Language: Dhivehi    |    Currency: Rufiyaa (ރ.)    |    Local time:UTC+05:00   |    Avg. Flight time: 12.5 hrs

Snorkelling

It’s as if the Maldives were designed with snorkelling in mind. Not only are the waters surrounding the islands home to more than 1,200 species of marine creatures, including sharks and turtles, the extensive coral reef barriers also help to create the calm conditions you need for snorkelling – one of the simplest and most enjoyable activities in the Maldives.

Scuba diving

For those who want to delve deeper beneath the water, the scuba diving in the Maldives is also world class.

Rub shoulders with hammerhead sharks and manta rays, or visit the wreck of sunken tanker British Loyalty, which is now encrusted with coral.

Whale Submarine

If you have children who aren’t yet ready to wade into the waves, you may be at a bit of a loss for ideas of what to do in the Maldives. But the underwater world isn’t out of bounds even to those determined to stay dry. The Whale Submarine in Malé takes you down into the watery depths while keeping you and the kids dry as a bone. 

Hulhumale

Worried about rising sea levels in Malé, authorities in the Maldives have begun building an alternative island hub, known as Hulhumalé. It’s not your typical tourist attraction, but this man-made island is nevertheless a fascinating place to visit. To get there, take the ferry from Malé.

Museum-hopping in Malé

So what is there to do in the Maldives’ capital, Malé? Try browsing in the Maldives National Museum, where you’ll see curiosities ranging from ancient coral carvings to modern Maldivian lacquer works.

 The coral-stone Old Friday Mosque and Utheemu Ganduvaru Palace are also worth visiting.