Joanna James
Tipped to be among the world's best water sports hotspots, the Maldives offers vacationers a host of water bound activities. Here are 5 water sports every visitor must experience in the country.
As a sporting activity that can be enjoyed in nearly every resort hub in the Maldives, setting out on a jet ski is perhaps the best way to explore the pristine coastlines of the paradise archipelago. Often compared to riding motorcycles in the ocean, Jet skis are speedy machines that can accommodate two passengers. Those who are adept at driving a Jet Ski can hit the water with a loved one or travel partner and let lose among the waves while those who are inexperienced must hop on the back with an instructor driving the machine. The best time to go jet skiing in the Maldives falls between the months from April to October although there's no such thing as a bad time to enjoy jet skiing in the archipelago. It is also one of the few water sports that do not require swimming skills.
Often regarded as the perfect water bound activity for groups, banana boating involves bobbing around the ocean on a banana shaped inflated boat. As another activity where the ability to swim is optional, participants can simply don a life jacket and hold on to the person seated in front of them on the inflated boat and enjoy this bouncy ride across the waves. Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi and countless other hotels offer banana boating excursions as a part of their in-house water sports packages. A ride typically lasts about 20 minutes and it is little wonder this short but thrilling ride is a part of countless Maldives water sports holidays.
Considered a water sports activity with a futuristic flare, flyboarding propels participants high into the air. The hydro flying experience allows travellers to literally soar above the waves and catch a glimpse of the shoreline from a unique vantage point. Not for the faint of heart, flyboarding is a thrill seeker's dream come true and is mainly available on Maafushi Island and the Lhaviyani Atoll. As an activity that's not widely available those who wish to sign up for this one of a kind adventure should visit the Maldives in the dry season.
With its underwater landscapes teeming with marine creatures of a myriad hues, there's no better location to experience a scuba diving expedition than the Maldives. HP Reef, Banana Reef and Manta Point are just some of the best loved dive sites in the archipelago where wreck diving is equally popular. Those who wish to pick up diving or gain certification can sign up with a diving school in the Maldives and secure a PADI certification.
Gliding across the water at break neck speeds is one of the best aspects of water skiing in the Maldives. As a sport that's far easier to learn than wake boarding, travellers need only have a good sense of balance and decent swimming skills to enjoy this adrenalin pumping sport.
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