Joanna James
As a leading family holiday destination, there's much to do and experience in the Maldives for children of all ages. From enjoying water sports activities to revelling in the more simple pleasures of a family getaway, here are 10 ways to keep the young ones entertained in the Maldives.
Swimming is not an activity that's safe for children of varying ages in most beach capitals but the Maldives is different as the sandbars surrounding most of the islands provide the calm waters ideal for young swimmers. The visibility and the shallow depths of the ocean in the Maldives also make it perfect for families to enjoy splashing around together.
As the friendliest mammals on the planet, a dolphin cruise is not only one of the best ways to spend time as a family in the Maldives but an absolute must for all visitors. Organized by resorts and private tour operators, the excursions guarantee sightings of spinner dolphins and other marine creatures for those who time their visit to coincide with the period when dolphins occupy the waters in large numbers.
Snorkelling is a widely available and easily accessible activity that's fun for all ages. Most Maldivian resort islands are home to a house reef teeming with marine life and tropical fish. This means all one has to do is grab a mask and a fin and just peek beneath the waves to see the wealth of marine life occupying the country's lush coral gardens.
The Maldives is the perfect holiday hub to pick up diving as a family. PADI certification courses and Bubblemaker courses geared towards children as young as 8 are available in a plethora of rests whether it's the Hard Rock Hotel Maldives or any other resort base in the archipelago. Maldives kids clubs also include diving lessons as a part of their outbound excursions on occasion.
Crab racing is an activity that's enjoyed by the young and old in the Maldives and is an essential part of on-site entertainment once the sun goes down. Pitching one's hopes on a winning runner and watching the crabs race to the finish line is a rare treat for travellers of all ages. Those who venture down to the beach with their kids are also likely to spot many crab varieties on the sand.
The Maldives offers so many boating or sailing excursions, families are likely to be spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting just one. From island hopping excursions to tours of private islands on yachts, signing up for a family sailing excursion is a great idea regardless of the time of year.
As one of Asia's premier fishing hubs, families can go fishing together in the designated areas allocated for the activity.
Kids Clubs in the Maldives not only offer parents a way to keep their children entertained during the holiday but also educating them in the meantime. Cooking demonstrations, yoga sessions and other engaging activities are part and parcel of most Kid's Clubs day plans.
The serene and tranquil surroundings of the Maldives lets families detox from technology and spend quality time together on the beach building sandcastles or playing games in the pool or the ocean.
From banana boating to Jet Skiing, explore the many family-oriented water-bound activities available in the Maldives.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
