Things to Do in the Maldives

Hanifaru Bay hosts the largest population of manta rays on the planet, and between May and November, they come together in large numbers to feed on plankton-rich waters. Swimming with these stunning creatures is one of the best things to do in the Maldives.

Alternative destinations:

• Seenu Atoll, in the untouched southern part of the Maldives, is the only place in the archipelago where you can find manta rays with wingspans exceeding 5 meters.
• Manta Point on the southeast coast of the Northern Male atoll is another spot to swim with manta rays, along with other remarkable creatures like whitetip sharks, hawksbill turtles, sweetlips, moray eels, blue tangs, and more. 
• Lhaviyani Atoll is frequented by manta rays in November and December. They are commonly accompanied by plankton-eating whale sharks! 

Best season: To make the most out of this activity, make sure to plan your visit to the Maldives between late June and October.

Good to know: Hanifaru Bay is one of the few exclusive destinations in the world where you can witness “cyclone feeding” – where manta rays come together, slowly looping around to form a large circle. A phenomenon you wouldn’t want to miss!

Maldives island hopping tours are one of the most sought-after activities in the Maldives. You can island hop on a local ferry (the most economical option), traditional Dhoni (a local sailing vessel made of coconut palm timber), safari boat, or seaplane (the priciest option).

Recommended Spots:

• South Male Atoll: Visit the islands of Gulhi, Guraidhoo, and Maafushi on your South Male island-hopping tour. Known for calm ocean waters and local life, here you can swim, relax by the beach, or collect handmade souvenirs and mementos.  
• Ari Atoll: Visit the most beautiful diving and snorkeling spots on your Ari Atoll island hopping tour. This atoll hosts manta rays and whale sharks all year around and is known for an abundance of green vegetation and pristine white sand beaches. 
• Baa Atoll: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Baa Atoll is known for its untouched wilderness, colorful marine life, and some of the best reefs in the Maldives. An island-hopping adventure here is a unique opportunity to soak in the remarkable natural beauty of this atoll’s hidden gems. 

Best season: The best time to go island hopping in the Maldives is during the winter seasons – December to April. The temperature ranges from 25°C to 30°C, giving travelers the perfect weather to witness the islands in all their glory.

Enjoy panoramic aerial views of the archipelago and admire the scenic beauty of Maldives islands from a height. It might be on the expensive side, but worth the birds-eye views. If you book with an experienced pilot, they might be able to take you over the colorful lagoons with crystal-clear waters. Spot the ocean’s vibrant colors and marine life uninterrupted.

Recommended Spots:

• Male: The capital city is brimming with companies offering helicopter rides to tourists. They have experienced pilots who take the visitors to scenic spots nearby like the Banana Reef and Villingili for a memorable aerial tour.
• Baa Atoll: A biosphere reserve in the Central Western part of the Maldives, a helicopter ride over Baa Atoll takes you over multiple lagoons in the area with shallow, crystal-clear waters allowing you to witness the diverse reef animals (like turtles and seabirds) from atop. 

Visiting a local island in the Maldives gives you a unique perspective of daily life in the country as a traveler. Addu Atoll is the southernmost atoll in the Maldives and its main islands (Gan—the biggest island of Maldives, Maradhoo, Feydhoo, Hithadhoo, etc.) are connected by causeways and bridges for easier access and convenient exploration for visitors staying anywhere in the Atoll.

Alternative Destinations:

• Maafushi: Ranked among the top ten islands of the Maldives, Maafushi’s proximity to Male and easy access by public ferry has made it a top tourist destination to experience the local islander life in the archipelago country. Its sparkling ocean waters and diverse activities are other reasons why the island is popular on the itinerary of many holidaymakers. 
• Thulusdhoo: Being the capital of the North Male Atoll, Thulusdhoo is home to locals, affordable stays, cozy restaurants, and stunning beaches. It’s also one of the best islands in the Maldives for surfing (with surf lessons offered for beginners as well!) 

Good to know: On local islands, be mindful of the dress code and wear bikinis only in areas where it's allowed.

For a combined adventure of learning about the local life and the island’s history while indulging in retail therapy, the Male Local Market is the place to explore! This shopping street is ideal for buying fresh produce, handmade souvenirs, imported textiles and local snacks. The market is open every day from morning to night.

Alternative destinations:

• Majeedhee Magu is an eclectic street market that runs parallel to the coastline of the Male. Here, you can shop for clothes, traditional handicrafts, smart electronic gadgets, and handy beauty tools. Stop to dine at the cafes serving fresh coffee and seafood.
• Chaandhanee Magu runs parallel to Majeedhee Magu and is known for its colorful shops selling everything from clothes to local handiwork, cute cafes and the prominent landmarks alongside the street like the Sultan Park & the National Museum.

Good to know: Bargaining is important when you purchase from local markets. You might pay 50% less than the quoted price if you bargain smartly.

Rightfully called the “sea of stars", the bioluminescent beach on Vaadhoo Island is a must-have experience in the Maldives. Many hotels and restaurants arrange private dinners right by the beach, making it one of the best things to do in the Maldives for couples!

Recommended spots:

• Dhekunu Thundi Beach: Located on the Southern coast of Vaadhoo Island, this beach offers a spacious coastline with alabaster sand, swaying palm trees, and glimmering turquoise waters. Here, you can find eateries run by locals, a range of enjoyable activities, and lounge chairs to pass the time as you wait for the skies to darken and the beach to glow for a mesmerizing natural occurrence!

Best season: Although this phenomenon can be observed any time of the year, June to October sees greater volumes of planktons in the sea, making these months the best time to visit the Maldives for witnessing bioluminescent planktons.

Good to know: Visit the islands 5 days after the full moon phase when the skies are dark and bioluminescence shines in full glory.

Watch dolphins swim and jump playfully from the deck of a cruise adventure in the Maldivian ocean! A sunset cruise doubles the adventure; watch the wonderful palette of colors change everything in view and dote on the adorable sea creatures gliding through the water. In Meemu Atoll, dolphins are particularly friendly and swim alongside the boat to charm their guests.

Alternative destinations:

• Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll is an untouched wilderness on the southern side of the Maldives and is frequented by pelagic animals like spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and hammerhead sharks. Divers particularly love this exposed and rugged side of Maldives.
• Lhaviyani Atoll is a scenic group of islands on the northern side of the Maldives and is visited throughout the year by bottlenose dolphins and spinner dolphins. 

Best season: To maximize your chances of a close encounter with these adorable sea creatures, plan your visit between November & April. The dry season and calm ocean water make it easier to spot these graceful creatures gliding through the water.

Banana Reef, Baros Islands, HP reefs, and Manta Point are just some of the best-rated snorkeling spots in the Maldives and they are all located in North Male Atoll. Lined by luxurious resorts and world-class dive centers, plunging into the ocean is easier for adrenaline junkies and beginners alike.

Alternative Destinations:

• Maafushi Island has several reefs around the island and cheaper snorkeling group excursions for travelers on a budget. Enjoy diving into clear turquoise waters to see beautiful corals, moray eels, octopuses, triggerfish, clownfish and more.
• Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its incredible gatherings of manta rays, whale sharks, green turtles, white-tip reef sharks, yellowfin tuna, grouper, snappers, different species of dolphins, and more! 

Good to know: Follow local advice when snorkeling in the Maldives. Stay away from the corals and fishes as some can be poisonous.

Get your scuba-diving certification, learn Dhivehi bas (the local dialect), join a Maldivian drum lesson, or practice boduberu (the traditional Maldivian dance) at one-day workshops. Sign up for these lessons in tourist regions like Male or look for resorts that go beyond offering only beachfront services to attract visitors.

Recommended Spots:

• PADI Certification courses are available widely in the archipelago; pick one closest to your resort or tick off a must-see location when you choose the course.
• The Clay Studio in Hulhumale offers therapeutic pottery workshops. Choose from several experiences like wheel throwing, couple’s pottery date night and 3-D ceramic painting.

Good to know: Look for workshops in your area of interest when you’re zeroing in on a place to stay. Make it a part of your vacation package to save on the expenses later.

For those who want to see beautiful sea creatures without getting into the water, an underwater restaurant lets you admire the exotic marine life as you savor the delectable eats served by top-rated chefs.

Recommended spots:

• Ithaa Undersea Restaurant: Dine 5 meters below the surface level at the world’s first and only all-glass undersea restaurant, Ithaa. Located in the Conrad resort on Rangali island, make reservations before as seating is limited. 
• Minus Six Meters: One of the cheapest underwater restaurants in the Maldives and is available for free if you choose to stay at OZEN (the hotel where it’s located) for 4 nights or more. 

Good to know: Make a reservation at sunset so you see how the light of the sun changes the views of the ocean and the overall atmosphere of the restaurant.

Ready to include these top things to do in the Maldives in your itinerary? Before planning your tropical getaway, find out the best time to visit the Maldives and our curated Maldives tour for further inspiration. Want more help? Reach out to our travel experts who are always ready to help you create a customized vacation to Maldives.