An endless ocean, sandy beaches, sea salt that makes your beautiful waves as curly as the sea itself, and a hammock awaiting your presence – beckoning you to continue doing absolutely nothing. You haven’t done the Maldives trip right if you don’t start seeing the advantages of self–isolation again!
The Maldives is an archipelago of 1,192 islands in the middle of nowhere, or well, actually in the middle of the Indian Ocean, but who wants to get technical, right? The luxury getaway is where you need to be if you’re missing out on comforts – creature comforts, that is. But if you think this tropical paradise is just one beach bungalow after another, you are sorely mistaken!
Whether you’re planning a Maldives honeymoon trip or you just can’t wait for a sunny siesta, here are ten unique things you can do on your Maldives vacation that you probably won’t get to do anywhere else.
No, we’re not talking about the ones you see at your local aquarium shop (or bald-haired men). We’re talking about the real deal here. Swimming and snorkeling at Maafushi Island get you up close and personal with the giants of the ocean – including the docile yet magnificent whitetip sharks, grey reef sharks, and whale sharks that are native to the region.
Maafushi island is a coral reef. This makes it a “rainforest of the sea” as it attracts plenty of wild sea creatures of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Some are as cute as Nemo and Dory, and others look outlandishly otherworldly! As you watch grandpa sea turtles just rejoicing the moment, it’s hard not to slow down on a Maldives vacation. It doesn’t matter whether you’re there for business or pleasure because time is just a number here.
The lucky people who get to call this utopian dream their home, Maldivians, are just as interesting as the place they’re from. Malé, the country’s capital, is a bustling township with a rich culture and history. Undoubtedly, Sultan Park is the most famous attraction here. It’s the breathing zone of the city. So grab some sandwiches, pick a park bench, and just listen to the birds chirp all day long while you’re here.
If you want to get to know what life is really like in the country, a visit to the main market should suffice. You’ll want to be prepared to take in the sometimes-overpowering sights, sounds, and smells. Vibrant produce, yummy savories, and fresh-cut fish are the hallmarks.
From parasailing to scuba-diving, adventure on a Maldives family vacation covers heaven and the ocean. Although parasailing is available on all beaches, it’s most famous at Reethi and Cocoon beach. The shallow waters here make it the ideal getaway for people of all ages. Parasailing is a reasonably safe activity for most people. It’s a little bit of risk, but for a lot of rewards.
If you have the need for speed, though, crash into the waves on a jet ski to satisfy your adrenaline rush. Or kick it up a notch, and take a shot at kitesurfing, where you let the winds dictate your direction.
A memorable vacation in the Maldives is incomplete if you don’t step into underwater experience centers. Take your pick: a romantic underwater restaurant or a jazzy bar with your fave cocktail fixes!
However, the best underwater experience has to be the spa. As the gentle oils nourish you and the deep blue sea envelopes you, you’ll enter a state of calm that you didn’t know could exist! It’s therapy for the mind, body, and soul.
A sinfully well-spent holiday is a memory of a lifetime. But the impact you have on the Maldives could last longer than you. Cynical? Yes. True? Also yes. If you are passionate about sustainable tourism, the Maldives offers plenty of options for the most memorable vacation experiences. Plenty of resorts in the region have now embraced a no-plastic rule. Plus, you can ask to take a tour with a local marine biologist so you can learn more about the precious atolls that are in danger of coral bleaching. This can also turn into a teachable moment on your Maldives family vacation. You can also visit discovery centers that are passionate about conservation for your sea tour. You get to watch dolphins and sea turtles swim happily away, and your research guide gets income to support their cause – it’s an absolute win-win!
Sustainability lecture aside, nature is truly a marvel. Need proof? All you need to do is visit the island of Vadhoo, nicknamed the “sea of stars”. Under the moonlight, the beach here glows up in a bright neon blue. Watching the shimmering waves inch up to the sandy shores is a sight to behold. Bioluminescent phytoplankton in the water here is the magic-maker. Late summer to early winter is the best time to visit in Maldives to watch this spectacle. Plenty of resorts in the area set up candle-lit dinner patios. You, your loved one, and stars above you and beneath you – what more could you ask for?
Speaking of romantic moments, no trip to the Maldives is complete without taking a sunset cruise. Little can give you a sense of how small we are as we sail along a vast ocean towards an even more expansive horizon. It’s at this precise moment that one stumbles upon the realization that it’s okay if someone takes too long to get dressed, or someone else leaves the toilet seat up. Nothing matters – just an orange sky and a blue sea doing their daily routine. It’s best to take this cruise on the last leg of your journey so that you can joyfully carry a meaningful and memorable vacation and holiday souvenir as you land back home.
A helicopter ride brings you a bird’s eye view of the Maldives. You’ll be able to spot your vacation home as you fly away to the higher side. It’s a photographer’s dream! Whether you’re a frequent flyer or you’re scared of heights, there’s one thing you’ll truly appreciate from a helicopter ride – just how pristine the waters are in the Maldives. The sun’s rays dance over the wishy-washy waves, creating a truly magical scene. It’s all a medley of tropical colors from up above – lush green trees, white sands, and turquoise waters.
Lankafushi island is known for hosting movies. What’s unique about the experience? The large screen is set up against the ocean backdrop in the open air. Get comfy on the sofa, wade your feet in the sands, and grab a popcorn tub – this movie experience is like no other! Movie screenings change rotation quite often. So you’ll want to find out the streaming schedule beforehand. Some movie nights are dedicated to a fun Maldives family vacation, while others are best enjoyed with a drink and your partner by your side!
Sounds silly? It’s one of the best things you can do if you want to experience the other side of Maldives – the one that doesn’t face the beach. Take a ride through the villages in the region, find a local restaurant, and just order away. It’s the best way to experience the region’s authentic flavors. Heavily inspired by Indian, African, and Sri Lankan cuisines, the Maldives is well-known for spicy curries, fish cutlets, and thick broths. If you have a sweet tooth, try the Saagu Bondibai and Aluva Boakibaa – both coconutty delicacies.
A Maldives vacation is as easy as it gets when it comes to bureaucratic work. The government provides a tourist visa on arrival once you land there. It’s valid for 30 days. All you need is your passport, your vaccine certificate, a pre-paid hotel booking, and return flight tickets. You can extend your visa to 90 days if you need to.
Hope, you know about what top things to do in Maldives during your Maldives trip to make it more memorable and unique, what’s left to contemplate? Get packing, and head out to a tropical getaway that’s sure to rejuvenate your senses and give you everything you need for a spiritual detox!
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