeling or scuba diving in the right season and right time. However, one thing to keep in mind is that if you are planning such an adventure make sure you have enough energy and stamina to match the pace and movement of these gigantic sea mammals.
Last but not least, if you are eager to explore Maldives’ underwater world but don't want to go scuba diving or snorkeling there is another option for you. Get yourself on a glass-bottom boat tour and submerge in an aquatic underworld through the crystal-clear glass curved . These unique boats are designed specifically to provide a panoramic glimpse of the Indian Ocean. This is a secure and trouble-free option for toddlers and people who either aren't allowed to dive or are Bathophobic.