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Located in the Indian Ocean, Maldives is a tropical paradise that many people have returned to, time and again to enjoy its quiet serenity. Among other things to enjoy here are its brilliant beaches with soft white sands and crystal-clear waters, offering great scuba diving experiences and gorgeous sunsets. Long touted as a romantic honeymooner’s getaway, Maldives has reinvented itself into a holiday destination for anyone who loves its beautiful picturesque settings, delicious food and water activities such as surfing and snorkelling.
The islands are most popular for diving and snorkelling because of the warm waters and the near perfect visibility and the vast range of marine life. Most of the places to visit in Maldives are other islands which can be reached by boat or seaplane. There are often small fishing villages where guesthouses and homestays are available, affording tourists an inside view of the life of the islanders. There are several Maldives tourist places that you should try to see on your vacation, and here are some of them.
Once you’ve decided on which places to visit in Maldives, then do remember to check the SOTC website for offers on Maldives tour packages that will make your holiday hassle-free.
For now, let’s explore what Maldives has to offer its visitors. Here are a few beautiful places to visit in Maldives.
Known as Narizlandia, this is a group of natural atolls (a ring-shaped coral reef) in the Maldives. Narizlandia can be split into two separate atolls – the North Male Atoll and South Male Atoll. A trip to the Male Atoll (also known as Kaafu Atoll) comprises of all the glorious Maldives things to do, such as scuba diving, snorkelling, visiting heritage buildings on the islands, beach days, shopping at markets and more.
You probably have an idea of Maldives tourist places that you want to visit and a trip to Meeru Island should be a part of your plan. This island offers myriad things to do, in the sea, on land and in the air. Diving, golfing, cycling, swimming, kayaking and great music and entertainment make this a stop you won’t regret.
This reclaimed island, located in the North Male Atoll boasts of an almost unbelievable beauty. The sandy beaches, snorkelling, plush resorts, water sports and the warm hospitality from the locals will make this visit a relaxing and rejuvenating one. Don’t forget to take a cultural tour, book a sunset dolphin cruise or take a submarine trip through a lovely coral reef.
This is one of the most popular Maldives places to visit – a natural atoll that is so large it has to be split into the North and South. Over 20 islands in the atoll can be visiting by tourists, with incredible facilities, activities and entertainment available at each. Visit museums, mosques, white sandy beaches and discover beautiful dive spots across the atoll.
An essential part of your tour of the Maldives is the heritage buildings, landmarks and places of worship. Hukuru Muskiy fulfils all these criteria. The Old Friday Mosque is one of the oldest and beautiful mosques in Male. Made from coral boulders, it is regarded as one of the finest buildings of its kind.
Let us guide your feet towards Nalaguraidhoo - a precious island in the Maldives. The beauty of the island will fill your photo albums, while the snorkelling, beaches, upscale resorts and surrounding coral reefs with whale sharks and manta rays will leave you enthralled. This is an easy addition to your Maldives things to do agenda.
Soak in the sun and the spectacular views at this lovely island, found in the north of the Ari Atoll. Here, your experiences range from soothing spa visits, to incredible dining experiences (with a range of global cuisines) and secluded resorts built on the crystal-clear waters. Book your spot in a sea plane or by speedboat and make your way to one of the prettiest places to visit in Maldives.
If you’re planning on diving, one of the Maldives places to visit is Rasdhoo. Located in the Alif Alif Atoll, this tiny island boasts of beautiful beaches and an incredible reef to explore. You can also take a tour (with a guide) of the most famous snorkelling points in the region. Turtles, manta rays, dolphins, sharks and schools of bright fishes await you underwater, while glowing plankton lights up the beaches at night.
One half of the massive Male Atoll, South Male Atoll offers a rich range of things to do and places to visit. Take a banana and tube ride in Maafushi’s turquoise waters. Go kite surfing, wave surfing and wind surfing, wake boarding, water skiing, scuba diving, parasailing and more. Explore the different islands, the blue lagoon and wind up a busy day by relaxing in a plush resort.
Swim in a sea of stars at the enchanting shores of Vaadhoo Island. All thanks to the glowing waves lit by incandescent blue plankton that glows at night. All you need to do is to take a quick, 15-minute speedboat ride from the main international airport in Male. This is definitely a trip you shouldn’t miss.
For a little ‘vitamin sea’, a trip to the lush Vilamendhoo island is a must. This formerly uninhabited island has been developed into a 184, 4-star resort called Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa. A crystal-clear lagoon, a rich reef, more than 50 diving sites and a range of water sports are what this amazing island resort has to offer. Cultural dances, disco nights, karaoke and live band experiences make the nights as fun-filled as the days.
A jewel of the Indian Ocean and of the Maldives, this island is a perfect paradise that boasts of blue waters, lush greenery and white, sandy beaches. With great dining, spa, water sports entertainment options, this is a wonderful place to spend some quality time with your family and friends.
Any travel guide must include the island of Baros, and so here we are. An island that offers wonderful experiences, you can book a private sandbank for an intimate meal, a party or wedding. Listen to some wonderful live music performances as the ocean ripples to its own rhythms, dine in the middle of a lovely lagoon, stargaze from the deck of your villa. Wonder is found in every grain of sand.
Hulhule Island holds its own when it comes to famous places to visit in Maldives, despite its proximity to Male. Experience lovely catamaran cruises, surfing (wave, wind and kite), sandbank picnics and all the fun and pampering you need during your trip.
In your tour of Maldives Island, a stop at Velassaru Island is a must. Luxury hotels and resorts, fine dining experiences, water sports, sunset cruises, big game fishing, night fishing, dolphin cruises, an underwater dive with a marine biologist guide, are the treats that you can look forward to at this blue, green and white destination.
Located in the Shaviyani Atoll, this is a small island, measuring around 22-acres. However, it packs some big experiences for you to discover. Have a romantic, candlelit dinner on the beach, try some of the unique spa treatments at the island, swim with manta rays, sail through the blue lagoons and dine at an undersea restaurant.
Malé, the capital of Maldives, is the main island that is populated densely and has some spectacular mosques which should be viewed architectural elegance. The National Museum here is a repository of ancient artefacts, weapons and thrones while Muliaage is a palace where several presidents have resided before. One of the must visit places in Maldives is the Hukuru Miskiy, an old and ornate mosque that has been built from coral boulders and its architecture uses sea culture. Other places to visit here include Villingili, an island in the North Male Atoll.
This is the southernmost atoll of the Maldives, extending the island into the Southern hemisphere. There are several inhabited and uninhabited islands here, and as a result, this is definitely one of the places to go in Maldives. Some of the islands here include Kaashidhoo, Olhuveli, Maamendhoo, and Oluhali.
One of the top Maldives tourist places is Maafushi, one of the biggest islands here. It’s located in Kaafu Atoll not too far from Male. Maafushi island is great for those who want to enjoy the beach although the tourist areas of the island are all located on its southern end. Maafushi is great for snorkelling and sunbathing.
Another one of the places to visit in Maldives is Naifaru island which is popular for those who are into the adventure sports scene but it’s also great for those who love scenic quiet holidays. Its Sunset Beach is almost dreamlike in its ethereal beauty while the Marine Park is a good place to visit if you’re looking to see how endangered species of turtles are being protected. Most people however enjoy the rejuvenating spa experience at Palm Beach Spa which leaves them feeling refreshed and energised.
The island of Utheemu was once the home of the Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, who defeated the Portuguese invaders in the late 16th century. While there are the usual beaches with soft white sands and sparkling water, there are also heritage spots such as the Utheema Ganduvaru, the timber palace where the Sultan grew up.
One of the fascinating places to visit in Maldives is Maradhoo. Linked with Feydhoo island by a causeway, it’s a gorgeous small island that’s shaped like a finger. The sights of the ocean fringed with coconut palms is unmissable here. The islanders here and in Feydhoo are friendly, warm and welcoming. Do try to check out the local seafood cuisine here, which is a little spicy; so be forewarned.
One of the most renowned Maldives tourist places is Veligandu island, a luxurious island which sees more honeymooners and newly-weds than any other type of tourists. The stunning sunsets that glow beautifully in the distance are a good indication of why this is so. Veligandu, located on the edge of the North Ari Atoll, has opulent seaside villas and suites.
Maldives has developed into one of the topmost destinations for those who want to enjoy scuba diving. One of the best places to do this is at the Banana Reef. Shaped like a banana, the reef is known for the multi-coloured corals and sandbanks covered with seaweed that lie underwater. Countless number of people come here to enjoy the splendid sights of marine life including reef sharks, sponges and barracudas.
One of the hidden gems of Maldives is Thulusdhoo Island which seems to have a bit of the Caribbean vibe. The beaches here are pretty and if you’re lucky, you might get invited to join the locals for a delicious seafood barbecue right on the beach. Thulusdhoo is mostly known for surfing.
If you’ve seen a sun-drenched picture of the Maldives with stunning blue waters ringed by white sands, then the picture is about to get very real in Alimatha Island. This is a popular tourist spot known for the luxury cabanas and some really amazing scuba diving spots. Along with the tourists, there are plenty of divers here who want to see the beautiful marine life – morays and eels to name a few – with their own eyes.
This pretty isle is shaped like a boomerang and is known for the single resort there with rows of over-water bungalows made from bamboo and verandas that look out over the waves.
