Maldives is an archipelago on the Indian Ocean, located on the Southwest of India. Home to around 1200 islands, 200 of these islands are inhabited while the rest remain untouched. One of the most romantic destinations in the world, Maldives is also popular among families with kids and people who want to holiday with their friends. For most, Maldives is about its gorgeous white sand beaches, breathtaking azure waters, and the stylish overwater villas. But Maldives is much more than these. In fact, you will find plenty of interesting things to do and enjoy on this island. Here we present to you 51 best things to do in Maldives during your trip to this island country in 2024-25.
1. Stay at an Overwater Villa
Staying at a luxurious villa with a private pool and sundeck overlooking the blue waters of the Indian Ocean is a must when you are in Maldives. Choose one of the Maldives tour packages that include an overwater villa.
2. Go Scuba Diving
Explore the fascinating underwater world of the Indian Ocean by going scuba diving in Maldives. Along with the rich coral gardens, you will get to see a variety of sharks and rays here.
3. Candlelit Dinner on the Beach
Make your romantic holiday even more special with a candlelit dinner on the beach. Take this chance to spend some quality time with your partner on a secluded beach while watching a beautiful sunset and dining in Maldives.
4. Relax at a Spa
Maldives is a holiday spot meant for relaxation and rejuvenation. Home to numerous spas and wellness retreats, you can enjoy a relaxing massage and various other health and beauty treatments here. Choose a spa that gives you a view of the stunning ocean.
5. Go on a Sunset Cruise
Be it on a yacht, boat, or a local Dhoni, a cruise is the best way to enjoy the beauty of the ocean as well as the islands of the Maldives. Choose to go on a boat ride in the evening to see one of the most stunning sunsets of your life.
6. Try Snorkeling
If you want to see the marine life of the Maldives without diving deep into the ocean, snorkeling is a good option. Coral Garden, Maafushi Island, Fish Head, Manta Point, and Banana Reef are some of the best spots for snorkeling in Maldives.
7. Stroll on the Glowing Beach at Night
One of the most unique islands in Maldives is the Vadhoo Island. As the sun sets, the beach becomes a glowing paradise, making the place look magical. The fact that this phenomenon has a scientific reason makes it even more fascinating.
8. Watch Whales and Dolphins Swim
One of the best activities in Maldives is going on a dolphin and whale watching tour. These tours will take you to the middle of the ocean right before sunset to see whales at a close quarter. The dolphins jumping and swimming alongside your boat is a sight to see.
9. Go Island Hopping
While it is impossible to visit all the 1200 islands in the Maldives, visiting a few is a must. An island-hopping tour would take you to some of the most popular habited and inhabited islands. You can explore them by seaplane or boat with a local Maldives travel guide.
10. Learn Surfing
The Indian Ocean waves make the Maldives one of the best places to learn and enjoy surfing. The best islands for surfing here are Himmafishi and Thulusdhoo. If you are a novice, you will also find plenty of training groups ready to teach you the ropes.
11. Go Sightseeing in Male
Exploring the capital of Male is worth leaving the cocoon of your beautiful villa. The smallest capital in the world is filled with heritage buildings, museums, and attractions reflecting the history and culture of the country.
12. Dine at an Underwater Restaurant
If you are not keen on scuba diving or snorkeling but still want to see the underwater world, a visit to an underwater restaurant is a must. These restaurants give you the chance to see a variety of marine animals swimming around while you enjoy a mouthwatering dinner.
13. Shop at the Local Markets
You cannot go back home without some souvenirs and gifts for your family and friends. Explore the local markets in the Maldives to buy wood carvings, shell art, local paintings, traditional clothing, and other local handicrafts.
14. Visit the Tsunami Monument
One of the must-visit places in Male, the Tsunami Monument commemorates the victims of Tsunami that had hit the Maldives in December 2004. The memorial has 20 spheres representing the atolls of the island country. The names of the 74 victims are also etched onto the structure.
15. Watch the Boduberu Show
Boduberu is a traditional dance and music routine done on special occasions in the Maldives. This is one of the cultural experiences available for the guests of most resorts. This dance is performed clad in traditional attire, holding an array of musical instruments, including large drums and bells.
16. Know about the Maldives at the National Museum
The National Museum located in Male stands testimony to the rich history and culture of the island country. The ancient relics, artifacts, and other collections in the museum would give you a peak in the interesting history of the country.
17. Enjoy a Walk in Sultan Park
Lush greenery and tranquil environment are what await you in Male’s Sultan Park. Located near the National Museum, Sultan Park is built on the land where the royal gardens existed in the 16th century. It is the perfect place to spend your evening in the city.
18. Catch a Glimpse of the Mulee’age
Do not miss checking out Mulee’age when you explore Male. It is the Presidential Palace and has been home to four presidents of the country till date. The building, which can only be viewed from outside, is the ideal example of colonial architecture in the Maldives.
19. Dive into the Maldives Victory Wreck
This takes scuba diving to a different level. Apart from witnessing the underwater marine and coral world, you get to see a shipwreck site. Located between Male and Hulhue, this is a site where the cargo ship Maldive Victory sank in 1981.
20. Explore the Mangroves while Kayaking
The Maldives is home to beautiful mangroves, and the best way to explore them is by kayaking. You will find kayak rentals on almost all the islands in the Maldives. Rent one and kayak along the mangroves while observing its unique flora and fauna.
21. Go on a Whale Submarine
Whale submarine is for those who want to see the underwater world but do not want to get wet in the process. The submarine is an air-conditioned vehicle that keeps you safe and dry as you watch the corals and aquatic animals swimming around you.
22. Male Hukuru Miskiy
The Maldives being an Islamic country is home to numerous museums, but the Male Hukuru Miskiy is the oldest. Built in the 17th century, this mosque is known for its lacquer work, coral stones, and supreme architecture.
23. Revel in the World of Creativity at the National Art Gallery
Art lovers should make a beeline to the National Art Gallery in the capital of Male. Opened in 1999, this art gallery showcases the works of both local and international artists. Apart from permanent exhibits, the gallery also hosts temporary exhibits and events regularly.
24. Enjoy Stargazing
A brightly lit sky strewn with stars is one of the best things to see in the Maldives. It becomes even more special when you lie down under it. Enjoy a night of stargazing in the Maldives and learn about different constellations.
25. Go Turtle Watching
Exclusive turtle watching tours will take you deep into the ocean and give you the chance to see the turtles in their natural habitat. Herathera Island, Alimatha Island, and Naifaru Island are the most popular for turtle watching.
26. Plan a Photo shoot
Every frame of the Maldives makes for a stunning backdrop for photographs. So, make the most of it by hiring a photographer to click some frameable pictures of you, your partner, or even your family. The high-definition pictures are really worth the money.
27. Try Parasailing
Parasailing is one of the most adventurous water sports activities to try in the Maldives. Apart from the adrenaline rush of flying over the Indian Ocean, you also get to enjoy the gorgeous views of the island country while doing this activity.
28. Go on a Glass Bottom Boat Ride
If the idea of going underwater, even on a submarine, feels suffocating, a glass bottom boat ride would be perfect for you. With this ride, you can enjoy the sights of the underwater life with a relaxing boat ride.
29. Enjoy a Speed Ride with Fun Tubing
If you want to go crazy on your Maldives holiday, fun tubing is something you must try. Settle down on an inflatable tube and get ready for a bumpy and fun ride over the Indian Ocean.
30. Go on an Underwater Scooter Ride
Another unique way of exploring the underwater world is going on a scooter ride. Diving three meters deep into the ocean, this underwater scooter ride will give you the chance to have a glimpse into the colorful aquatic world of the Indian Ocean closely.
31. Try Water Skiing
If trying out the water sports in the Maldives is your holiday agenda, water skiing is something you should not miss. A thrilling activity, you would feel an adrenaline rush when you ski over the ocean water while being pulled by a speed boat.
32. Skydiving
What could be better way of enjoying the view of the Maldives than sailing on the Indian Ocean? Of course, skydiving! As you jump from an airplane more than 3000 feet above the ground, you will get a stunning bird’s eye view of the island country in its entirety.
33. Go Beach Hopping
It is not surprising to know that the Maldives is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. And visiting different beaches is one of the most popular travel tips. Baros, Cocoa Beach, Reethi Rah, and Lily Beach are a few you must visit.
34. Spend Time Fishing
The Maldives gives you the opportunity to indulge in morning and night fishing. Morning fishing is a simple, laidback activity, while night fishing is quite an exciting sport. Whichever type of fishing you choose, you are sure to catch plenty of fish here.
35. Meet the Locals
Sightseeing and island hopping would give you the chance to enjoy the beauty of the Maldives. But if you want to know about the culture, customs, language, and lifestyle of the island country, meeting and interacting with the locals is a must./p>
36. Enjoy the Wind while Kite Surfing
Zoom over the waters of the Indian Ocean while the wind drifts you towards the shore while kite surfing. It may take a bit of effort and practice to balance yourself on the surfboard, but the result is worth all the effort.
37. Maldivian Cuisine
The essence of every country lies in its food, and your trip to the Maldives is not complete without tasting the Maldivian cuisine. Seafood and coconut are the main ingredients of Maldivian cuisine. The must-try dishes are Bis Keemiya, Masroshi, Mas Huni, etc.
38. Explore the Nightlife
While relaxing on the deck of your villa enjoying the night sky and view of the ocean after dark is alluring, it is not the only thing to do in the Maldives. Rather, the Maldives has a happening nightlife. Go bar and club hopping to explore the party scene of the archipelago.
39. Watch a Beautiful Sunrise and Sunset
This is quite a given but one that has to be mentioned in this list. The Maldives with its beautiful view of the Indian Ocean is the perfect place to witness some breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. The beaches, your overwater villa, and a boat are the best places to watch these glorious occurrences of nature.
40. Visit the Local Villages
The islands with the luxury villas are just a part of the country. To see the real and raw Maldives, a visit to the locals is a must. You would get to know how Maldivians live while visiting the villages like Felidhoo, Addu, Didhdhdoo, and more.
41. Go on a Banana Boat Ride
For another thrilling experience in the water, hop onto a boat shaped like a banana and let yourself be zoomed onto the ocean by a speed boat. A banana boat ride is one of the most popular water activities to try here.
42. Do Yoga on the Beach
If you are a yoga practitioner, imagine how peaceful it would be to try yoga asanas and meditation on the beach. These yoga sessions usually happen early in the morning when you can bask in the glory of the sunrise and the pleasant early morning weather.
43. Stay at an Undersea Hotel
If eating at an undersea restaurant is not enough for you, stay at an undersea hotel to take your fill in of the marine life. Located few meters under the Indian Ocean, this hotel gives you the chance to eat, dine, and sleep while wild marine life swims around you.
44. Go on a Seaplane Tour
If skydiving over the Maldives is not your cup of tea but you still want to see an aerial view of the place, a seaplane tour would be the best. To make it even more adventurous, you can also opt for a helicopter tour in the Maldives.
45. Indulge in a Floating Breakfast
A couple enjoying a floating breakfast in the private pool of their villa is one of the most popular images of the Maldives. There is something magical about having a hearty breakfast while swimming in the pool and enjoying the view of the deep blue ocean.
46. Watch a Movie Under the Stars
Apart from star gazing and candlelight dinner, you can also enjoy the nighttime at the beach with a movie night. Several of the best resorts in the Maldives arrange movie nights on the beach, where you can watch a classic movie lounging on comfortable seats, right under a star-lit sky.
47. Visit the Maldives Islamic Center
Being a country rooted in Islam, the Islamic Center is quite important in the country. The Maldives Islamic Center is a major landmark of the country and is home to a mosque, a conference hall, an Islamic library, and several offices.
48. Be a Part of a Full Moon Beach Party
You do not have to necessarily visit a bar or nightclub in the Maldives to party. Rather, the full moon parties hosted by the beach clubs here are phenomenal. With delicious cocktails, mouthwatering food, lively vibe, and amazing music, you can look forward to the party of a lifetime here.
49. Take Interest in Coral Reef Conservation
Corals are the major life force of the Maldives, but they are under threat. When you are visiting the country, you can make your contribution to protect the coral gardens underwater. Some hotels also conduct coral planting programs for their guests.
50. Join a Cooking Class
Take something more than memories from the Maldives while returning to your home country. We are talking about learning the basics of the Maldivian cuisine. The cooking classes would give you a crash course on making some of the most popular Maldivian delicacies.
51. Camp on a Beach
The best way to enjoy the raw beauty of the Maldives is go on a camping trip to one of the secluded islands. It is a unique experience to enjoy staying close to the ocean, swimming in the ocean, trying some thrilling water sports, and sleeping under an open starlit sky.
To enjoy all the above-mentioned activities, you must visit between December and April, which is the best time to visit the Maldives. You will be able to cover several of these activities on a 4-day Maldives itinerary. So, do not wait anymore! Plan your Maldives holiday and enjoy a memorable holiday on this wonderful island on the Indian Ocean.
