Roland Lefevre
Blessed stunning beachscapes and coral islands the azure waters of the Maldives are ideal for every variety of water sports imaginable. The archipelago's top five water sports however are as follows.
Revered as one of the world's premier scuba diving hubs it is little surprise that the Maldives is a popular vacation destination for snorkelling enthusiasts. With its ocean floors littered with more coral species than any other location in the globe the archipelago is a vacation heartland tailor made for the engaging water sport. Home to more than 700 marine species, Maldivian waters play host to nearly 70 coral reef varieties. The best time to snorkel in the Maldives is during the period between the end of summer and the beginning of autumn season as one can spot whale sharks and manta rays on a snorkelling expedition. Other marine life frequently spotted by snorkellers include Wahoos, Butterfly fish, Jacks, Dogtooth Tuna, Fussilers aand Oriental Sweetlips. Napoleon Wrasses and Trevallies also make an appearance in the lagoon waters of the Maldives.
Often referred to as one of the best means of exploring the natural beauty of the Maldives sea kayaking reigns supreme among the paddle sports popular in the archipelago. Canoeing comes in as a close second as this age old activity is considered one of the most rewarding activities available to visitors. Traversing the Maldivian water at one's own pace both canoeing and sea kayaking expeditions can be enjoyed as a group although those with a flair for more adrenalin pumping paddle sports can take a jab at paddleboating or engage in a SUP course to learn the ropes of this fast growing water sports variety. Affectionately dubbed SUP (Stand Up Paddling) lessons on this new wave of water sport are available through a beach resort Maldives offers such as Adaaran Prestige Water Villas counted among one of the best resorts for active tourists.
Ideal for visitors hoping to explore the Maldivian islands and virgin beaches at leisure catamaran sailing is another preferred activity among seasoned visitors to the island collective. From engaging island hopping excursions in which visitors can sail from one pristine beach to another catamaran sailing affords visitors the freedom to uncover hidden treasures at a leisurely pace. Sunset cruises on board a catamaran are equally popular with honeymooners and other group vacationers in the Maldives as it is deemed one of the most magical and romantic experiences one could have in the country.
Blessed with warm, temperate waters and constant gusts of winds from all the right directions one could hardly conceive of a more appropriate environment to engage in windsurfing than the Maldives. With spacious lagoons surrounding most villas in Maldives one could experience windsurfing in one's own private lagoon or just off the resort's coastline. The period between May and October is considered windsurfing season in the country as wind conditions pick up after the rains.
From gliding across the water at break-neck speeds on a Jet Ski to water skiing off the coast of the resort the Maldives offers motorized water sports fans more than a handful of options to let lose among the waves. From parasailing facilities to banana boating experiences some of the country's most coveted motor sports activities include glass-bottom boat rides.
