When you think about a trip to the Maldives, it is very likely that the first thing that comes to mind is its impressive white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Makes sense. With more than 1,200 islands and made up of 26 atolls, the Maldives is often related to relaxing tourism or even honeymoons , but beyond these topics, this Asian country is also a destination where you can enjoy numerous activities that They are only possible here, such as swimming with whale sharks –yes, you read that right–, discovering the beauty of luminescent tides or doing cultural tourism in its capital Malé.
In the Maldives, the temperature rarely drops below 25 degrees
Another virtue of the Maldives is its moderate tropical climate, thanks to the presence of the Indian Ocean, providing an almost constant temperature throughout the year. The climate here is determined by the monsoon system, typical for certain tropical and equatorial regions. There are two important periods: the season of the “dry” winter monsoon (iruvai) which blows from the northeast from November to March, which is the coolest time; and the humid summer monsoon season (hulhangu) which blows from the southwest from May to November. That being said, when is the best time to travel to the Maldives? It is best to do it between December and February, when the weather conditions are most benign and the waters are at their greatest clarity.
If with all this you have not yet decided on the Maldives, you should know that this destination is at the forefront in terms of sustainable luxury, where both institutions, governments and private sector companies work to offer quality tourism that respects the ecosystem. . Keep reading if you want to know the best things to do in the Maldives if you are planning to head to paradise soon.
Discovering the seabed, a ‘must’ thing to do in the Maldives
The Maldives are known for their spectacular coral reefs and marine life that is difficult to find in other areas of the world. Whether you’re an experienced diver, snorkelling or a first-time diver, you’ll be able to explore the colorful reefs and swim with tropical fish, sea turtles and sometimes even manta rays and whale sharks. According to the most experienced, the best atolls for diving in the Maldives are Ari, Addu, North Male’, Gaafu, Thaa, Baa, Fuvahmulah, Lhaviyani, Haa Alifu and Haa Dhaalu atoll.
Take a boat safari
This activity, also known in these parts as an “island safari”, offers a fun and relaxing way to get to know the Maldives, during a ride on a traditional boat called a “dhoni”. It is the best way to visit uninhabited islands and enjoy breathtaking views from the sea. There are some who take the opportunity to have picnics on completely secluded islands. Many of these excursions also offer visitors the opportunity to spot dolphins in their natural habitat and watch them jumping and playing in the waters of the Indian Ocean. Without a doubt, one of the great things to do in the Maldives.
To practice water sports
The crystal clear, warm waters of the archipelago offer the perfect setting for a variety of exciting water sports. The Maldives are a surfer’s paradise , with a wide variety of waves suitable for all levels. Top surf spots include Pasta Point in Male Atoll, Chickens in Lhaviyani Atoll and Jailbreaks in Kaafu Atoll. If we prefer to practice windsurfing and kitesurfing, the beaches of the Maldives are also perfect for these sports, thanks to their constant winds and calm waters, the most recommended being those located around the Male and Lhaviyani atolls. Other sports that you can practice here are water skiing and wakeboarding, activities offered by many of the country’s resorts, especially in atolls such as Male and Baa. Finally, those who prefer the tranquility of kayaking or paddleboarding and exploring the calm lagoons and canals of the Maldives will find numerous companies that offer the necessary equipment and advice for their practice.
Experience night fishing
One of the activities that can best connect the traveler with the local culture of the Maldives is to practice traditional night fishing in an illuminated dhoni – sailboat with motor or sail. A unique experience that allows you to fish under the stars and perhaps catch some local species such as snapper or tuna, but above all, understand first-hand the importance of this technique in the country, the main sustenance of its communities. The common thing is that, at the end of the excursion, the participants have a barbecue to taste the prey obtained. Can you think of a better dinner plan to do in the Maldives?
Swim with whale sharks in South Ari Atoll
One of the great attractions in the Maldives for those who want to experience strong emotions is the possibility of swimming with whale sharks. It is the largest existing fish, and the South Ari Atoll – also known as Alif Alif – is one of the few places in the world where it is possible to observe them in their natural habitat and interact with them!, specifically in the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA).
The whale shark measures up to about 12 meters in length (it can reach 18) and is believed to have lived on Earth for more than 60 million years. Despite its imposing appearance, it is a completely harmless animal, and only feeds on algae and plankton, so the experience does not entail any danger for the participants. Very close to SAMPA is Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives, an exclusive 5-star resort where you can live an unforgettable experience surrounded by the best adventure and fun plans.
Strolling through Male
Malé, the bustling capital of the Maldives, is much more than just an entry point to the tropical paradise of the archipelago. Although compact in size, this modest city offers visitors several attractions that make visiting it one of the things to do in the Maldives if we want to know how urban life develops in this country.
One of its highlights is the Presidential Palace, the official residence of the president of the Maldives that combines elements of British colonial architecture with traditional Maldivian touches. Another of its tourist attractions is the National Museum of the Maldives, it offers a window to the islands’ past through an impressive collection of historical artifacts and cultural relics. As the capital is not very large, it can be easily explored in less than two hours, during which time we can get an idea of life here. The area most frequented by tourists is the pier, so if you want to get some souvenirs from your trip, this is the place.
Visit the mosques of Male
In Malé there are two mosques that do not go unnoticed by visitors. On the one hand, the Malé Friday Mosque or Malé Hukuru Miskiy , also known as the old Friday Mosque. It is one of the oldest and most ornate mosques in the city. It was built in 1658, during the reign of Ibrahim Iskandar I, on top of an earlier mosque built in 1153 by the first Muslim sultan of the Maldives, Mohamed Bin Abdullah, after his conversion to Islam. Its architecture stands out for its large golden dome that corresponds to the Islamic Center, and which can be seen from different points of the city.
The Kalhu Vakaru Miski Mosque, in Sultan Park, is another must-see in Malé, being one of the oldest mosques in the country. It was built by Sultan Shamsudeen II in the 18th century and is built with coral stones and lacquered wood work. As a curiosity, each of the pieces of the mosque are designed in such a way that they fit together like a puzzle. There is no doubt that visiting both mosques is one of the best things to do in the Maldives if you visit its capital.
Taste Maldivian cuisine and visit the markets of Malé
We cannot say goodbye to Malé without visiting its markets, and learning first-hand about the country’s rich gastronomic culture and its most typical products. One of the most peculiar places to see is the fish market ; a lively market with a 100% local atmosphere, and where we can see the genre that has been caught that day.
Once we have seen the product displayed on the stands, it is time to get going and go to one of the restaurants in the city to try the typical dishes of the islands . The most famous dishes of Maldivian cuisine are gulha (fish and coconut balls); bajiya (a type of fried samosa); kulhiborkinaa (fish cakes); thelulikavabuu (kind of fish croquettes) and the popular mashuni salad. And if you like curry, Maldives is your place.
Be surprised by the bioluminescent waters of Vaadhoo Island
To the north of the archipelago are the beaches of Vaadhoo Island . An amazing and magical natural phenomenon takes place here that attracts visitors from all over the world: the sea lights up naturally. Bioluminescence is the ability to produce its own light that certain living organisms have, such as plankton and marine microorganisms. In the case of Vaadhoo, the phenomenon is due to the presence of bioluminescent phytoplankton in the waters surrounding the island.
When phytoplankton is disturbed, either by the movement of water or by the passage of an object through it, it emits a bright blue light. This effect creates a dazzling spectacle on the beach, where the waves glow with blue light at night, creating a surreal sight that looks like something out of a fairy tale. It should be noted that bioluminescence on Vaadhoo Island is more prominent during certain times of the year, especially during the rainy season and when there is little light pollution.
