Joanna James
Often regarded as one of the most child-friendly holiday destinations in Asia, there's much more to do in the paradise archipelago than swimming and building sandcastles. Here are some of the best ways to spend time with children on a Maldivian vacation.
Tipped to be one of the most exciting things to do during a holiday in the Maldives, allowing children to witness the world's friendliest mammal in the wild is a gift of a lifetime. Four dolphin species are known to occupy the coast of the Maldives all year round so one need only to sign up with a dolphin watching tour to enjoy this once in a lifetime experience. Those who embark on these types of excursions sometimes get more than their money's worth so don't be alarmed if blue whales and other majestic marine creatures such as whale sharks also make an appearance.
Requiring no swimming skills or any special aptitude, snorkelling lets kids discover the beauty of the underwater landscapes and teaches them a great lesson in conservation all at the same time. Snorkelling activities are widely available in nearly every resort island in the Maldives as each one is surrounded by a shallow house reef that's teeming with fish species.
There is never a more apt time to pick up diving than during a vacation in one of the world's top diving hotspots. Available to both adults and children as young as 8 years old, diving lessons can be acquired through the many dive centres in the country or via your own hotel base. PADI certification courses aimed at children such as the Bubblemaker course is perfect for adventurous kids with a passion for the ocean.
Fashion-forward families in search of a day at the mall or a more conventional holiday activity will find that the local markets and trendy boutiques in Male are more than up to the task. Head over to the nation's capital to spend hours rummaging through souvenirs, clothing and accessories at the Chaandhanee Magu or visit some of the exclusive clothing stores in the city to find the latest designs by local fashion labels.
Involving the ever so comical hermit crabs, crab racing is a unique activity that's open to kids big and small on a holiday in the Maldives. Catching hold of several crabs, one can set them racing against one another on the beach in a friendly race that's bound to delight all those who take part. This is an activity that should be performed under parental supervision.
Whether one is based at Saii Lagoon Maldives or any other resort, sandbank swimming is one of the most popular things to do in Maldives for families. Serving as virtual kiddie's pools in the ocean, the shallow and perfectly safe sandbanks allow kids to splash around without the danger of drowning or being wiped out by big waves.
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