Joanna James
Ranked among South Asia's safest travel hotspots, the Maldives offers families an array of exciting and engaging activities. From exploring the country's rich marine life heritage to learning useful skills, here are some of the best things to do on a group getaway to the paradise isles.
As a once-in-a-lifetime experience, families cannot afford to miss a whale or dolphin-watching tour when holidaying in the Maldives. Although whale/dolphin-watching aren't year-round activities that are accessible to those who visit during the off-peak season, families that find themselves in the islands between December and March can sign up for these engaging tours. The ability to observe various dolphin species frolicking in the ocean will be a rare treat the little ones won't soon forget while witnessing a blue whale or a sperm whale out in the open seas can be an equally awe-inspiring encounter.
Families with a passion for sailing and boat cruises can also enjoy this one-of-a-kind outbound adventure in the Maldives. As a country that's made up of more than 1200 tiny islands, the Maldives boasts an environment and geography that's ideal for island-hopping. Sailing from one pristine uninhabited island to the next, families can immerse themselves in water sports activities including kayaking tours and diving expeditions during their island-hopping experience.
As an activity that's accessible at Furaveri Maldives and some of the best Maldives resorts for families, there's no need to venture far to enjoy the underwater coral gardens of these sun-kissed islands. With house reefs surrounding most resort islands teeming with fish species, snorkellers can simply step outside their beach villa to indulge in their favourite pastime. Families can also look into organised snorkelling tours that hit all the major snorkelling hubs around the country or their resort base with a local tour operator.
As a diver's dream destination, the Maldives also provides the perfect conditions for learning the basics of scuba diving for adults and children. Those who wish to become a PADI-certified diver during their stay in the Maldives will find dive centres and water sports schools offering intensive courses that are geared towards adults as well as Bubblemaker courses for kids as young as 8 years.
If your brood or little ones would rather discover the marine species occupying the Maldivian waters by other means they can always embark on a Whale Submarine ride instead. Offering families the chance to get a first-hand look at the shipwrecks, coral gardens and vibrant fish species inhabiting the Indian Ocean, this unforgettable deep dive down to the sea floor will enchant kids and adults with a penchant for deep-sea adventures and an active imagination.
Don't forget to add in a cultural and shopping tour of Male on your family getaway to the islands as it is the only location in the country where one can enjoy normal holiday pursuits such as visiting museums and picnics in public parks. In addition to a shopping spree at Majeedhee Magu and Chandanee Magu, those travelling with children should also spend time at the National Museum, Republic Square and Sultan Park on their day out in the nation's dynamic capital.
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.
