Top 10 Things to Do in the Maldives

Malé and local culture

To immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Maldives, take a day trip to explore the capital city Malé. One of the interesting places to visit in the Maldives is the Grand Friday Mosque, the local produce market, and the National Museum of Maldives. While in the city, stroll through Sultan Park and stop at the Victory Monument.

Get outside your resort bubble and explore islands where Maldivians live, work, and play. Head to Hulhumale, Maafushi, or Guraidhoo, where you can stroll around non-touristy neighbourhoods and interact with residents.

You can even sign up for a cooking class and learn some of the secrets to creating Maldivian dishes.

Island-hopping

Of the archipelago of over 1,200 islands, only about 200 are inhabited, so there’s plenty to explore. While December to March is the best time of year to visit Maldives, the period from April to November is ideal for touring the Southern Atolls.

Hire a boat and sail out to neighbouring islands, discover secluded beaches, and spend a few hours on a sandbank.

These experiences will elevate your Maldives holiday to a whole new level.

Water sports

The Maldives is a playground for all kinds of water sports. The great thing about the resorts is that they cater to all ages.

Choose a water sport or activity for your comfort level. You can go calm-water kayaking, wakeboarding, or parasailing. For more intense physical activity, there are opportunities for surfing and kitesurfing.

Try stand-up paddleboarding outside your overwater bungalow or hop on a banana boat ride for some speed and fun.

Wellness

One of the top reasons to holiday in the Maldives is undoubtedly for its world-class wellness programmes, designed to relax and revitalise both mind and body.

Every luxury resort has its unique blend of innovative treatments, healing practices, and massages that will help restore your inner balance. This is an essential part of a holiday in the Maldives, and you will not be disappointed.

Dining experiences

As one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world, the Maldives helps create magical moments.

Bring a day spent in nature to a memorable finish with an enchanting candlelit dinner on the beach. Dine on exquisite dishes whipped up by a private chef as you watch the sun go down, accompanied by the soothing soundtrack of waves lapping the shore. 

The Maldives also has fabulous underwater restaurants where the ambience and views are just as important as the meal. It’s a surreal experience to watch marine life swim around the restaurant’s glass walls while you enjoy an exquisite meal.

Local cuisine

While most resorts offer a range of international cuisines, it’s always a great idea to try dishes that are local to the region. Dhivehi or Maldivian cuisine features coconut as a key ingredient.

You can savour a variety of delectable local breads and curries, and with the waters of the Indian Ocean surrounding the islands, you are never too far from the freshest seafood.

Dolphin and whale shark watching

The atolls of the Maldives are home to pods of dolphins, and a boat excursion is the best way to spot these intelligent and playful animals. Watch them glide, jump, and chase each other. If you are lucky, you might even come across a curious group that swims right up to your boat. 

At 12 m in length and weighing in at 20 tonnes, the whale shark is one of the largest marine fish. You can spot these giants of the sea on special tours in the South Ari Atoll, one of the best places in the world to meet these majestic creatures.

Cruises

A cruise on a traditional Maldivian dhoni is one of the top experiences in the Maldives.

Sunset cruises are truly breathtaking—watch the skies change colours, spot dolphins, and sail past serene beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and volcanic islands.

You can also book longer, multi-day sailing tours or trips which include a meal on board, or expand your experience with Maldives Multi-Centre Holidays.