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The Best Things To Do in the Maldives
Written by Emily Jacobs
From tranquil aquatic adventures to romantic beachfront picnics and exciting zip-lining, these are our pick of the top things to do in the Maldives.
While many may be content with a flop-and-drop holiday in the Maldives, this collection of breathtaking islands is home to a wealth of incredible experiences for couples, families and friends alike. From stargazing to snorkelling, picnics to padel tennis, there are countless things to do across the archipelago’s 26 atolls – the hardest part will be choosing what to do first.
Read on for our list of things to do in the Maldives.
Zip-line to dinner at Soneva Fushi
Tighten your harness, it’s time to take to the skies before dinner at Flying Sauces – the world’s first fine-dining zip-line experience at Soneva Fushi. Glide from The Den along a 200m zipline, taking the scenic route to the elevated dining platform sitting 12m above the ground. Gaze upon the sparkling ocean as you savour a seasonal menu inspired by ingredients picked from the resort’s organic gardens and seafood caught by local fishermen.
Take a glass-bottom canoe adventure
Paddle across the sparkling blue ocean while admiring the wonders that lie beneath with a glass-bottom canoe adventure at Kagi Maldives Spa Island. When it comes to things to do in the Maldives, there should be no compromise – admire the crystal-clear waters from above, while also glimpsing at the underwater wonderland below. Wave hello to tropical fish as you paddle, admire the colourful coral, or simply take in the stunning views from your perfect perch.
Glamping under the stars
Take front-row seats to all the night-time action at Amilla Maldives, where you can sleep under the stars in a high-tech immersive pod. Hide away in the lush jungle in a private bubble, complete with a plunge pool, steam room and sauna, and wait for the sun to set. Spend the evening gazing up at the millions of stars across the clear night skies, before waking to sights and sounds of birds and butterflies. Enhance your stay even further with added packages: a private barbecue dinner or cinema screening with popcorn and pizza for two. Available exclusively for hotel guests.
Live like a mermaid
Delight your inner child by becoming a mermaid for the day at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort, donning an iconic tail while earning a PADI diploma. With four skill levels to choose from, even those with no diving or snorkelling experience can take part. Visit the Suvadiva Diving Centre to collect your full-sized tail and meet the expert instructor, who will share their top tips to get you gliding through the water just like Ariel. If living out your mermaid dreams wasn’t on your list of things to do in the Maldives already, it should be!
Snorkel with a marine biologist at Soneva Jani
Discover the biodiversity of the Noonu Atoll with a snorkelling adventure led by a marine biologist at Soneva Jani. Keep an eye out for native sea turtles and manta rays as you admire magnificent Maldivian marine life, creating new memories with the entire family. For a unique experience, wait for the sun to set to join the creatures below for a night snorkel. Available exclusively for hotel guests.
Embrace your competitive side at One&Only Reethi Rai
A list of things to do in the Maldives shouldn’t just include water-based activities: there’s plenty to pique your interest on land too. At One&Only Reethi Rai, play is the name of the day at the exclusive Club One. Choose from padel, tennis, beach volleyball, pétanque and football, with dedicated courts for each dotted around the tropical gardens. Looking for an individual activity? The outdoor climbing wall, The Rock, is sure to challenge your upper body strength. Available exclusively for hotel guests.
Learn the lost art of lacquer at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort
Small-scale arts and crafts have fallen out of fashion the world over, but the artisans of Thulhaadhoo are working to keep the art of Maldivian lacquer handicraft alive. Play your part as you join local craftsmen to discover the technique behind ‘Liye Laajehun’ at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort. Watch as these talented artisans demonstrate this unique skill, before trying your hand at your own lacquerware pieces. You can even take a souvenir piece home with you, a great way to remember a fantastic holiday. Available exclusively for hotel guests.
Greet the sunrise at The Signature Collection by Hideaway
Start your day with an unforgettable sunrise cruise at The Signature Collection by Hideaway. Board a traditional Maldivian-style Dhoni boat before the sun peeks out from behind the horizon, and watch the surrounding landscapes come to life as the light hits the azure waters and lush jungles. Enjoy the simplicity of one-on-one time with your beloved or family, before returning for breakfast at The Oasis. Available exclusively for hotel guests.
Cast away with a picnic at Six Senses Kanuhura
This private island experience will have you adding ‘cast away’ to the top of your list of things to do in the Maldives. Live like Robinson Crusoe on the deserted Massleggihuraa Island, just a 10-minute boat ride from Six Senses Kanuhura. Embrace the luxury of space and time as you relax under coconut trees, swim in the turquoise waters, or say hello to the tropical fish below via snorkel. The resort chefs will make sure you don’t go hungry, with a light lunch, dessert and bottle of wine to keep you fed and watered throughout your visit. Available exclusively for hotel guests.
Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out 8 Unique Experiences in the Maldives.
