Best Things To Do in the Maldives

Oceanic wonderlands and rustic beaches are the norm in the Maldives. Overflowing with lively marine residents, corals of every colour and exhilarating activities, it's hard to get bored when you're in paradise.

Every atoll in the Maldives offers enchanting marine sites, from caverns and tunnels to reef sharks, sea turtles, and manta rays. Above the waves, you can jet ski, kitesurf, kayak, surf, paddleboard, flyboard and even fish.

Unmatched for its dreamy landscapes, the Maldives ranked in the top five places in the world where you can spot dolphins and whales diving into the Indian Ocean. At sunset, the sky turns rosy-pink creating the perfect romantic atmosphere in the presence of these mystical marine residents. 

Shortly after departure, the sky swirls in pastels of pink, orange and purple, with the chance of spotting graceful dolphins. Cruises last from 2 to 4 hours and are usually offered by the resort or the excursion office. Hulhumale, Fulidhoo, Maafushi and Huraa are the best places to experience this exotic pleasure.

A foodie's paradise - it can’t get any better than this! Sweep your soul mate away for an enchanting gastronomic treat unlike any other in the world. Six metres below sea level, you can feast on succulent cuisine and be astounded by the breathtaking array of marine life.

Choose from six sumptuous underwater restaurants: Ithaa at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, 5.8 Undersea at Hurawalhi Island Resort, SEA at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, SUBSIX at Niyama Private Islands, M6m at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and H2O at YOU & ME MALDIVES.

Become Jack Sparrow for a day and discover sunken wrecks, encrusted caves and underwater tunnels. Observe how aquatic ecosystems have adapted and taken possession of these sunken ships and discover the hidden treasures they conceal!

The Keyodhoo wreck is an Indonesian ship that drifted into the Vaavu atoll years ago - it's the best one to visit to take photos for Instagram! The Kudhimaa wreck in South Ari Atoll and the shipyard in Lhaviyani Atoll are also popular dive sites.

Silky white beaches fringed by topaz blue bays as crystalline as the purest gems and jazzy coral reefs: thousands of tranquil islands ready to be visited. Book an island hopping excursion to one of the Maldives' most perfect beaches, untouched by the outside world. The most popular cruises are to Maafushi, Mirihi, Male, Baros, Kuredu - the list goes on, because after all, why stick to just one when each of them shines with its own unique attributes!

Known as the "sea of stars," Vaadhoo Island Beach in the Vaavu Atoll is one of the best places in the Maldives to encounter these aquatic creatures, which gleam as they come up to the surface of the water. Bioluminescent ostracod crustaceans flourish under grains of sand and truly blossom at night. This dazzling beach scene almost resembles a dream pool of fairy lights, except it's not a dream. The best time to encounter this majestic phenomenon is between June to October.

One of the many Maldivian traditions is to catch fish without disturbing the fragile flora and fauna. For generations, the use of nets has been banned to prevent overfishing. The locals therefore vow to hold the lines in their hands when they bring in their catch. This is how the sumptuous coral kingdom stays pure. Venture into the azure waters under a starry sky with a bit of luck to catch bright fish in the traditional Maldivian way.

In some resorts, you can meet these magnificent ocean creatures just a few metres from the shore! Small reef sharks and eagle rays are often spotted in the meanders of the island's sheltered reefs.

Most hotels offer guided snorkelling excursions, during which the staff will take you to the best spots to observe schools of colourful fish and vibrant reefs... If you're lucky, you may even spot sea turtles, eagle rays, stingrays and reef sharks! Ask your hotel about specific excursions to see manta rays and whale sharks.

At first glance, the capital of the Maldives is a different world from the one we're used to. Vibrant architecture, fascinating history, exquisite cuisine and cheerful locals enjoying their island lifestyle. Malé has a memory in everyone's heart.

If your trip allows, spend your arrival or departure day exploring the capital. Stop off at one of the magnificent fish and fruit markets, and visit the historic sites of the old Friday Mosque and Republic Square.

If island life is starting to give you cabin fever, Malé atoll offers some of the most varied excursions around. Take a walking tour of Malé and discover historic sites such as the President's Palace, Sultan Park and the National Museum.

The museum is easily accessible from anywhere in the city. Its vast collection includes jewellery worn by members of the royal family, antiques, ancient writings, stone objects and passages describing the characteristics of Maldivian life in pre-Islamic and Buddhist times. The museum is linked to the magnificent Sultan Park, an ideal place for younger visitors to play. Fun fact: there is a replica of the pen used by the British to sign the Declaration of Independence.