What to do in the Maldives

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Must-see Maldives attractions

The main tourist attractions of the Maldives are the islands themselves. But that’s not to say you have to spend all your time lounging in a palm tree-strung hammock or swimming in the azure sea. There are plenty of other activities to try. So read on to find out more about what there is to do in the Maldives.

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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.

Snorkelling equipment

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.

Group of people scuba diving in the Maldives

Katie McGonagle

Expert's tip

Some resorts charge for specialist pursuits such as scuba diving, so find out if there’s any saving to be made by booking in advance.

Katie McGonagle - Maldives expert
Read more


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.

New old Friday Mosque

Events to put in your diary

Maldives events

Independence Day; July: Especially grandiose in Malé, where the official celebrations involve processions and floats, this festival commemorates the Maldives’ independence from British rule on July 26, 1965.

Bioluminescence; July-November: The Maldives are a great place to see bioluminescent plankton washing up and glowing neon blue, like a mirror of the stars. It is difficult to predict exactly when or where one of nature’s most captivating shows will occur, though. Your best chance of spotting it is between July and November when the coastal waters are warm.

Eid-ul Al’haa; September: Usually held during early September (the exact date changes annually according to the Islamic calendar), Eid-ul Al’haa is a jubilant festival celebrated with parades, musical events and large banquets.