Beaches, lagoons, islands, the places to visit in Maldives can lend you a diverse and most enthralling experience on your holiday. With the splendor of nature and the most charismatic vibes, the island destination in South Asia is the best holiday destination for every vacationer, honeymooner, or traveler. Alluring people with its enchanting beauty of blue and white shores, Maldives is a real paradise that offers every luxury and thrill. Discover the excellence of those exotic water villas or relish the taste of authentic food while you are on a holiday in this land of boundless beauty.
10 Best Places To Visit In Maldives:
1.Vaadhoo Island
When it comes to leisure and luxury stay in the Maldives, Vaadhoo Island is surely the place that one must not miss. Housing the best resorts and a vast diversity of flora and fauna, the island is among the best places to go in Maldives. Adding to its fame and beauty, it is the Sea of Stars phenomenon that attracts tourists for discovering the unusual site. The glowing of water in the presence of moonlight is natures’ magic that is one unforgettable sight.
There are a number of cafes and resorts in the Maldives nestled close to the Vadhoo island. It is the moonlight that makes it appears more beautiful than imagination.
2. Thulusdhoo
The breathtaking adventures, water activities, and some best things to do in the Maldives have made Thulusdhoo one of your famous tourist attractions in Maldives. Venture in the clear blue waters of the sea, beside the white, soft sand while you spend your holidays in this island paradise.
Known as the Surf land, Thulusdhoo is best for snorkeling or diving in the Indian Ocean. You can even find a large colony of coral reefs and diverse aquatic life. If you are planning to explore some less crowded or budget destination, then Thulusdhoo is an ideal place for you.
3. Raa Atoll
The Raa Atoll, a 45-minute seaplane journey from Male’s Velana International Airport, comprises 88 islands. Its diverse marine life, combined with its proximity to the UNESCO Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, makes it a great destination for divers, many of whom come to see the manta rays that head to this part of the Indian Ocean to raise their young.Raa Atoll resorts worthy of a spot on your bucket list include Heritance Aarah, which has fantastic sustainability credentials as the Maldives’ first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold resort. It’s also got a brilliant on-site museum, where various artifacts and a replica of a traditional Maldivian village provide a wonderful insight into the region’s history.
Additionally, the Cora Cora Maldives resort has a dive school that offers a huge range of qualifications, including Bubblemaker courses for children who fancy heading beneath the waves for the first time.
4. The Fari Islands
A new concept for the Maldives, the North Male Atoll’s Fari Islands development currently comprises two resorts. The Patina Maldives attracts a young stylish crowd with its minimalist over-water villas designed by Studio MK27 and a boutique filled with clothing curated by fashion magazine The Rake. There's also a huge focus on art, the highlight of which is American artist James Turrell’s Skyspace, a hollow wooden structure that affords unique views of starry night skies.
5. Crossroads
Crossroads is another multi-resort complex, and it was one of the first in the Maldives. It’s also a destination in its own right – in addition to the Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, Saii Lagoon Maldives and SO/ Hotel Maldives, there’s a beach club and marina. Its proximity to Male’s Velana International Airport – it’s just a 15-minute speedboat ride away – means visitors whose seaplane flights are delayed (a regular occurance, given seaplanes are unable to fly at night) no longer have to stay in the notoriously basic hotels in the center of Male, but can head to one of Crossroads’ three resorts, instead.
6. Baa Atoll
Baa Atoll is another popular destination for divers, snorkelers and anyone keen to check out the region’s marine life. This is where you’ll find the UNESCO-listed Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, home to one of the Maldives’ largest coral reefs and a magnet for a wide range of species. Many visitors come to this atoll to spot manta rays – it’s home to Hanifaru Bay, where thousands of the creatures regularly gather to feast on plankton carried here by the Indian Ocean’s currents. We recommend booking a stay at Vakkaru Maldives, which offers big five diving safaris designed for guests hoping to see manta rays, whale sharks, turtles, dolphins and blacktip sharks, all of which thrive here.
7. Addu City
The second-largest city, Addu City, is one of the best tourist attractions in Maldives where you can enjoy a leisure holiday. The six beaches with white sandy shores and some exquisite lagoons that are enhancing the entire setting have made it the perfect place for basking in the surreal beauty. Addu City is the best place to visit in November when the temperature is pleasant and you can indulge in some thrilling or leisure activities. The tropical weather allows travelers to explore every nook and cranny of the city.
8. Laamu Atoll
One of the least developed atolls, Laamu in the southern Maldives is known for its lush vegetation, palm-fringed beaches and fabulously clear night skies (several resorts here have in-house astronomers). There’s just one resort on this atoll – the Six Senses Laamu, which is one of the best Maldives resorts for marine life due to its collaborations with the Manta Trust, Blue Marine Foundation and Olive Ridley Project, founded to protect endangered turtle species. A large number of liveaboards (boats with onboard accommodation for divers keen to visit multiple atolls) operate here.
9. Local islands
There are hundreds of so-called "local islands" in the Maldives – islands which aren’t home to resorts, but local communities of Maldivians, many of whom work as fishers. While certain resorts offer day trips to local islands, it’s also possible to stay on one, in homestay-style accommodation owned by locals. These include Maafushi, which is connected to Male via a regular ferry service; Fulhadhoo, which is a two-hour speedboat ride from Male and located on the wildlife-rich Baa Atoll; and the Ari Atoll’s Hangnaameedhoo, surrounded by a beautiful coral reef.
10. Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi
The Green Globe-certified Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is one of numerous Maldives resorts going all out when it comes to sustainability, but we’re flagging this particular property because it’s the one many resorts look to as inspiration. In the on-site sustainability lab, various pieces of hi-tech kit – including an extruder, which turns pellets made from marine waste into a range of products including furniture – allow staff to recycle more plastic than any other resort. It’s not just employees turning trash into treasure, either – during regular workshops, guests can make items such as earrings and toys from waste plastic. The resort also has a turtle ranger project, the Coralarium, which acts as an artificial coral reef, and an osmosis facility that allows the resort to generate its own water supply, eliminating the need for plastic bottles.
20 Things To Do In Maldives:
1. Enjoy Snorkeling At Male Atoll
One of the best places to visit in the Maldives, Male Atoll is a paradise for those who wish to enjoy water activities like snorkeling. Widely popular for being the largest city in all of Maldives, Male Atoll has multiple attractions to enjoy. The monsoon at this place is present throughout the year while the crystal blue and calm waters make it a perfect place to enjoy some snorkeling adventure in the Maldives.
2. Experience Scuba Diving At Biyadhoo Island
Admit it, a trip with best Maldives things to do list, is virtually incomplete without scuba diving. One of the best beaches in the Maldives to experience the fun of scuba diving, Biyadhoo Island is owned and managed by the Taj Group of Hospitality and there's no better place to head to for scuba diving in the Maldives. In fact, the island is often called the Scuba Diver's island.
Not only this, there are a number of other activities to do in the Maldives when on a visit to the Biyadhoo Island. One can even indulge in a number of other water activities like windsurfing, ski paddling, sailing and so much more. Besides, in case you feel dehydrated, well, there are a number of spots to savor the best of banana shakes and coconut water on your visit.
3. Meet Sharks & Manta Rays At Maafushi Island
Fancy meeting the sharks and manta rays up close? Well, Maldives you that opportunity. A destination that is widely renowned for its marine life, one of the best things to do in the Maldives is to spend time with the sharks at Maafushi Island. A place that features fancy beaches, top of the line food, and so much more, Maafushi Island is widely popular amongst travelers. Visitors come here not only to experience the tranquility of beaches but to also experience meeting the sharks which are the main attraction of this place. Interestingly, there's a different feel about the place when you head for one of the most adventure activities in the Maldives, shark diving here.
4. Spend A Night In The Villas At Baros Island
Now here's a thing, there are many resorts in the Maldives that offer fine hospitality and top of the line services to guests. These resorts and villas feature in some of the best in the world and are a major attraction for tourists coming to the country. Speaking of villas, for instance, Baros Island has to be right up there with some of the finest places to stay in the Maldives. An island that houses up-scale villas and many top of the line hotels, staying here is one of the best things in the Maldives at night. One can not only enjoy the luxurious stay but can also avail spa treatments that are top-notch in every way.
5. Enjoy The Carnival Scenes At Artificial Beach
What's better than a carnival at the beach? Well, if you're a young soul longing for some fun, there's no better place than the Artificial Beach in the Maldives. Located in North Male Atoll, the beach is one of the best places to visit in the Maldives that attracts a young crowd from all around the world. While the young ambiance is set to blow your mind here, visitors can also consider visiting the Manta Point or Nassimo Thila to have a fun day out. Fancy swimming? The artificial island has it all for you.
6. Witness The Dolphins At Cinnamon Hakurra
One of the finest places to visit in the Maldives to experience watching the Dolphins, Cinnamon Hakurra is a place that stands out and attracts travelers from all around the country. Easily one of the go-to things to do in the Maldives, it doesn't take long to spot a Dolphin at Cinnamon Hakurra. As travelers put it themselves, watching the Dolphins here in their natural playful mood is set to make your day. So, what's the delay? The place is located about 148 KM away from the Male Airport which is one of the main airports in Maldives.
7. Experience Local Shopping At Male Local Market
Thinking of some interesting things to do in the Maldives, Male? Visit a popular street market in the Maldives that attracts tourists from all around the world. Male Local Market is another fine location to experience shopping. From the best of handicrafts, mementos, and gift items to so much more to add to your shopping experience. Interestingly, shopping at the Male Local Market is considered to be one of the top things to do in the Maldives on a holiday. So, do you fancy some local shopping experience? Why not visit Male Local Market and experience it all? The market is open from 8 AM in the morning and functions until 11 pm at night.
8. Experience European Style Shopping At Island Bazaar
A place that is both unique and classy in every way, the Island Bazaar is another top spot to visit in the Maldives. One can find the finest of handicrafts of local artisans or home essentials like cushions, shoulder bags and so much more. One can visit here and shop for something unique for a loved one. The place can be visited from 10 AM to 6 PM in the evening while it is open from 4 PM to 6 PM on Fridays.
9. Shop For Luxury Brands At Centro Mall
Another fine location to experience shopping in the Maldives, the Centro Mall features more than 30 top of the line brands which are set to make your day. If you're a shopaholic coming on a vacation to the Maldives, a visit here is definitely worth a go. Not only is shopping fun here, but the place is also perfect for kids as there are game zones here to add to the joy of the kids. Besides this, one can even enjoy the best of dining experience at the Centro Mall in the Maldives. Visitors can visit here from 7 in the morning. The place is open till 12 midnight.
10. Embrace Sandbank Dining At Baros Maldives
Ever wondered about dining in the middle of the Indian Ocean? Well, there's a place that is there to make your dreams come true. A romantic escape from the bustling city of Male or other top locations of the Maldives, sandbank dining at Baros Maldives is something that one should definitely consider trying. Not only is the location majestic, the meals served too speak for themselves. So, why not try a romantic dinner with your loved one in the middle of the Indian Ocean?
11. Meet The Locals Living On Islands
One of the best things to do in the Maldives that one cannot miss is a visit to all the native islands where you can meet the local families. Mule Island and Naalaafushee Island are the two of the best islands in the Maldives where you can discover the lifestyle of the locals and the traditional history of Maldives.The traditionally built houses and the concrete buildings, everything in these islands is too fascinating to be explored. You can stroll around the pavements and the downtown area where there are schools and banks, community centers, and other facilities provided for the locals living there. You can interact with the locals living there and learn about their culture and their lifestyle.
12. Pamper Yourself With Some Spa
Now what’s among the fun things to do in the Maldives is to pamper yourself with some rejuvenating spa therapies. The Maldives is one of the most romantic honeymoon destinations in the world where there are number of quality spas and sauna facilities available. Whether you are staying at one of the most luxurious villas or discovering the hidden spa centers with traditional healing techniques, you can find everything you need.
13. A Helicopter Ride Above The White Sandy Beaches
The white sandy beaches and the turquoise waters of the ocean appear magical. Adding more thrill to your activities to do in the Maldives, you can plan a helicopter ride to witness the surreal beauty with a bird's eye view. Flying over the best beaches in here in the Maldives, you can discover the shades going from blue to aqua, to green and al again to blue. While there are islands inhabited and crowded with human footsteps, there are some isolated corners where you can discover a vast shade of blue spreading to infinity.Helicopter rides in the Maldives are often organized by private tour operators and hotels so it is easy to book one. From a relative height, you can surely get the real taste of thrill and fascination.
14. Island Hopping
The islands of Maldives are one of nature's fascinations where there is beauty and diverse wilderness. From the adventurous ferry and cruise tours to discovering every wonder of the ocean, island hopping is among the top adventure activities in the Maldives. From Mahe to Alimatha Island, Biyadhoo Island and Hulhumalé Island.
Explore these islands with their popular attractions and add more to your experience by adding adventure that can never be missed. Every island houses some romantic resorts making them the best honeymoon places in the Maldives to spend a holiday.
15. A stay on Overwater Villas
Leisure and luxury are at its best while staying in the Maldives. This archipelagic state in South Asia is home to some of the most fascinating and luxurious overwater villas where you can spend quality time. Staying over the refreshing azure bodies is among the top fun things to do in the Maldives where there will be a luxury.
Offering every amenity of your daily need and a vast spacious living area, restaurant, and every facility of a five-star hotel, these overwater villas in the Maldives are best for every traveler living on this island. Overlooking the pristine beaches, these are the best accommodation to sought solace.
16. Tour of The National Museum
National Museum of Maldives is the very first museum in the state where you can discover a plethora of art and artifacts. Well touring around this museum is among the top Maldives things to do list that will take you a step closer to the history. Located in Sultan Park in Malé, the museum is under the administration of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Maldives.
The museum has a vintage collection of elements like the first telephone and a gramophone. Don’t miss out on the 6-meter-long Longman’s Beaked Whale skeleton. Other collection includes ceremonial thrones, palanquins, rifles and more. This is surely the best place to visit in the Maldives for the history enthusiast.
17. Explore The Male Island
Male is the capital city of Maldives that makes it and fascinating destination in itself. From exploring the beaches and attractions to some breathtaking water adventures and other things to do in the Maldives at night, Male lures travelers for the most happening holiday. Plan 3 to days in this island city and experience the thrill of water adventures like snorkeling or parasailing.
Offering you more, Male houses some galleries and museums where there is a vast collection of artifacts and other interesting things. Understand the lifestyle and observe the enthralling vibes of the city as you stroll around. Even the weather and the refreshing beach vibes make it the best holiday destination to visit in the world in April.
18. Discovering The Gazillion Reefs
Discovering the coral reefs is one of the best things to do in the Maldives if you are a nature lover. Bringing both adventure and thrill, scuba diving is one of the most interesting activity and adding more to your experience the Gazillion Reefs makes a perfect spot for some diving and snorkeling experience along with discovering the vibrant colonies of the corals.
Diversity can be expected as the region is home to some exotic marine life like mantas and eagles ray, fishes, dolphins, and more.
19. Witness The Beauty Of Glowing Beach
The Vaadhoo Island is famous for its natural phenomenon that can be witnessed under sunlight. It is due to the presence of Planktons that the shores of the island glow in the night. This natural phenomenon is a wonder to witness where the blue waters of the sea glitter under the milky moonlight. While observing this spectacular sight is the best thing to do in the Maldives, you can even play in the water at night.
Rightly called the Sea of Stars, the island is home to some microscopic planktons, due to which this bioluminescence phenomenon can be experienced here.
20. Discover New Luxury at Six Senses Resort
Rediscover luxury with a stay at Six Senses resort in Laamu Atoll. This can be the fun things to do in the Maldives as you will be living amidst the serene beauty of the sea, overlooking the lush green vista and the blue and white surrounding. This is one of the best resorts in the Maldives where you have the option to choose from the Lagoon Water Villa, Ocean Water Villa with Pool, Laamu Water Villa, Sunset Laamu Water Villa, and so more.