Joanna James
While the beach capital Maldives may be better known as a honeymoon hub, the paradise archipelago is an equally attractive travel hotspot for thrill seekers and adventurists. Here are 7 exciting activities tourists must add to their Maldivian holiday itinerary.
Marine life enthusiasts with a passion for whale sharks will find that they can embark on a truly daring deep-sea encounter with these magnificent creatures. As one of the largest fish species on the planet, whale sharks can grow up to be nearly 20 feet in length as adults. Despite their enormous size and formidable appearance, whale sharks feed on small fish, plankton and prawn so humans have nothing to fear from these gentle giants of the sea. This is why swimming with whale sharks is an exhilarating activity option accessible near Dhigurah Island in the Maldives. Home to nearly 350 whale sharks, this particular island is the best spot to engage in this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
While whale-watching and dolphin-watching tours are not accessible all year round, those who visit the Maldives during the peak tourist season from December to March must sign up for this unique activity. Offering travellers the chance to get up close and personal with the world's largest and friendliest mammals, whale and dolphin-watching tours are organised by local resorts and private tour operators.
If embarking on a Robinson Crusoe-like adventure is part of your holiday fantasies then look no further than island-hopping excursions in the Maldives to live out your childhood dreams. Sailing from one uninhabited virgin island to the next, tourists can not only enjoy snorkelling, diving and kayaking activities during these full-day or multi-day tours but also explore the tropical jungles occupying the interiors of these deserted islands.
Travellers staying closer to Male can enjoy the underwater coral gardens and the marine life heritage of the Maldives without getting wet thanks to Whale Submarine rides accessible near Male city. With the capacity to accommodate several dozen passengers, this submarine journey has allowed those with limited mobility and diving skills the chance to discover what lies beneath the surface of the Indian Ocean.
As one of the most popular water sports in Maldives, a scuba diving excursion can not only encompass underwater coves, cliffs and interactions with diverse marine species but also shipwrecks that have become thriving habitats for countless species over the decades. As an activity that's accessible to those based at Nova Maldives and similar resorts, some of the best wreck diving sites in the archipelago are found at Gaafu Atoll, Lhaviyani Atoll and Foahmulah Atoll.
While flyboarding may not be for the faint of heart, those who have imagined themselves flying above the ocean at break-neck speeds will find that this is a water-bound adventure that caters to their wildest fantasies. Only accessible on Maafushi Island and the Lhaviyani Atoll, flyboarding is only safe during the dry season.
If riding jet skis around the coastline no longer inspires the same level of excitement, perhaps it's time to sign up for a sea bobbing tour. As a new adventure sport that's making waves in the Maldives, participants will reach speeds of up to 20kmph on a sea bob.
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.
