Scuba diving at Maaya Thila, Enjoy sunset cruise, Visit glowing beach on Vaadhoo Island, Surfing in the Maldives, Spa treatment at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, Stay in a overwater bungalow like Six Senses Laamu, Stroll at Hulhumale beach, Explore the Capital Island Male, Water skiing at Meeru Island resort & spa, Take a helicopter tour of Maldives and more.
The fun-filled things to do in Maldives make vacations on this archipelago a laid-back yet an action-packed affair. From water sports and shopping to island hopping and food touring, the island nation is packed with a wide range of activities that suit the demands of every fun and thrill seeker.
If you’re planning what to do in Maldives, get yourself ready for a myriad of activities both over and under the ocean waters. While honeymooners can pamper themselves with exotic couple massages and laze on the pristine white sand beaches, adventure seekers can indulge in many undersea activities, including snorkelling, diving, & underwater walking. While party animals can drink & dance the night at the underwater bars, shoppaholics can buy unique seashell souvenirs from the flamboyant street markets.
Although the myriad of exciting activities to do in Maldives can never be compiled in a list, yet here is a guide to the most recommended things that can be done on the archipelago for a memorable island vacation.
If you are wondering what to do in Maldives, then you certainly need to know about the stunning oceanic beauty that surrounds the tiny cove of Maaya Thila.
Protected by the Marine Conservation Law, the oceanic floor of the Maldivian Coast of Maaya Thila is home to some of the most stunning marine life that can only be experienced first hand if you decide to take a plunge into the deeper depth. Snappers, Angel Fish, Tunas aside, the overhanging caves surrounding the coral cove and the Grey Reef Shark are the two most exclusive sights one cannot miss while scuba diving at Maaya Thila.
Location: Maaya Thila, Maldives.
Price: INR 1300 to INR 180000 per head.
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If you want to experience the real beauty of the pristine islands of the archipelago, one of the most recommended activities to do in Maldives for you is taking a sunset cruise.
Take a rejoiceful hour-long ride on a local dhoni or a boat in the evening and soak in the mesmerizing sunset views as you sail on the serene waters. In addition to the panoramic views of nature, you may also get the opportunity to spot some adorable dolphins while you enjoy cruising.
Location: The Maldives.
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Add a twist to your regular beach days and pay a visit to the “Sea of Stars” on Vaadhoo Island. The sea waters here seem to be glowing brilliantly under the moonlight.
This phenomena is known as bioluminescence, which is exhibited by the free-floating microscopic planktons of the ocean as a defence technique when they are attacked by fishes. Due to the bioluminescence phenomena of the sea, the water appears blue and shining. Since the blue light emitted is cool and no heat is generated, the water is absolutely safe for you to play with.
Location: Vaadhoo Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives.
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Surfing is one of the most beloved watersports, however not every ocean-facing landmass is ideal for surfing. Gigantic waves that curl up at the optimal most time to offer that click-worthy time frame to surf makes Maldives one of the most favorite surfing destinations in the entire world.
Known as one of the best surfing destinations of the world, Maldives has a suitable geographical advantage that allows a chance for an all year surfing, especially in and around Male Atoll, Central and Southern Atolls.
Location: Thulusdhoo Islands, Baa Atoll.
Price: USD 130 per head for 2 hours.
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Pampering yourself with the exotic spa treatments at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, set on a secluded Private island of Maldives, is one of the most tranquilizing things to do in Maldives.
Far away from the humdrum of city life, you can detoxify your body and mind at this Japanese Themed spa with their wide range of therapeutic spa therapies rendered by professional experts by leveraging medical grade formulas.
While you are at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo head to their exclusive in-house Mandara Spa and enjoy traditional aromatherapy massages, Balinese massage, head massage, foot massage, couples massage, & facial treatments. While you enjoy your body therapy session here, you can also bask in the 360 degree stunningly perfect oceanic view.
Location: Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, South Male ' Atoll, Republic Of Maldives, South Male ' Atoll 20105, Maldives.
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Enjoy a tranquil overwater stay at the renowned Six Senses resort in Laamu Atoll and lose yourself to the panoramic views of the lush vegetation and the blue waters surrounding you.
You can choose from a wide range of overwater accommodation options at Six Senses, including Lagoon Water Villa, Ocean Water Villa, Ocean Water Villa with Pool, Laamu Water Villa, Sunset Laamu Water Villa, and many more.
These spacious and tastefully adorned overwater bungalows are designed to offer the best of comfort, coziness, and privacy. During your stay here, you can also pamper yourself with the invigorating range of spa and massage therapies amidst the serene blue waters, alongside reconnecting with nature. You can also get into the clear waters and try a number of exhilarating watersports, including snorkelling, scuba diving, and sunset dolphin cruise.
Location: Six Senses Laamu, Laamu Atoll, Maldives.
Price: Starts from 2,15,850 per night.
One of the most suggested activities to do in Maldives for beach lovers is to take a leisurely tour of the breathtaking Hulhumale Beach. Strolling on the soft white sand of the beach with naked feet with your loved one is undeniably one of the most romantic experiences anyone would love to enjoy on an island.
As you walk on the beach in the evening, you can also soak in the most awe-inspiring sunset views. Furthermore, you can also relish some authentic and delicious seafood at the various cafes and stalls lining the white sands on the beach.
Location: Hulhumale Beach, Maldives.
If you are planning what to do in Maldives on your trip to the island nation, remember to pay a visit to the capital island, Male. While you are in Male, explore the heritage buildings, intriguing museums, breathtaking parks, and pristine beaches. You can also just choose to stroll through the flamboyant streets and relish the local food and shop your favorite souvenirs from the colourful and lively open markets.
Some of the top attractions to explore on your tour to Male include the Old Friday Mosque, the National Museum, the Male Local Market, Sultan Park, Artificial Beach, and the Tsunami Monument. You can also try many thrilling water activities in Male, such as snorkeling and submarine touring.
Location: Male, Maldives.
If dashing through the water surface at a groundbreaking speed seems both exhilarating and exciting to you, pay a visit to Meeru Island Resort & Spa for engaging in water skiing. In water skiing, you will use skis on both your legs while you glide at a great speed over the sea waves.
Water skiing is safe, easy, thrilling, and lets you meet turtles and dolphins. Even if you are a complete ammatuer, Meeru Island Resort and Spa has a water skiing facility in the property where one can learn easily to ski on the water with the help of expert professionals.
Location: Meeru Island Resort & Spa, Meeru Island, North Male Atoll, Maldives.
Price: USD 75 per head for 20 minutes.
Helicopter tour of the beautiful Maldivian archipelago is one of the most beautiful experiences one can have while vacationing here. Taking a helicopter tour over the island nation will let you break the monotony of life and soak in the ultimate splendors of nature while flying in the deep blue Maldivian sky.
In the course of your flight, you will get the chance to catch a panoramic view of the breathtaking sandbars, turquoise blue lagoons, and pristine islands. You can also spot the shallow waters surrounding the picturesque islands, the soft white sands, and the swaying palm trees.
The Maldives Glowing Beach is situated at the Mudhdhoo Island, also known as the Vaadhoo Island in Raa Atoll. Beach is one of the most visited tourist destinations in these islands, mostly known for its phenomenal fluorescent, glowing waves. This natural phenomenon occurs due to the presence of millions of marine microbes known as phytoplankton in the water.
This phytoplankton is bioluminescent and as the skies get darker after sunset, these microscopic planktons emit a bright vibrant blue light in the water which creates an ethereal effect. This phenomenon makes the waves glow as they gently splash over the beach and is the ideal place to spend your time after sundown in the Maldives. The best time to visit the Glowing Beach is between June and October when the sea remains comparatively warmer due to the summer season. The warm, tropical, coastal weather is the perfect condition for the planktons to thrive and glow brightly.
There are other exciting recreational activities like scuba diving and snorkelling that take place on this beach, during which you can interact closely with the rich and colourful marine life that thrives on this beach and in the water. The beach is also ideal for picnics, events, romantic walks and dinners, water sports and other activities that make your trip to the beach exceptional and memorable.
Hulhumale is a gorgeous island in the North Male Atoll that makes for one of the best places to visit in Male Maldives. It is a place for a perfect vacation away from the hubbub of city life that caters to all kinds of travelers be it family, friends, partner and even if you are travelling solo. From strolling around the pristine beach and taking in the breathtaking views of the surroundings to going shopping for as long as your heart desires at the Centro Mall, this island will keep you entertained at all times.
Hulhumale also allows you to commune with nature at the Hulhumale Central Park where you can witness the flora and lush green surroundings. While at this island, you cannot miss out on the capital city of Male and the authentic local delicacies that are absolutely delectable. Making for one of the most beautiful places to visit in Male, the thrilling water sports including snorkeling and swimming with the dolphins will satiate your need for adventure and exhilaration. Make the most of your time on this remarkable island and create moments with your loved ones to be cherished forever.
Location: Filigas Magu, Malé, Maldives
Timings: 8 AM - 7 PM
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Away from the monotony of daily life, a visit to Villingili Island will transport you into a world of joy and ecstasy. Muffled up in absolute surreal natural beauty, this island is just a ferry ride away from the city of Male. The glistening turquoise blue water that is crystal clear will steal your heart in a moment as the beauty of the place is unparalleled.
The natural beaches on the island surrounded by the coconut trees offer a sight to behold and lovely experience on your vacation to Maldives. This is a place you cannot afford to miss and without which your trip to the remarkable country is incomplete. A visit to this island should be on top of your bucket list while travelling to Male.
You will experience house reef teaming of the vibrant and colourful fishes which is a unique experience in itself. Witness the aesthetic skyline of Male from Villingili Island that will leave you awestruck. Chill, relax and laze around here in the tranquil surroundings and let the day pass out. It is an experience in the surreal beauty that will leave a strong imprint on your heart.
Location: Addu Atoll, Maldives
Timings: Open 24 hours
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One of the most historical monuments in Maldives, Tsunami Monument is one of the best places to visit in Male Maldives. This monument was built to honour and remember those who lost their precious lives in a sad event of Tsunami destruction in the year of 2004. It is not just a simple monument rather it has emotions attached to it and is also considered to be a memorial.
The people who passed away during this natural disaster have their names engraved on the rods and the people who visit the monument can read them easily. It is a peaceful location with calm surroundings and the tourists who visit here can pay their respects to the people who lost their lives and at the same time reflect and introspect on the short event that life is.
There are 20 steel spheres that encircle the monument representing the atolls of Maldives and the pillars symbolise the waves of the Tsunami. It is a must visit place while you are in Maldives and something you should not miss out on at any cost while visiting this country.
Location: Thin Ruh Park, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé, Maldives
Timings: Open 24 hours
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One of the best places to visit in Male is the Sinamale Bridge also known as the China Maldives Friendship Bridge is 2.1 km long and possesses separate lanes for pedestrians, cars and bikes. This beautiful bridge over the gorgeous sea makes for one of the major attractions in Maldives and also creates a connection between Male to the international airport of Hulhule. Sinamale Bridge is funded by the Chinese government as a sign of friendship between the two countries.
This bridge is a magnificent infrastructure in the island symbolising the improving the relations between China and Maldives and is therefore named the China Maldives Friendship Bridge. The beautiful entrance to the bridge remarkably depicts Islam along with the unity and nationalism of Maldives.
It offers mesmerising views around while making the commute for the locals extremely convenient. Prior to the construction of the bridge, the people had to commute by ferries and boats for 10 km which took significant time. But with the construction of this bridge, the residents are happy as it helps them save a lot of time and is far more convenient.
Location: Male, Maldives
Timings: Open 24 hours
Vaadhoo Island is a beautiful island in the Maldives which offers beautiful beaches, iconic landscapes and mesmerising beauty. When the sun goes down at Vaadhoo Island, the sea waves lapping the shore light up like a shimmering field of blue dots giving the sea the appearance of the starlit night sky.
One of the major attractions and beautiful places to visit in Male Maldives, Sultan Park was born after the transformation of the royal gardens of the palace. With an impressive historical significance and lush greenery, the park attracts tourists from around the world. A tranquil atmosphere and sheer beauty will welcome you at the Sultan Park making it one of the most splendid places in Male.
The park is located in close proximity to the other major attractions along with the airport and makes it convenient for the tourists to visit this while on a holiday in Maldives. Take a rejuvenating stroll in the park, enjoy the surroundings and relax your mind.
The park also makes for a great picnic spot with your family or partner and you can just also spend some time alone with yourself here and introspect. A perfect restaurant just outside the park will offer delicious meals and coffee for an end to an enchanting evening putting you in a cheerful mood. It makes for a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life and you can enjoy a lovely day at the Sultan Park.
Location: Malé, Maldives
Entry Fee: Free for locals and USD 5 for foreigners
Timings: Open 24 hours
The only man made beach in Maldives, Artificial Beach is absolutely stunning and one of the must places to visit in Male Maldives. Spend a relaxing and refreshing day at this beach which is nothing short of paradise. It is no less than the natural beaches and rather offers a more fun filled experience.
Witness the enticing blue waters and laze around as it makes for a perfect place to let go of all your worries and tensions. This beach allures the tourists because of its serene surroundings and its bewitching beauty. You can also indulge in the water sports that will give you the adrenaline rush and the thrill you crave for.
Take part in snorkeling, swimming and more thrilling activities at this beach. There are also some live music shows, carnivals and parades that keep happening at the beach and that makes for one of the best experiences you will have in Maldives. However, this is not all. With a huge range and variety of scrumptious street food available near the beach, it will make your vacation flawless and an enjoyable one.
Location: Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male 20082
Timings: 6 AM- 9 PM
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Nestled in the capital of Male, Mulee Aage is the place of residence of the President of the Republic of Maldives. Dating back to 1906, this building represents the magnificent colonial architecture and retains the old world charm standing true to its glory. This building of the Mulee Aage was initially built for Prince Hassan Izzudin by Sultan Mohammad Shamsuddeen.
It is a beautiful bungalow style architecture and the style that was in fashion and trend in that era. It is a remarkable building and one of the best places to visit in Male Maldives. Mulee Aage will also provide you an insight into the stories of the past and you will absolutely love this place if you are a keen history lover. With a lot of things to observe in this palace, the interiors are worth seeing and it is a sight you should not miss out on while on a vacation in Maldives.
Location: Medhuziyaaraiy Magu, Male' City 20115, Maldives
Timings: Open 24 hours
Also known as the Islamic Centre of Maldives, it is one of the most riveting and glorious architectural marvels you will ever come across. Representing the Islamic architecture, this building constitutes one of the landmarks in the country of Maldives and is one of the most significant places to visit in Male. Being one of the largest mosques in the country and entire South East Asia, Masjidh Al-Sulthan Muhammad is a prominent and impressive structure with a beautiful golden dome and and a captivating minaret.
Holding a strong influence on the city’s skyline, it is a famous and one of the most important mosques in Maldives. Home to numerous conference halls where important meetings are conducted and an Islamic library imparting tremendous knowledge through books, this place attracts the tourists and is a must visit while in Maldives. There are also various offices in the building including the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and it is the most lively during the worship sessions every Friday when it lights up and looks fascinating than ever.
Location: Orchid Magu, Malé, Maldives
Timings: Open 24 hours
Everything you need to know about Maldives:- Places To See in Maldives