Joanna James
The Maldives is a tropical archipelago located on the Indian Ocean. Boasting over 1,000 coral islands, it's a holiday destination of pleasure and adventure. Go there to swim with dolphins, island hop and enjoy an adventure. Here are five must-try things to do in the Maldives.
The Maldives is a top scuba diving destination; the archipelago is home to some of the best tropical dive sites in the world encouraging just about anyone to enjoy the experience. Yes, even if you have never explored the activity before, the fabulous resorts in the Maldives offer visitors a chance to earn their PADI diving certificates while on holiday. Most of the luxury resorts there occupy private islands and encourage guests to try scuba diving with the aid of certified coaches. Some of the better-known chains like Adaaran Maldives boast dive centres that take care of both novice and professional divers. Identified as one of the top activities to do in Maldives, diving in the Indian Ocean is an unforgettable experience. There are reefs, underwater tunnels and caves and coral in all shapes and sizes to explore. The warm waters attract a myriad of marine life from huge manta rays and gentle whale sharks to colourful reef fish, and turtles to friendly dolphins.
This one is tipped to be the easiest activity to enjoy in the Maldives. All you need are basic swim skills and you are good to go. You can hire the equipment or take along your own mask, fins and snorkel. Since the private island resort in the Maldives you will be staying at is surrounded by a house reef, all you have to do is swim out to the nearest cluster of coral and start exploring. Snorkelling is a family activity and one that brings plenty of pleasure and excitement, especially when your exploration of the reefs is enhanced by the visit of a friendly and rather curious dolphin.
A holiday on an archipelago boasting over 1,000 islands must include an island-hopping tour. Ask your Maldives resort about tours and book one to explore the nearest island on your atoll. Typically tours consist of a visit to an uninhabited island and a local one. Start off your adventure with a visit to an unoccupied island for a swim in the ocean, picnic on the beach and exploration of the interior wilds. Once done, head out to the nearest local island where you get to see how the islanders live. Some tourists are lucky enough to get invited to a family meal while others get to see a fresh catch of fish being hauled in. Take on the tour and make your private memories.
A top honeymoon destination, the Maldives has plenty of activities to encourage the romance factor; sunset cruises are one, although not entirely reserved for the romantic. Tours are generally conducted on a dhoni, which is a traditional wooden vessel that sets out into the ocean under a blazing orange sky. As the sun sets, you get to enjoy the sights, perhaps with a glass of bubbly in your hands. And as the stars come out, you can extend your experience with dinner onboard.
The Maldives is a 100% Muslim nation with a colourful history. Visiting the museums on the capital island Male will help you to understand the nation's beginnings, its fight for freedom from the colonists and its conversion to Islam. The Old Friday Mosque, built in the 16th century, is an attraction not to be missed; built with pink coral, the walls are adorned with Arabic inscriptions. Visit the cemetery in the compound and you can check out the ancient graves that mark the final resting place of former kings, queens and sultans as well as national heroes. There is much more to enjoy on the archipelago and your adventure starts with finding the best resort in Maldives for a holiday of romance, adventure and cuisine that's out of this world.
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.
