10 OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN MALDIVES IN 2022

 Looking for things to do in Maldives? You’ve come to the right place. Visiting the Maldives will transport you to paradise. With luxury bungalows extending over turquoise waters reaching out from the white sand beaches, the Maldives is a dream destination.

It’s true, over the water bungalows are a spectacular sight and those images are what drew us to the Maldives in the first place. But are there things to do in Maldives besides relaxing? Definitely!

The Maldives are made for adventure, water sports, and romance. We stayed at two private islands in the Maldives but we managed to do several day trips to explore the surrounding atolls and the capital city of Male. These are the best things to do in the Maldives for everyone!

1. Scuba Diving

Go Scuba Diving in the Maldives

The Maldives is one of the premier scuba diving destinations on earth and if there is one place you need to give it a try, it’s here. There are many affordable PADI dive centers where you can take a discovery dive if you are not certified, or sign up for several dive options to one of the many reefs.

The Maldives has an abundance of marine life for its stingrays, whale shark migration, reef sharks and sea turtles. The crystal clear blue waters offer incredible visibility and there’s no need for a wetsuit here, the water’s warm and inviting. This was definitely one of our favorite things to do in Maldives.

2. Snorkeling Trips

Abundance sea turtles in the Maldives

If diving isn’t your thing, snorkeling is a great option. The reefs are so pristine in the Maldives that you don’t have to go deep to see a lot! We went snorkeling with sea turtles and saw more than half a dozen munching their lunches at the reef.

Spending a solid two hours in the water, we also managed to see so much more marine life than just sea turtles. Snorkeling is truly one of the best things to do in the Maldives.

My favourite moment was being surrounded by immense schools of colourful fish flocking together as they floated with the tides. When three masses came together, we felt as if we were in our own giant aquarium.

• 3 Point Snorkelling Safari – a snorkeling trip to three different snorkeling locations.
• Submarine Tour from Male – Don’t want to get in the water? See the underwater world of the Indian Ocean while staying dry from a submarine.

3. Dolphin Watching

go dolphin watching in the Maldives

When we arrived at Cinnamon Hakurra, we asked our greeter what she thinks is one of the best things to do in the Maldives is. “Hands down, The Dolphin excursion” She said. So we decided to do it.

Just before sunset, we set out in search of pods of dolphins. It didn’t take long for our captain to spot one. We’ve seen a few dolphins in the wild, and we must say, the dolphins in the Maldives are some of the most active and playful we have ever seen!

We were also very pleased to see that the captain of our boat didn’t get too close to the dolphins or chase them too much. He kept a safe distance letting the dolphins swim off should they choose to do so.

4. Island Hopping

Things to do in Maldives – immerse in the culture

Believe it or not, there is a large settlement in the Maldives and many locals live and work on the islands. If you stay at a private island in the Maldives, make sure to book an excursion to visit the nearby local islands and communities. This was a great day trip around the islands.

The Maldives people follow a strict Muslim culture so be sure to dress respectably in long skirts/shorts and no spaghetti strap sleeves. I wore shorts but just brought a sarong with me to put on when we landed at the islands. Bring some cash with you so you can buy local crafts and jewelry as well.

5. Meet the Locals

Visiting local villages in the Maldives was a great experience.

We visited two local islands in Maldives – Mule, Island – the capital of Johnson Atoll. And Naalaafushee Island, a fishing village where we visited the fish market.

Walking through the concrete buildings, we were surprised that there was a proper downtown and square on both tiny islands with schools, community centers, and banks. These islands are probably the smallest inhabited islands we’ve ever seen, but there’s a lot going on there.

6. Surfing in the Maldives

Surfing is world class in the Maldives

The Maldives is a world-class surfing destination. The Cinnamon Dhonveli Hotel attracts top surfers from around the world to face its awesome break free from crowds. For adrenaline junkies surfing is, definitely one of the best things to do in Maldives.

The surfing was beyond our very amateur skill level, but each morning we loved watching the pros head out to face the pipe as we sipped our morning coffee.

This break is considered one of the best on earth and Dhonveli is even a stop on the pro circuit. If you aren’t a pro, don’t worry, there are other islands in the Maldives where you can take some surfing lessons.

7. Stand Up Paddle Boarding

SUP is a must on our own private island

If you aren’t into surfing, paddleboarding is another great option. You can paddle in safe bays with water so clear you can see fish swimming right below your boards.

The Maldives is great for (SUPping) because most islands are surrounded by calm shallow waters that only ebb and flow with the rising tides. Both resorts rent paddleboards.

8. Visit the Spa

Treat Yourself Go to the spa

The Maldives was made for romance and when visiting the island paradise, you must take some time to pamper yourself. Most people visiting the Maldives were couples and families and we highly recommend a couple’s massage for upping the romance factor.

As soothing music plays, skilled masseurs rub away the aches and pains from your long flight or day out in the sun. After an hour and a half of luxury, make sure you have nothing else on your to-do list for the day, as you’ll want to relish in relaxation.

• Read: Massage and Spa Etiquette – Tips from Stripping to Tipping. 
• Enjoy – The World’s Wackiest and Weirdest Spa Treatments 

9. Sunset Romantic Dinner

Book a private romantic dinner in the Maldives

I don’t think there is a more romantic destination on earth than the Maldives. If you are traveling as a couple and want to splurge on a romantic night out, this is the place to do it. While most food is buffet style in the Maldives, take a break from the smorgasbord and enjoy either a sunset beach or sunset pier dinner.

We found the meal to be a bit pricey at $220 per couple, but it did include a bottle of champagne, a private waiter, and a meal prepared right at your table. However, I think Cinnamon could do a lot better if they just made this option an upgrade from dinner.

10. Scenic Flight over Maldives Islands

Scenic Flights over the Maldives

There is something magical about seeing the different shades of water below as you fly over the Maldives. Many resorts require a flight on a twin-engine float plane to get out to them.

If you don’t have the good fortune of staying on a private island that requires a flight out over the Indian Ocean, we highly recommend booking a scenic flight over the many atolls. The islands create a pattern in the sea as the deep ocean crashes into sandbars and coral reefs.

Many islands are surrounded by miles of shallow waters low enough to wade through at low tide. From the air, you get a real sense of just how isolated and beautiful the islands of the Maldives are.