Joanna James
Ah, the Maldives, a tropical destination that is loved by all as a famed honeymoon destination, a sun worshipper's paradise, and a topical haven for exploring the Indian Ocean. Since nothing works like good planning to enhance your holiday, here's a list of top experiences to savour in the Maldives.
Head over to the capital island, Male, where you can hop aboard a submarine for some underwater exploration without getting wet. Sub-tours are among the most popular things to do in Maldives with family and are ideal for ensuring everyone, regardless of age, has a chance to see the splendours of the Indian Ocean, below the waves. The submarines dive to depths of around 30 metres where plenty of activity and gorgeous corals can be seen. You will be able to enjoy a first-hand view of the sealife as pretty coral fish dart around the view holes, while bigger critters like turtles, reef sharks, and more are often spotted by lucky passengers.
This too is a popular family activity in the Maldives, especially since snorkelling is a no-fuss sport. All you need are fins, a mask, and a snorkel, and you are good to go. The equipment can be your own or hired. Once kitted up, head over to the nearest beach of your Maldives resort and swim out to the nearest reef. The verdant reefs surrounding most Maldives hotels are teeming with all types of marine life, and it's not uncommon to have a friendly dolphin swim up alongside you. Most resorts like Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives offer snorkelling tours, to make sure you don't miss out on the hot spots when out and about exploring the gorgeous Indian Ocean.
The Maldives is famous for its dive spots and is listed as one of the best tropical locations for rewarding dive experiences. Even if you have never dived before, you can enjoy the experience because top resorts in the Maldives offer guests a chance to learn from experienced instructors and even earn their PADI dive certificates. This option is available to children over the age of 10, making it another top family activity to try in Maldives. Scuba diving in the warm Indian Ocean will reward you with sights of giant manta rays, turtles, reef sharks, the elusive whale shark, and many other exotic creatures, as well as sights of pretty coral in all shapes and sizes.
As an archipelago of over 1,000 islands, the Maldives is not short on the perfect surf spot for you to enjoy some cool waves. Ask your Maldives resort about organising a surf safari and you can live the ultimate dream, surfing and exploring tropical locations. Best of all, most resorts in the Maldives are happy to offer surfing lessons for the youngest members of your family, with some putting together surf camps for kids to learn the basics.
With over 1,000 islands to explore, you certainly don't want to miss an island-hopping tour. Another popular family or group activity, island hopping tours offer the ultimate experience in Maldives. You can visit both the uninhabited and local islands for a taste of both worlds. You may start with a picnic and some swimming on an isolated island, after which you will be taken to a local island to experience the lifestyles of locals. If you are lucky, you could watch a fresh catch being brought in by the fishermen, get invited to a home-cooked meal, and even listen to a few stories retold by the elderly about the nation's beginnings.
Book an over-water bungalow at one of the luxury Maldives resorts and enjoy a stay on the calm, clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Wake up to the sights of a gorgeous sunrise and dive right into the warm waters for a refreshing swim. An out-of-this-world experience, over-water villas come equipped with plunge pools and terraces for the ultimate luxurious experience.
Soaring above the archipelago is one of the best for a 360-degree view of the islands. You can ask your resort for details about booking a sea plane and flying above the archipelago to enjoy pristine views of the ocean dotted with the coral islands. It's the type of rewarding experience you and your family will remember for many years to come.
There is nothing more rewarding than good food and great vibes. Dining on the soft sand beaches can be requested from your resort. It's a wonderful way to feel one with the ocean, as you enjoy your meal to the soothing sound of waves lapping at the shore. Take off your shoes and tuck your feet into the soft sand as you tuck into some delicious lobster, looking forward to a walk along the shore once your meal is done.
Sundown cruises are popular in the Maldives as romantic experiences. However, taking one with the family is also memorable. You will sail into the arms of the Indian Ocean just as the setting sun is causing golden hues to spread across the vast sky. Being on the ocean as the sky is engulfed in shades of orange is magical, and as the first stars begin to twinkle in the sky, break open a bottle of bubbly, and soda for the kids, to celebrate your great Maldivian adventure.
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.
