The Maldives are a chain of more than 2,000 islands located off the coast of India in the Laccadive Sea. The scenery is always stunning and the weather is always beautiful, making it a perfect destination for a vacation or honeymoon. When you’re there, consider the following things to do:
1. Snorkeling and Diving
Whether you are a beginner, experienced or fully certified diver, you will be able to enjoy the underwater landscape of the Maldives. Many places are shallow enough that you can see the underwater activity from the beach. If you want to get a closer look, try snorkeling. You can rent the equipment for a nominal fee at any of the resorts; in fact, most luxury resorts give you access to this equipment for free, and soon you’ll be enjoying the spectacular underwater life. Many resorts will also train beginning divers, so whatever your experience level, you can enjoy this activity in the Maldives.
You’ll discover more than 400 species of fish here, and almost every island has its own “home reef” to explore. You are also likely to see turtles, rays, and even baby sharks. If you want a bit of guidance, look for scuba and snorkel excursions to join.
2. Male Day Trip
Male is the capital and the most populous island of the Maldives. A must visit is the local fish market. In fact, some of the biggest fish you’ve ever seen are constantly coming in from local fishermen. Watching master butchers skin and fillet these amazing fish is an extraordinary experience; ask a vendor for a small slice of dried marlin for a tasty surprise!
The National Museum is an impressive structure containing historical items such as a variety of old Quarans, sultans’ clothing, police memorabilia, model ships and ancient weapons. It also contains some natural elements of the sea, such as coral.
The 400-year-old Hukuru Miskily Mosque and the Grand Friday Mosque, which seats more than 5,000 people, are worth a visit. Remember that this is a Muslim culture, so you should dress respectfully if you want to spend any time there.
End your tour with a stop at the Botanical Park, the highest point above sea level in the Maldives at eight feet. Be sure to enjoy an Indian-inspired meal here, too.
3. Island hopping
Life at your resort is much different than the way the locals live, so take advantage of one of the island hopping tours and visit a nearby island where the people are friendly and welcoming. You may see schools, cemeteries, and buildings made of coral and other natural materials. You’re also likely to find some quaint souvenir shops, but remember not to buy any protected items such as shark teeth, coral, or anything to do with turtles.
4. Water adventures
The Maldives are wonderful islands with pristine beaches and glorious water. While you may prefer to just relax, you can also enjoy renting a canoe, kayak, or catamaran. In most luxury resorts you will find that non-motorized sports equipment is free to use, so you can make the most of it and enjoy it on your vacation. You can also go surfing, whale watching, or take any number of day trips to look for dolphins. Fishing charters, both day and night, as well as sunset cruises, are also options.
Enjoy your resort amenities and take advantage of the many short excursions it has to offer. Explore your natural environment, photograph the incredible tropical flowers and relax on your island paradise.
