Beyond Snorkelling - Discover 5 Other Cool Activities to Experience in the Maldives

Escape to a secluded paradise with a private meal on a gorgeous sandbank. These small islets of pure coralline sand surrounded by endless ocean can be found anywhere around the archipelago, easily accessible by speedboat and nearby island resorts. Enjoy a gourmet meal under the warm tropical sun, and experience the star quality of Maldivian hospitality, with meals and excursions arranged by your hotel. It's the epitome of luxury and relaxation moulded by the natural beauty of the ocean landscape. 

Embark on a thrilling overwater adventure, and spot spinner dolphins leaping over the Maldivian seas, bathed in the colours of the sunset. The northern atolls, including the North Malé Atoll and the lesser-known Meedhoo Atoll, offer some of the best dolphin-watching experiences in the country. Book a spot on a guided excursion provided by many resorts in the area, including a cruise around Maldives North Malé Atoll for dolphin-watching by OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, for the opportunity to witness these playful creatures up close.

For a unique Maldivian experience unlike any other, head over to the Sea of Stars, Vaadhoo island's iconic beach that lights up in a glistening blue glow during the last days of summer. Illuminated at night by a blanket of bioluminescent phytoplankton, this mesmerising spectacle bedazzles the waves that crash onto the shores of Vaadhoo. Witness this enchanting scene of a starry night sky brought down into the waters of the Raa Atoll, or several other spots around the archipelago, with a carefully researched trip to the island. Aim for the southwest monsoon season from April to October for a chance to catch this elusive, glowing miracle, although sightings are not always guaranteed. 

Explore the rest of the nation's stunning coastline and hidden lagoons by kayak. Many resorts offer kayak rentals, allowing you to discover secluded beaches and enjoy a peaceful escape from the crowds, at the leisure of your own pace. Glide past schools of reef fish flitting through the crystal clear waters, and observe their colourful coral homes below. The North Ari Atoll and Haafu Atoll offer some of the calmest waters for watching Maldives' renowned sea life underneath the gentle waves, or even the opportunity for bird watching. 

For a taste of the Maldives' 3,000-year-old cultural heritage, visit the local islands for a lesson on traditions and the nation's rich artisanal background. With thousands of years of trade and the resources of an abundant island paradise, Maldivian arts have been shaped by tropical, and multicultural influences from across the seas. Visit the central atolls to learn the art of coconut and wood carving, and create intricate sculptures inspired by the land and sea under expert supervision from master artisans. Or, learn to tame the rhythms of boduberu drumming, an 11th-century musical tradition accompanying dramatic ballads, that borrow significant influences from African culture.