What to do in the Maldives

10 unforgettable experiences in the Tropical Paradise of the Maldives

The Maldives, an archipelago of 1,200 islands scattered in the Indian Ocean and 26 atolls, epitomizes a tropical paradise. With its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and exceptional marine biodiversity, it offers an ideal escape for those seeking tranquility, aquatic adventures, and unparalleled luxury.

Maldive Foto: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April, during the dry season when the weather is sunnier and there is less rainfall, ensuring ideal conditions for outdoor activities and marine life observation. The months from May to October constitute the monsoon season, with more abundant rains and variable weather conditions.

Out of all the islands, only 200 are inhabited and are famous for their exclusive resorts, where every detail is carefully crafted to ensure a magnificent experience. Beyond relaxation, the Maldives offers a range of exciting and culturally enriching activities that create indelible memories, making the vacation truly unforgettable.

Each island, with its resorts, ensures relaxation in the sun on fine white sand beaches, soothing massages in spas, even underwater; private picnics on sandbanks; diving to swim alongside ocean fish, and dances with locals under a starry sky. The wide range of activities to discover the Maldives in fascinating ways enriches every trip with moments of pure enchantment and adventure.

The 10 unforgettable experiences to have in the Maldives are:

1. Snorkeling among the corals

Baa Atoll, recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is one of the best places for snorkeling due to its extraordinary marine biodiversity. Noonu Atoll offers similar sites where you can swim among schools of colorful fish and vibrant corals. On many islands, you can independently access the coral reef directly from the beach. It is important to use eco-friendly equipment and not touch the corals to preserve the marine environment. The dry season, from November to April, offers the best underwater visibility.

2. Scuba Diving

Ari Atoll is the ideal place for diving, thanks to its abundant marine life, including manta rays and whale sharks. Usually, each resort has a dive center, and on many islands with guest houses, it is common to find more than one. It is advisable to book diving excursions through certified resorts that offer expert guides and safe equipment. Night dives are an exciting option to see nocturnal species and bioluminescence.

3. Sunset Cruise

A sunset cruise around Malé Atoll offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and comfort. Many operators include luxury services such as gourmet dinners and cocktails on board, making the experience unforgettable. Several other islands in the Maldives offer similar experiences organized directly by the resorts, which make sure to offer boat trips to admire the sunset from the crystal-clear waters with truly exclusive views.

4. Night fishing

Vaavu Atoll is known for its rich fishing waters. Night or sunset bottom fishing is a fascinating adventure that allows you to catch local species under the stars, in the dark and in silence. Bottom fishing is a traditional technique using a line with hooks and a weight to keep the hook near the seabed. Many resorts organize this experience on traditional Maldivian boats and, after the boat trip, prepare the catch as part of a personalized dinner, offering a fresh and delicious taste of local cuisine.

5. Desert island excursion

Lhaviyani Atoll offers numerous deserted islands, ideal for a day trip. It is essential to respect the environment by not leaving waste and not disturbing the local wildlife. Some packages include snorkeling and picnic lunches, allowing you to enjoy serenity and natural beauty in complete privacy. During an excursion to a deserted island in the Maldives, you have the unique opportunity to enjoy private beaches, with fine sand and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing in the silence interrupted only by the sound of the waves.

6. Visit local villages

Maafushi Island is an excellent destination for those who want to discover traditional Maldivian life. During the visit, it is recommended to wear modest clothing and show respect for local customs. Buying local handicrafts can support the community's economy and offer a meaningful souvenir of the trip. In general, visiting local villages in the Maldives allows you to immerse yourself in the culture and daily traditions of Maldivian communities, strolling through quiet streets and observing the typical Maldivian houses, often colorful and surrounded by tropical vegetation.

7. Spas and wellness sanctuaries

Foto: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Huvafen Fushi Spa in North Malé Atoll offers unique underwater treatments with views of fish and corals. These deep relaxation sessions in a unique environment are very relaxing and restore harmony between the body and mind. In the Maldives, most resorts offer exclusive treatments in their spas, often performed near the sea or immersed in natural vegetation to make the experience even more unique, to be tried alone or in pairs.

8. Water sports

Dhaalu Atoll is a paradise for water sports, with ideal conditions for kite surfing, windsurfing, and jet skiing. Beginners can benefit from courses offered by qualified instructors, while more experienced enthusiasts can rent high-quality equipment. Many resorts in the Maldives offer relaxing canoeing, windsurfing, snorkeling, and diving trips. Other facilities also offer different experiences with banana boats, jet skis, wakeboarding, kitesurfing, parasailing, or catamaran rides around the coral reefs.

9. Beach Yoga

Beach yoga sessions at sunrise or sunset offer a serene and rejuvenating way to start or end the day. Amilla Fushi and other resorts offer regular classes with expert instructors in breathtaking environments. Practicing yoga in the Maldives is a wellness ritual immersed in an environment of extraordinary natural beauty. Yoga sessions often take place in idyllic locations: on white sandy beaches, on piers extending over crystal-clear waters, or in the peaceful gardens of the resorts, offering a breathtaking view of the ocean that helps strengthen the sense of calm and connection with nature.

10. Stargazing

The Soneva Fushi observatory in Baa Atoll allows guests to admire the stars in one of the clearest skies in the world. Guided stargazing sessions are available year-round, with state-of-the-art instruments and expert astronomers. Stargazing in the Maldives is a magical experience anywhere, on any island or atoll, thanks to the exceptionally clear night skies minimally affected by light pollution. Immersed in the tranquility of the islands, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the celestial vault, with bright constellations and the Milky Way visible to the naked eye.

Text by Alisè Vitri

Avion Tourism Magazine

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Discover The Maldives from Milan Bergamo

From Milan Bergamo Airport, you can reach Malé, the capital of the Maldives, with a convenient connecting flight operated by flydubai, including a brief stopover in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

AIRLINE	STOPOVER	OUTBOUND FLIGHT	RETURN FLIGHT
flydubai	DUBAI	2h 30min airport transit	1h 40min airport transit

Check the flight schedule for Dubai and book your trip to experience unforgettable activities like snorkeling and diving among vibrant coral reefs, relaxing on pristine white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, and staying in luxurious overwater bungalows while enjoying breathtaking sunsets.

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Where to sleep in The Maldives

Malé and the Maldives offer various possibilities for staying in facilities equipped with the best services.

To find the ideal hotel and the best offers you can do a search for the stars but also for atolls or landmarks.

STARS

Hotels for stars, differentiated by type of services:

LANDMARKS

Hotels in tourist areas

Villa College QI Campus

Sultan Park

Republic Square

National Museum

National Football Stadium

Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital

Henveiru Park

MALÉ ATOLL

Hotels in Malé Atoll

North Male Atoll

South Male Atoll

Male Atoll

MALDIVES

Hotels of the Maldives

Maldives

AIRPORT

Hotels near the airport

Malé Airport (MLE)

FERRY TERMINALS

Hotels near ferry terminals

Villingili Ferry Terminal

Velana Airport Ferry

Hulhumale Ferry Terminal

TOURS AND EXCURSIONS IN THE MALDIVES

In the Maldives, each day offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in a different adventure thanks to a wide range of tours and excursions available to visitors. These experiences are designed to make the most of the archipelago's natural beauty and rich marine life. Each tour or excursion in the Maldives is crafted to enrich the travel experience, allowing you to discover the diversity and charm of this tropical paradise. Whether it's venturing beneath the sea's surface or exploring the local culture, the Maldives offer something memorable for everyone. You can choose from excursions for water sports, snorkeling and diving, or sunset fishing on beautiful Maldivian islands reachable by boat.

Partnership with GetYourGuide

Boat tour to Himmafushi Island

Isola di Himmafushi, Maldive Foto: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Pickup from Hulhumale Island and a day boat tour to Himmafushi Island with a tour guide. Cross the dolphin channel and then to Stingraf Reef for snorkeling among the coral reefs. Duration: 6 hours. Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and full refund. Info and tour booking.

Speedboat tour to Maafushi Island

Isola di Maafushi, Maldive Foto: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Speedboat tour to Maafushi Island in the Maldives, with water activities and snorkeling equipment provided. Sail to Biyadhoo and its coral reef, then to Turtle Reef and Banana Reef with underwater landscapes and sea turtles. Followed by a dolphin cruise. Relax on Oidhuni Beach and lunch. Departure from Maafushi, Kaafu Atoll. Duration: 8 hours. Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and full refund. Info and tour booking.

Speedboat and snorkeling tour in the Coral Gardens

Departure from the main port of Maafushi with a covered speedboat to reach the coral garden. Snorkeling equipment provided to explore colorful corals and the turtle reef. Lunch on a sandy beach and end the tour in an area often frequented by dolphins. Duration: 5 hours. Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and full refund. Info and tour booking.

Sunset fishing in Hulhumale

Isola di Hulhumale, Maldive Foto: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Guided tour for a sunset fishing trip departing from the excursion pier in Hulhumale of North Malé Atoll. Fishing gear and bait are included. Sunset near the coral reef for the fishing excursion. On request: barbecue dinner at a local restaurant. Duration: 2 hours. Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and full refund. Info and tour booking.

Discover all the tours and excursions