Amazing Holiday Activities to Try in the Maldives

When planning a trip to the Maldives, it’s easy to envision days filled with lounging by turquoise waters, sipping cocktails, and taking in breathtaking sunsets. While these relaxing activities are undoubtedly appealing, many experiences await beyond the beach. From underwater adventures to cultural excursions, the Maldives offers an array of activities that promise to make your trip truly unforgettable.

What to Do in the Maldives Islands: Top 8 Activities

1. Get a Scuba Certification

One of the top activities in the Maldives is getting scuba certified. The unique topography of the Maldivian atolls provides ideal conditions for learning to dive. The clear, calm, and shallow waters make it easy for beginners to start right in the ocean instead of a pool. This allows for immediate interaction with a diverse array of marine life. Dive instructors, often on long-term contracts, offer in-depth knowledge of the local waters, making the learning experience rich and informative. 

@maldiversdhiffushi | Instagram | The unique topography of the Maldivian atolls provides ideal conditions for learning to dive.

2. Admire the Indian Ocean’s Marine Life

Snorkelling and marine life excursions provide fantastic alternatives for those who prefer staying closer to the surface. Resorts like Anantara Dhigu offers guided tours led by marine biologists, where you can observe and swim with nurse sharks. Similarly, at the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, guests can join manta ray spotting excursions, giving a firsthand look at these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Bringing your own snorkeling gear can enhance the experience by ensuring a perfect fit and saving on rental fees.

3. Immerse Yourself in Maldivian History

Exploring the rich history of the Maldives adds a cultural dimension to your trip. Resorts such as Cora Cora Maldives and Heritance Aarah provide immersive historical experiences. The Dutch Onion Museum at Cora Cora showcases ancient artifacts, including stone rainwater tanks from the 12th century. Heritance Aarah’s Maldivian Village offers a glimpse into life in the Maldives over 4,000 years ago, with exhibits detailing the region’s early inhabitants.

4. Dine, Drink, or Detox Underwater

Underwater dining is a must-try in the Maldives. The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island boasts an underwater suite for a unique sleeping experience. At the same time, Hurawalhi Island Resort’s 5.8 Undersea Restaurant and Niyama Private Islands Maldives’ Subsix offer unparalleled dining experiences beneath the waves. For wine enthusiasts, the Emerald Maldives Resort and Spa offers wine aged underwater. Alternatively, Huvafen Fushi’s underwater spa provides a serene setting for detoxifying treatments.

5. Go Skydiving

Skydiving is a thrilling way to experience the Maldives from above. The Ifuru Island Maldives resort recently introduced the first permanent skydiving facility in the region. Non-resort guests are also welcome to jump, and VIP packages even include a post-jump celebration with champagne and canapés. Staying close to Ifuru Island ensures easy access to this exhilarating activity.

@maldives_ig | Instagram | Skydiving is a thrilling way to experience the Maldives from above.

6. Visit a “Local” Maldivian Island

For a deeper understanding of Maldivian life, visit one of the many islands still inhabited by local communities. Resorts like Fairmont Maldives – Sirru Fen Fushi offer excursions to nearby islands where guests can participate in beach clean-ups. Cora Cora Maldives organizes trips to abandoned islands, providing insights into the Maldives’ environmental challenges. Even if your resort doesn’t advertise these trips, they can often arrange personalized visits to local communities upon request.

7. Master a New Skill

Many Maldivian resorts offer unique skill-building activities. Joali Maldives features art classes with an in-house teacher, while Gili Lankanfushi offers workshops in traditional Maldivian crafts, such as kajan thatch-roof making and Dhivehi language lessons. These activities provide a creative and educational aspect to your stay, enriching your trip.

8. Adopt Your Own Piece of Coral

Participating in coral propagation programs allows visitors to contribute to the conservation of the Maldives’ stunning reefs. Most resorts have marine biologists who guide guests through the process of planting and nurturing new coral fragments. This hands-on experience helps preserve the vibrant underwater ecosystems that make the Maldives so special.