Joanna James
A premier destination for sun, sand, and surf lovers, the Maldives is the ultimate luxurious escape. But beyond the allure of the ocean and coral islands, this tropical destination has evolved to offer visitors unique activities. Check out this list of underrated attractions to enjoy in the Maldives.
You may have heard about underwater restaurants in the Maldives; well, believe the hype because this is one experience you don't want to miss. Underwater restaurants in the Maldives offer guests a chance to enjoy gourmet meals in submerged glass-panelled rooms. Patrons are treated to undivided views of the ocean bed and surrounding activity. Popular underwater restaurants in the Maldives include SEA, which also boasts one of the world's first underwater wine cellars, coupled with amazing views of marine life. Located at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, this is one example of how creative dining at Maldives 5-star resorts can be.
Baa Atoll resorts are well known for spotting hawksbill sea turtles, who use the surrounding waters as feeding and playing grounds. Swimming with the turtles is a unique experience for you to enjoy. Check with your resort about snorkelling tours where you get to enjoy first-hand interactions with the turtles, and choose tours that are conducted sensibly so as not to disturb the gentle creatures. Remember to take along your underwater cameras for exceptional shots of your amazing adventure.
This is an enchanting experience that you can enjoy during a summer visit to the Maldives. The Sea of Stars refers to the presence of bioluminescent phytoplankton, a type of plankton found in the reef. The movement of the waves causes the plankton to glow, creating an ethereal effect when viewed at night. The Raa Atoll is most popular for viewing this magical phenomenon and can be found around the beaches of Vaadhoo Island.
The Island of Dhigurah, known as Long Island, is a winding stretch of beach that keeps changing shape due to the effects of the surf. Located on the Dhaalu Atoll, easy to reach via speedboat from your Maldives resort, this stretch of beach is a unique attraction in Maldives, snaking along the Indian Ocean. Made up of coral and sun-bleached white sand, the island is home to breadfruit trees that attract a large population of Indian Flying Foxes, recognised as one of the world's largest species of bats.
Located on the Baa Atoll, this fish market is a charming little place located close to the Dharavandhoo harbour. The waters surrounding the harbour thrive with various types of fish, including grouper and crevalle jack fish, so if you go there during the day, you can see families gather along the reef to fish using unique lures. As the sun sets, the fishermen head to the market building with their catch, and as they gut and clean the fish at sunset, you will see different types of stingrays gathering along the water's edge. This is a standard feeding ritual where the rays group to feast on the bits of entrail tossed into the water.
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.
