What to do in the Maldives
White sands, bungalows on stilts and azure-coloured waters are probably what come to mind when you picture the Maldives. But these world-famous islands have much more than beaches to offers its visitors. For example did you know the capital city Malé is famous for its love of football? In fact, it’s often referred to as the ‘Brazil of Asia’, with the majority of locals calling it their favourite sport. And surprisingly, the Maldives are a big hit with families, too. With some of the best snorkelling sites in the world, a friendly atmosphere, and a never-ending list of watersports to choose from, you can bet that this is a holiday with a difference. And if you do fancy some island hopping, you’re coming to the right place.
Scroll down to find out what you can do in the Maldives.
TAKE A DAY TRIP TO MALÉ
Malé – pronounced mar-lay – is the capital of the Maldives, and is just as fascinating as it is tiny. And it’s fast becoming a popular place for holidaymakers to visit, thanks to its wealth of culture. To get there, you can easily catch a ferry directly from the airport, and the travel time totals just 30 minutes.
Malé is where you’ll get to experience the authentic Maldives. This place is marked by brightly-coloured skyscrapers, historical mosques and bustling city vibes that contrast with the laid-back way of life in the surrounding islands. If you’re looking to get a dose of culture, look no further than the National Museum. You’ll find this converted palace in Sultan Park, housing royal possessions, Buddha heads, and monkey statues, to name a few. Elsewhere, there’s Huskuru Miskiiy, a beautiful 17th-century mosque made from coral stones and wooden carvings.
When it comes to wining and dining, Malé definitely holds the crown for variety. You can pick from Maldivian, Asian, Indian, Malaysian, and international cuisine. One of the capital’s most prized eateries is Maarukeytu Hota. It’s got a tea-shop-meets-restaurant vibe, and sits right above a fishing market, giving you great views of the city while you dine. Be sure to sample their speciality black tea while you’re there – it’s delicious.
STAY IN AN OVER WATER VILLA
Picture the Maldives, and these are probably the first thing that spring to mind. And while there’s a lot more to holidays here than sitting back and sunbathing, these distinctive rooms are primed for topping up your tan, thanks to a private deck which juts out over the water. If you do fancy dipping your toe in, you can always grab your snorkel and head down the steps to get an up-close view of the Maldives’ colourful marine life.
SURF IT UP
Thanks to its tropical climate and northerly position in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a heaven on earth for surfers. You can catch the very best waves from April to October, when they total around three to eight feet in height.
One of the top places to hop onto your long board is in the northern Malé atolls. The waves here are extremely sought after, and play host to many international competitions each year. Here, there are well-known breaks such as Lohis, Cokes, Chickens, Sultans, Jailbreaks, Honky’s and Ninjas. And in terms of experience, whether you’re a budding beginner or an advanced surfer, there’s something to suit everyone.
GO SNORKELLING
It goes without saying that the Maldives are one of the best places in the world to go snorkelling. Plus, three of the country’s atolls – Addu Atoll, Baa Atoll and Fuvahmulah – have UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, which helps to promote the sustainable use of natural resources in the atolls. Below the surface, meanwhile, there are over 1,000 coral reefs, which are home to even more species of marine life. And if you’re lucky, you might get to swim alongside the likes of dolphins, manta rays and turtles – so it’s a paradise for nature lovers.
VISIT AN UNINHABITED ISLAND
Did you know you can visit deserted islands in the Maldives? It just so happens there are 1,000 of them, too. As they’re all tucked away in the immense stretch of the Indian Ocean, these islands are some of the most pristine retreats on the globe. If you opt for a day trip, you can spend the day swimming in one of the lagoons, explore the shoreline by foot, or simply roll out your beach towel and take it all in. Plus, you’ll get to have your own private picnic where you’ll get to catch and cook your own fish.
TAKE A FLIGHT IN A SEAPLANE
As well as pristine beaches and over water villas, you can add seaplanes to the list of the Maldives’ signature features. Depending on which island you visit, you’ll either be transferred by speedboat or one of these bad boys. As the name suggests, they take off and land on water, and while they’re pretty basic onboard with very little legroom and no air-con to keep you cool, you’ll soon forget all of that when you look out the window at the jaw-dropping scenery below.
Eyeing up the Maldives?
