Joanna James
It’s the South Asian island paradise you’ve heard so much about. The Maldives, with its islands, beaches, and resorts, offers an array of adventurous water sports for the thrill seeker.
Owing to the enchanting marine life that thrives in fringing waters, the Maldives has become a top choice for diving. Divers of all skill levels can enjoy diving here, thanks to a diverse set of dive sites. If you’re new to diving in the Maldives, it’s best to join a guided tour led by an experienced instructor. They’ll make sure you stay out of trouble and lead you to the best dive sites. What do you find beneath the waves? A rich marine ecosystem with corals of all colours, stingrays, turtles, and whale sharks. The immense size of the whale sharks makes for an unsettling sight at first, but they’re completely docile. Diving is the single most sought-after activity in the Maldives, so many resorts and tour operators facilitate it for tourists. You can choose from an array of dive packages, most of which include training.
The Maldives’ hypnotising marine world sets the stage for snorkelling too, an activity offered by tour operators as well as resorts such as OBLU SELECT Sangeli Maldives. Even the complete newbie can enjoy snorkelling in the Maldives. What’s the difference between diving and snorkelling? Well, diving takes you into the depths of the ocean, while snorkelling allows you to stay somewhat closer to the surface. Both activities are equally fun and stimulating and allow you to delight in the magical sight of corals in Maldives, so take your pick.
This is one of the most thrilling and safest activities out there. You’ll stand on a board tethered to a boat, which pulls you across the waves. It’s as adventurous as it gets, but don’t worry – you’ll be fitted with life vests. Should you fall off the board into the ocean (perish the thought), the vests will ensure your buoyancy. One thing you cannot overlook is your ability to balance, which you’ll gain with practice. While it’s not required that you can swim, it’s preferred. Wakeboarding is best experienced between November and April.
Another thrilling activity that only the truly daring will undertake is parasailing, and the Maldives has the perfect setup for it. How does this unfold? You’ll be tied to a special parachute called a parasail, which is connected to the boat through a tow rope. As the boat starts to move, the parachute fills with air and lifts you up into the sky. Not only is this incredibly thrilling, but it also offers a bird's-eye view of the Maldives, This is a safe activity, so don’t worry about a thing. You can enjoy it on your own or in tandem with a partner.
Riding across the waves at incredible speed, with the wind in your hair, surrounded by nothing but the ocean – say hello to jetskiing! If it’s something you’d love to do, make sure your resort is among the few resorts that offer the activity in the Maldives. You’ll be sitting on a watercraft called a jet ski with an inboard motor, riding it across the water. Also, jet skiing is exceedingly noisy, so make sure you’re good with loud noise.
This is a non-motorised water activity that also doubles as an effective arms workout – so it’s a win-win! You’ll sit in a kayak, a small, narrow boat, by yourself or in someone else’s company, and paddle your way across the shimmering waters of the Indian Ocean. Also, kayaking is a guilt-free experience, as it has zero impact on the environment. It is also a great way to explore the shallow lagoons, hidden coves, and out-of-the-way sandbanks at your own pace. The best time for kayaking is from November to April, which is the dry season with plenty of sunshine and no chance of rain.
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.
