
9 Best Things To Do In Maldives
Are you dreaming of turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and epic sunsets? Then the Maldives is calling your name! This dreamy island nation is not just about luxury resorts; it’s also packed with exciting experiences you won't want to miss. From snorkelling in vibrant coral reefs to dining underwater and exploring local islands, there is so much more to do in the Maldives than just relaxing by the beach. Whether you are planning your first trip or looking for something new to try, this travel guide to Maldives has got you covered.
In this blog, we have rounded up the 9 best things to do in Maldives that will turn your vacation into an unforgettable adventure. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your sunglasses and let’s dive into paradise in the Maldives style.
9 Things to do in the Maldives For an Unforgettable Vacation
Here, we have listed things to do in the Maldives islands to make sure that you make the most of your time in this paradise.
1. Go Snorkelling & Scuba Diving
If you are dreaming of a surreal underwater world, snorkelling and scuba diving in the Maldives will blow your mind. The crystal clear waters here give you front-row access to vibrant coral gardens, sea turtles, reef sharks, and schools of tropical fish. Most resorts offer guided dive tours and PADI-certified instructors for beginners. All you have to do is book a trip to Maldives and dive into sites like Banana Reef and Fish Head, which are globally recognized for their rich marine biodiversity. Trust us when we say this, once you dip in, the underwater silence and colourful views will feel magical. Even if you are on a budget, many guesthouses arrange affordable excursions, making it perfect for those following a cheap travel guide to Maldives.
2. Swim with Manta Rays and Whale Sharks at Hanifaru Bay
Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Hanifaru Bay is one of the most spectacular places on Earth to swim with manta rays and whale sharks. These gentle giants gather here in large numbers between May and November especially during the full moon. Imagine floating in warm turquoise waters surrounded by dozens of majestic mantas gliding past you. Sounds surreal, right? And if you are lucky enough, then you can even spot whale sharks too. If you are planning a Maldives vacation, then this experience is a must to add to your itinerary. Make sure to bring a waterproof camera and book early if you are coming during the peak season.
3. Explore the Maldives Victory
Diving into history is possible when you explore the Maldives Victory shipwreck - literally! This 110-meter-long cargo ship sank in 1981 near Hulhule Island and has since become a legendary dive site. Encrusted with corals and teeming with marine life, it’s like swimming through a time capsule. If you are an advanced diver, then you will definitely love this place for its depth, as it is about 35 meters deep. It also gives you the chance to spot big fish like groupers and barracudas. You will feel like a true explorer as you swim past rusted staircases and cargo holds now colonized by sea creatures. It’s not your average reef dive, and if you are planning a Maldives vacation, this adventure deserves a spot on your itinerary.
4. Visit the Male City
Start your trip to Maldives by exploring Male City, which is the bustling capital that offers a peek into the reef island life beyond the resorts. Wander through the colorful markets like the Local Market and the Fish Market, where you will witness the daily hustle of Maldivians. Don’t miss the 17th-century Hukuru Miskiy (Old Friday Mosque) and its intricate coral stone carvings. Visit the National Museum to discover the country’s rich Buddhist and Islamic history. You can stop by Sultan Park for a calm retreat or enjoy a coffee at a local cafe. Local eateries serve up delicious Maldivian curries and coconut-heavy dishes without breaking the bank. Ferries and public transport are cheap, and most sights are within walking distance. Male gives you a taste of authenticity and culture that’s both memorable and budget-friendly, which is perfect for any traveler.
5. Experience the Underwater Dinner With your Partner
Imagine dining under the ocean, surrounded by vibrant corals and groups of fish. Yes, you heard that right! The Maldives offers you this experience, which is perfect for couples on a romantic Maldives vacation. Restaurants like Ithaa or 5.8 Undersea offer a surreal dining atmosphere inside glass domes beneath the sea. You will be treated to gourmet seafood, fine wines, and a front-row seat to the marine life ballet. It’s not just a dinner; it is an exclusive experience that will make your vacation memorable.
Planning a romantic getaway? The Maldives is one of our top honeymoon destinations — perfect for couples seeking seclusion and luxury.
6. Sunset Dolphin Cruise
Nothing compares to the joy of watching dolphins leap and play while you sail into the sunset. Sounds like a movie, right? But here in the Maldives, you can enjoy a dolphin cruise where you will feel like you are in your dream. You will board a traditional Dhoni or a modern boat in the late afternoon and cruise through crystal clear waters with hues of gold and pink painting the sky. Dolphins here are known to be playful, often swimming right alongside your boat. The experience is peaceful and awe-inspiring, especially for couples and families. These cruises are available from most islands and are usually affordable, making them a great addition to both luxury and budget itineraries.
7. Explore the Beaches of the Maldives
The Maldives is synonymous with world-renowned beaches for its postcard-perfect beaches, but truly exploring the beaches here goes beyond just lounging. While islands like Hulhumale and Maafushi are popular, the Maldives tour itinerary should include lesser-known beaches such as those on Dhigurah, Thulusdhoo, or Fuvahmulah. These beaches feature powdery white sands that stretch for kilometres, framed by vibrant coral reefs and crystal-clear turquoise waters teeming with marine life. What sets Maldives beaches apart is their remarkable biodiversity, which is visible even from the shore. For example, you can spot sea turtles grazing on underwater seagrass beds, vibrant schools of reef fish, and colourful corals. Spend your early mornings and later afternoons on these beaches, which offer you the perfect conditions to experience the best sunset.
Make your honeymoon journey just as special as the destination. Experience comfort, extra legroom, and elevated service with Emirates Premium Economy Class
8. Soak in Spa and Wellness Retreats
The Maldives is not just a paradise for beach lovers but also a premier destination for world-class spa and wellness retreats, making it one of the major experiences in your Maldives tour itinerary. Treatments commonly incorporate indigenous ingredients like coconut oil, turmeric, and sea salt, offering signature massages, detoxifying body wraps, and revitalising facials tailored to rejuvenate both body and mind. Many spas are designed as overwater pavilions or garden sanctuaries providing soothing views of the Indian Ocean or lush tropical greenery. Soaking in these spa and wellness experiences will let you relax with the natural surroundings, transforming your Maldives trip into a memorable one.
9. Experience Bioluminescent Waters
One of the most magical and lesser-known things to do in Maldives is night snorkeling in the bioluminescent waters. This unique experience allows travelers to witness the mesmerizing glow emitted by microscopic plankton and other marine organisms as they react to movement in the water. Unlike typical daytime snorkeling, night snorkeling transforms the ocean into a glowing spectacle where every flick of a fin or hand lights up the sea with ethereal blues or greens. The best locations for this one are the remote atolls and lagoons around the Baa Atoll and Vaavu Atoll, where water quality and minimal light pollution enhance the bioluminescence effect. Night snorkelling also provides opportunities to spot nocturnal marine life such as manta rays and reef sharks, making it a must-do experience.
Looking for other tropical adventures? Explore our Bali travel guide for more beach escapes and cultural experiences.
How to Reach the Maldives
Planning a Maldives vacation involves a little bit of coordination, but it’s totally worth the effort once you are lounging on white-sand beaches under swaying palms. Let’s check out how you can reach the Maldives easily:
By air:
There are no direct flights from the US to the Maldives, so the flights you will book will have one or two stops. The main international gateway to the Maldives is Velana International Airport (MLE), which is located near the capital city of Male on Hulhule Island. The most popular connecting cities are Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, and Singapore. Airlines like Qatar Airways and Emirates. Turkish Airlines and Singapore Airlines offer excellent one-stop routes with seamless connections.
Once you land at Male Airport, your travel is not over yet. Depending on your resort or island choice, you will either take a speedboat, a domestic flight, or a seaplane transfer. Resorts near Male offer a 20-45-minute speedboat ride, while far-flung atolls might require domestic flights ( to airports like Maamigili or Gan). It’s always better to coordinate your international arrival time with your resort transfer schedule. Some seaplanes only operated during daylight hours, so a late-night landing in Male could mean an overnight stay in the capital city.
Conclusion
From serene beach lounging to thrilling water sports, the Maldives offers endless opportunities for you to enjoy your time at this paradise. Whether you are enjoying diving, snorkelling, a sunset cruise, or exploring the culture, every moment here feels straight out of a dream. No matter what your travel style is, you will find plenty of things to do in Maldives to add to your itinerary. So, are you ready to tick the Maldives off your bucket list? Then, book your trip to the Maldives with TravelPodium and experience paradise like never before.
Craving an island-city blend? Discover the vibrant culture and urban energy in our Manila travel guide.

Give us a call anytime at:
+1-844-635-4010