Joanna James
Set amidst the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives provides the ideal island escape with plenty of adventures amidst the sun, sand and surf. Here are five fun-filled activities you should look to try on your holiday which will make it even more special.
Though there are plenty of water sports to choose from, snorkelling and diving in Maldives are two of the very best; they give you a chance to witness the spectacular coral and marine life that can be found beneath the waves at places like the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Some resorts offer easy access to house reefs where you can try both these activities. On your underwater escapades, you will not only see colourful coral formations but may encounter various types of sharks, vibrant reef fish, sea turtles and more.
Taking snorkelling excursions to a whole new level is the chance to go swimming amongst manta rays as they gracefully glide and sometimes even whirl through the water in the Maldives. Pool villa accommodation can be found at resorts in the Baa Atoll, ideal for those looking to enjoy this experience. From here, you can take guided trips to Hanifaru Bay, which between May and November, becomes one of the largest manta ray feeding spots in the world. Numbers are particularly high on full moon nights and if you're lucky, you may see baby mantas as well.
This is not an activity that gets highlighted on typical travel guides, but it would be a shame to miss it since the clear skies offer amazing views of the heavens above and its constellations. While you could use a personal telescope, to truly appreciate the mesmerising sight, you need a powerful one; an ideal choice to thus consider, would be to stay at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, home to the country's first overwater observatory. With the right equipment, you can look forward to seeing everything from Messier 13 featuring more than 300,000 stars and the Omega Centauri in the Milky Way.
What better place to enjoy scintillating seafood dishes than at an underwater restaurant; surrounded by the stunning views of a marine world, you have a chance to see tropical fish and even whale sharks swim by! Certain resorts offer such dining experiences which make for an unforgettable meal. Depending on the restaurant, you can enjoy fine dining and choose from dishes such as lobster salad, Scottish salmon, sea bass or pan-seared Japanese wagyu. Some venues even have an underwater wine cellar from which a fine selection is on offer that can be paired to perfection with your meal.
Not to be missed is the chance to sail into the horizon on one of the cruises on offer. A popular option and amongst the best things to do in Maldives is to take a dolphin cruise to spot these playful marine mammals. The previously mentioned Baa Atoll is one of the key destinations for this activity as well and you have a chance to see species such as spinner dolphins swimming wild and free. A more romantic journey awaits those on a sunset cruise; take in the magical sight of the sun dipping below the horizon as the sky is painted in fiery hues while you share some wine or champagne with that special someone.
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.
