10 Best Things to Do in the Maldives: Epic Archipelago Bucket List

The Maldives is a stunning archipelago in the Indian Ocean, known for its pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and vibrant marine life. Comprising 26 atolls and 1,192 islands, 187 of which are inhabited, the Maldives is an island paradise with a known history that dates back over 2,500 years. Tourism is the backbone of the Maldivian economy, catering to all kinds of visitors, from those looking to relax in style to those seeking an unforgettable adventure.

Here are the 10 best things to do in the Maldives.

10) Take a scenic seaplane ride

Taking a scenic seaplane ride in the Maldives is a great way to experience a breathtaking, birds-eye view of the country as well as learn more about its unique geography as an archipelago nation. Seaplane rides are often part of the transfer experience for guests staying at remote resorts, as many islands are only accessible by air. If you’re a budding photographer, aerial views of turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and lush green islands will be hard to match. Passengers travel in small aircraft with large windows, and flights tend to last between 20 minutes to 1 hour.

9) Admire the stars in the Maldives night sky

Thanks to its remote location, minimal light pollution and clear tropical skies, the Maldives is a brilliant location to do some stargazing. Its equatorial position offers a unique advantage in that you can observe both northern hemisphere and southern hemisphere constellations. On a clear night, you’ll get a great view of the vast array of stars above us, stunning constellations, and even the Milky Way stretching across the horizon.

Some resorts offer facilities specifically for stargazing sessions. Anantara Kihavah Maldives, for example, has a SKY bar and the Maldives’ first over water observatory. You can stargaze through the Maldives’ most powerful telescope and learn about the galaxies above from a dedicated SKY Guru. And both Soneva Jani and Soneva Fushi offer ‘astronomical’ dinner cruises, a unique dining experience under the stars.

While resorts often provide added convenience and tailored experiences, stargazing is possible from almost anywhere in the Maldives where light pollution is minimal. A budget-friendly alternative is to book accommodation in the Maldives that meets your needs, and at night time, simply head to the beach or find a quiet spot to enjoy the stars.

8) Relax on stunning white sand beaches

Known for their powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, the Maldives has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Unlike beaches elsewhere that are typically composed of quartz or silica sand, Maldivian sand is primarily made up of crushed coral and shells. These coral and shell fragments are naturally white, which creates a bright, gleaming sandy landscape that blends beautifully with the surrounding pristine waters.

Also, while silica-based sand can become scorching hot under the sun, coral sand reflects sunlight rather than absorbing heat. So Maldivian sand remains cool, even during the hottest parts of the day. The coral composition of the sand makes it smooth and fine, giving it a powdery feel; perfect for a relaxing barefoot stroll.

Each beach has its own unique charm and since most resorts in the Maldives are situated on private islands, the number of guests is limited to the resort’s capacity. This means that even during peak travel seasons, the beaches remain uncrowded. And even ‘local’ island beaches (as opposed to resort island beaches) aren’t crowded as the Maldives isn’t a mass-tourism destination.

For a particularly unique experience, visit the ‘sea of stars’ beach found at Vaadhoo Island in Raa Atoll. The beach occasionally glows at night due to the presence of bioluminescent plankton, which emit a blue or green light when disturbed by movement in the water.

7) Enjoy ideal conditions for a wide range of water sports

The Maldives is a water sports paradise that offers ideal conditions for a wide range of water-based activities.

If you’re looking to relax, stand-up paddleboarding (or ‘supping’) is a great way to soak in the natural beauty of the Maldives while leisurely gliding across the water. Kayaking and canoeing also offer a peaceful and immersive way to explore the islands’ lagoons, reefs, and sandbanks. Because the lagoons surrounding Maldivian islands are protected by coral reefs, you’ll get gentle waters that are perfect for paddling. Also, some resorts offer transparent glass-bottom kayaks that allow you to observe vibrant marine life beneath you as you paddle.

And if you’re looking for activities that get the adrenaline going, you’re in the right place. Jet skiing is an action-packed way to explore the stunning scenery of the Maldives. Many resorts offer jet ski rentals and some operators use environmentally friendly vehicles to minimize noise and water pollution.

The Maldives’ steady trade winds and shallow lagoons with flat, calm waters make it ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing. And to step it up a gear, you can try parasailing. Being towed behind a high-speed boat while attached to a specially designed parachute that lifts you 150–300 feet in the air is an exhilarating experience, particularly in the Maldives where you’ll get a panoramic views of crystal-clear waters and clear-blue skies.

The Maldives is also a world-renowned location for surfing. Consistent swells, which generally range from shoulder to head height, make it ideal for both beginners and experienced surfers.

6) Go snorkeling and scuba diving

While snorkeling and scuba diving are water sports, they deserve a category of their own when it comes to the Maldives. Stunning underwater scenery and abundant marine life make underwater exploration a must-have in the bucket list.

Water in the Maldives is exceptionally clear, giving snorkelers great visibility and the chance to see a variety of fish species including clownfish, parrotfish and butterflyfish, along with larger marine life like sea turtles and manta rays.

Scuba diving lets you go deeper to explore some of the most spectacular underwater scenery in the world. Because the Maldives is home to diverse and healthy coral reefs teeming with marine life, you’ll not only encounter a wide variety of fish, but you’ll also have the chance to come across megafauna such as manta rays, whale sharks, reef sharks and even hammerhead sharks.

There are numerous places to go snorkeling and scuba diving in the Maldives, each with their own unique waterscapes and gatherings of marine life. A popular spot is Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that has some of the largest gatherings of 7-metre manta rays in the world, which come to feed on microscopic plankton. The surrounding Baa Atoll  has one of the largest groups of coral reefs in the Indian Ocean and is home to 1,200 species of fish.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even explore underwater shipwrecks. The Maldives Victory Wreck is an upright 110-meter cargo ship that sank in 1981 after hitting a reef. And the British Loyalty Wreck is a WWII-era oil tanker torpedoed in 1944 and intentionally sunk in 1946.

5) Go dolphin and whale watching

The Maldives offers tourists the opportunity to see some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Dolphins can be seen year-round, and cruises take you to where they’re known to frequent such as channels between islands. The most common dolphins you’ll come across include the Spinner Dolphin, known for its acrobatics, and the Bottlenose Dolphin, known for its intelligence, curiosity and social behaviour.

The Maldives’ warm water and abundant marine life also make it an excellent environment for both resident and migratory whale species. While dolphin cruises tend to last between 2 to 3 hours, whale-watching cruises involve journeying to deeper waters and generally last from 4 to 8 hours.

Some of the most frequently sighted whales include the Sperm Whale, which can reach up to 66 feet in length and is often spotted around Ari Atoll and Addu Atoll; the Pilot Whale, a social, medium-sized whale that often travels in large pods around Meemu and Vaavu Atolls; and the False Killer Whale, a social whale closely related to orcas that can grow up to 20 feet in length and is often seen in pods of 10-50 individuals. Although they’re less commonly sighted, you may also see the the Blue Whale, the largest animal on Earth that grows up to 98 feet in length, and the Humpback Whale, known for its acrobatic leaps out of the water and low-frequency song vocalizations that travel hundreds of kilometres underwater.

Dolphin and whale-watching cruises often take place on traditional Maldivian wooden boats referred to as dhonis, which have been used for centuries in the Maldives for fishing and transport. It’s a great way to get an authentic Maldivian cultural experience while gently gliding across pristine waters, but if you prefer a faster experience, tour operators also offer speedboats.

4) Savour the delights of Maldivian cuisine

Maldivian cuisine consists of a blend of fresh seafood, coconut and aromatic spices. It’s heavily influenced by Indian, Sri Lankan and Arabic flavours, derived from the Maldives’ location as a commercial hub within ancient maritime trade routes.

Mas Huni is one of the most popular and traditional breakfast dishes made from shredded tuna, grated coconut, onions and chili. A good way to describe it is a coconut-tuna salad with a Maldivian touch. It’s generally served with Roshi, a soft, unleavened flatbread similar to Indian chapati, and Sai, a hot cup of strong black tea.

If you need a quick snack, try Bis Keemiya, a Maldivian samosa that’s a crispy, deep-fried pastry filled with tuna, cabbage and egg. And for those with a sweet tooth, Handulu Bondibai and Saagu Bondibai are great options. Handulu Bondibai is a traditional sticky rice pudding cooked with coconut milk and sugar. Saagu Bondibai is a creamy Maldivian dessert made from sago pearls, coconut milk and sugar. Both are favourites during festivities and special occasions.

And for something to drink, when in Maldives, do as the Maldivians do! Kurumba is the quintessential Maldivian drink. Translated from Dhivehi as ‘young coconut’, Kurumba is fresh, chilled coconut water served straight from a young, green coconut.

3) Stay in an overwater bungalow

Staying in an overwater bungalow is the pinnacle of tropical luxury. They are built on stilts above the turquoise lagoon waters of the Maldives with stunning views and direct ocean access.

Overwater bungalows are designed to enhance relaxation of visitors. There’ll often be overwater hammocks, private outdoor showers, private pools and some have glass floor panels to observe the marine life below. And they’re also a photographer’s dream. Watching a sunrise or sunset from your bed with pulled back curtains that open up to the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

2) Go island hopping

The Maldives is made up of 26 atolls and 1,192 islands, each with their own distinct character. Visiting multiple islands, both inhabited and uninhabited, is a great way to experience the diversity of the 90,000 square kilometre archipelago.

Visiting inhabited islands, where you can explore traditional fishing villages and local markets, gives you an insight into authentic Maldivian culture and traditional island life beyond the resorts. Also different islands have unique marine life and coral reefs. By hopping around, you’ll get access to the best underwater experiences.

Thoddoo island, for example, has a strong agricultural tradition and is known for its watermelon and papaya farms. Fulidhoo is a small island, just 700 metres long, known for its traditional Maldivian cultural events such as Langiri, an energetic musical performance that involves rhythmic movements, clapping and the use of special 2 foot long sticks called “Langiri Dhandi.” And Utheemu is home to Utheemu Gan’duvaru, a 16th-century wooden palace that belonged to Maldivian national hero Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu.

And of course, there’s the capital Malé (see below).

1) Explore Malé, the capital of the Maldives

Malé is the vibrant capital city of the Maldives that offers a unique experience in that it’s a bustling urban centre on an 2.2 square kilometre island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. You can get a diverse blend of Maldivian history, culture and city life.

To go exploring, there are taxis available for short-distance rides; all rides are pretty much short-distance given the size of the island, but tourists can easily get around on foot. Make sure to wear light clothing and stay hydrated.

The Maldives National Museum is a great place to learn about the Maldives’ pre-Islamic, Islamic and modern history. Housed in a building that was once part of the Maldivian Royal Palace, visitors can peruse royal relics of Maldivian sultans, traditional wooden carvings and ancient Islamic manuscripts.

Malé also has some impressive architecture that’s worth checking out while you’re on the island. The Old Friday Mosque was built in 1658 and has been in continuous use since. It’s constructed of coral stone and timber with detailed lacquer work, and is currently placed in the UNESCO Tentative World Heritage List.

For more modern architecture, visit the Grand Friday Mosque, also known as the Masjid Al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al-Auzam. Opened in 1984, it has a white marble façade, golden dome and elegant minaret with an interior hall adorned with Arabic calligraphy, chandeliers and beautifully patterned carpets.

To get an authentic glimpse into the daily culture and life of the Maldives, visit the Malé Fish Market. The market is bustling with activity as vendors negotiate prices with customers and fishermen bring in their daily catch. It’s also somewhat of a cultural landmark given that fishing has been the lifeblood of the Maldivian people for centuries, serving as the backbone of the Maldivian economy. Many of the traders will have learnt their fishing skills passed down through generations as fish has historically been a major export commodity.

To make the most of your visit, book a Malé Walking Tour.

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