Joanna James
When it comes to pristine beach holiday hubs, there's no finer location than the Maldives. Apart from exploring the country's unique geography, here are some of the best activities to sign up for during a getaway in the archipelago.
Ranked among the best destinations for scuba diving in Asia, snorkelling is a part of nearly every Maldives Things to Do list due to the coral and marine life heritage of the seas surrounding the country. One need not venture far to experience an underwater wonderland occupied by dozens of colourful fish species as the house reefs of most resorts including Huvafen Fushi Maldives Maldives are abound with marine creatures. As no swimming skills are required, those who wish to enjoy a snorkelling tour of the Maldives will find that most local tour operators will include Banana Reef and HP Reef among other snorkelling hotspots
Those who would rather stay dry while taking a peek at what lies below the waves are welcome to experience a submarine ride in Male, the country's capital. Setting out at various hours of the day, the 45-minute tour allows travellers the luxury of exploring the submerged coral gardens and the fascinating fish species occupying the sea bed of the Maldives from the comfort of a well-insulated submarine. Whale sharks and shipwrecks are also often spotted on these journeys.
When it comes to scuba diving, one could hardly conceive of a more perfect location for the activity than the Maldives. Home to some of the region's most iconic dive sites including Manta Point, Maaya Thila, and Hammerhead Point, the countless shipwrecks littering the sea floors off the coast of the resort islands also make for intriguing tour options. Those who wish to learn the finer points of diving and bag a PADI certification while on holiday will also find that there are plenty of diving centres on the archipelago providing courses.
As a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness mammoth whales and playful dolphins in wild, taking part in a whale and dolphin watching safari is a veritable rite of passage for first-time visitors. Those who wish to sign up for this excursion must vacation in the Maldives during prime whale watching season, which also coincides with the peak tourist period from December to March.
Considered one of the most unique things to do on a holiday in the Maldives, dining underwater is a real possibility in the beach paradise, which is home to not one but three underwater restaurants. Head down to S.E.A, Subsix, or the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant to experience a dining encounter like no other where marine species swim past as your meal is being served within the confines of a glass cube immersed in the ocean floor. Don't forget to make reservations ahead of time as these restaurants are some of the busiest 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.
