10 Best Things To Do In Maldives

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Known as an island paradise, Maldives is a dream destination of many travelers. Located in the Indian Ocean close to the Indian subcontinent, the Maldives is a collection of 1,192 coral islands. Out of these, only 200 islands are inhabited and 100 form the location of exotic over-the-water resorts. The Maldives is the most celebrated group of islands around the world. The stunning beauty of its turquoise lagoons and pristine beaches is simply unrivalled. It is one of the few places on earth that everyone hopes to experience at least once in their lifetime. It is a home to some of the world’s pristine beaches and exotic marine life.

But apart from being a popular honeymoon and relaxing destination, what else does Maldives has to offer for it’s explorers?

Let’s take a look at 10 Best Things to do in Maldives which you haven’t heard of!

10Go Scuba Diving

Being one of the premiere scuba diving destinations, Maldives is a heaven for scuba diving lovers. The warm waters of Maldives are home to numerous Scuba Diving sites like Maaya Thila and Chaaya Reef. These sites are home to tonnes of marine life and unmatchable underwater beauty. You can spot species like Parrotfish, Butterfly Fish, Pelagic Fish, Green Turtles, Reef Sharks and colourful Corals in their natural habitats at these sites. Whether you are an amateur or a seasoned diver, everybody is welcomed for scuba duving. There are various affordable PADI dive centres where you can either sign up for dive courses or can opt for Discover diving if you are not a certified diver. The best time to undertake Scuba Diving is between November-May to get clear visibility and excellent sea conditions.

9Scintillating Snorkeling Experience

The Diver’s paradise, Maldives, offers you a scintillating snorkeling experience. If you are not comfortable with scuba diving, then no worries, snorkeling is the one for you. Since snorkeling involves being close to the water surface, you will feel much more relaxed. As the waters are are so pristine and crystal clear, snorkeling is a great option without diving deep into the sea. The Banana Reef, HP Reef and Manta Point are three of the topmost points for snorkeling. These sites are a home to variety of small reef fish and large pelagic species such as grey reef sharks, eagle rays, manta rays, bannerfish, tunas, and barracudas. Snorkeling in the incredible blue waters of Maldives feels like you are inside of a giant aquarium.

8Try Surfing and SUP

Another water activity you can do in Maldives is Surfing. Regarded as the world-class destination for surfers, the waves here are apparently attract a lot of surfers. People from around the globe come here to have unforgettable surfing experiences. Do not worry if you are new to surfing, here you will find many surfing spots where you can learn how to surf. Apart from surfing, another great option available is Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP). In this sport you surf with the help of a paddle in shallow waters and it is great for amateur surfers. The virgin waters offer a great view of fishes swimming right below your board.

7Soar high with Parasailing

Another exciting thing to do in Maldives is parasailing. It is a great way to see the beautiful atolls of the Maldives. Undoubtedly, there is no better way to appreciate the beauty of the Maldives than from above. It is an exhilarating feeling to feel the wind in your hair as you soar high above your boat taking in the beautiful scenery all around you. This is definitely one of the coolest things to do in the Maldives.

6Mesmerizing Dolphin and Whale Spotting

Another fun and exciting thing to do in Maldives is dolphin and whale spotting. Here you will get an array of whale and dolphin watching opportunities. The best part of Maldives is its crystal clear waters which help you easily spot a dolphin or any other marine being. So it’s easy to spot a dolphin and they are extremely friendly. Maldives is one of the top 5 whale and dolphin watching destinations across the globe. Its’ glistening coastline is home to over 20 different species of whales and dolphins. Ranging from the sprightly Spinner Dolphin and Melon-headed Whale to the mighty Blue Whale and Pilot Whale, you will find it all here. The best time to spot a dolphin is in the morning and in the afternoon.

5Do Fishing

Fishing can be one exciting activity and when you are in Maldives the adrenaline rush is even more. If you are fond of catching fishes then you must opt for it. There are two options available – you can either book regular fishing expedition through your resort or you can arrange a trip with locals. Here, Maldivian fishermen mostly catch tuna and they use spears for it. So, if you are lucky enough, you can witness and be a part of such an  amazing site with. Either way it is a win-win situation as there is plenty of fish you can catch.

4Visiting Male, the capital city of Maldives

We know its a bit difficult to explore the land when one is surrounded by the mesmerising waters. But when you are in Maldives, one thing you can’t miss out is visiting Male, the capital city of Maldives. Male gives one a chance to witness the actual lifestyle of the locals residing in this destination. From marvelous structures to vibrant streets, this city is truly breathtaking. You can visit the National Museum located in the Sultan Park. The museum comprises enormous historical artifacts including royal artifacts, stone objects, and significant antiquities from the Buddhist epoch. You can also visit the fish market, where you can buy fish at the cheapest prices.

3Opting for a Seaplane/Boat Ride

Maldives also gives you a chance to have a magical experience of seeing the different shades of water below as you fly over the island. Many resorts require a seaplane transfer or a boat transfer to get to them from the airport. So, you may book a seaplane or a local boat called Dhoni to get to your resorts. Do not bother if your resort doesn’t require an aerial or a sea transfer, you can still book a seaplane ride. These are twin engine float planes which take you over many atolls. From the air, you get a real sense of just how isolated and beautiful the Maldivian islands are. The islands create a pattern in the sea as the deep ocean crashes into sandbars and coral reefs. Round circles of pristine white sand with centers of thick mangroves dot the horizon. Many islands are surrounded by miles of shallow waters low enough to wade through at low tide.

2Going Underwater with Whale Submarine

If you do not enjoy taking up water activities but still wish to have an underwater experience, then submarine ride is perfect for you. Explore the depths of the ocean by signing up for an amazing submarine ride. You can book a Whale Submarine from Male- through your resort. There are two rides per day – one in the morning and other in the afternoon. The boat to the submarine leaves from near the VIP jetty in front of the Republic Square (Jumhoori Maidhan). It is a 45 minute ride and can cost you around $75 – $80 per person per dive but it is worth every penny. This descending adventure into the blue will show you everything from shipwrecks to sharks.

1Spending night at the Glowing Beach

Yes, you heard it right, there is a beach in Maldives which glows at night. You cannot afford to miss this place as it offers an otherworldly experience. So, apparently, there’s a beach in Mudhdhoo Island (also known as Vaadhoo Island) of Maldives that glows at night. This glow-in-dark is basically a natural phenomenon called ‘Bioluminescence’ wherein light is emitted or created by a living organism. The beach is a part of Vaadhoo Island, which is one of the islands of Raa Atoll in Maldives. It’s actually a small island with not more than 500 people. Once this place was a hidden gem of Maldives but in the recent times it has become the topmost sought after places due to its Sea of Stars phenomenon.