Things to do in

Maldives

Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll is one of the world's premier sites to snorkel with feeding manta rays. The shallow, protected bay concentrates plankton during the southwest monsoon, attracting large aggregations of reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) and sometimes whale sharks. This is a regulated marine protected site inside a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — visits are controlled to minimize disturbance and protect the animals.

Swim with whale sharks in South Ari Atoll — one of the Maldives' most reliable hotspots for wild whale shark encounters. This guided boat trip takes you to feeding and cruising areas near Maamigili and surrounding channels where gentle whale sharks congregate. The activity is suitable for confident snorkelers and snorkel-certified divers; operators use brief, supervised in-water rotations to maximise encounter time while protecting the animals.

Maaya Thila is one of the most famous dive sites in North Ari Atoll (Alif Alif), Maldives — renowned for dramatic pinnacles, abundant marine life and exciting drift and night dives. Expect steep walls, overhangs, swim-throughs and strong currents that attract schooling fish, reef sharks and large pelagics. This site is a highlight for experienced recreational divers.

Banana Reef is one of the Maldives' most famous house-reef style dive and snorkel sites, located in the North Malé (Kaafu) Atoll. Known for its spectacular coral formations, swim-throughs and abundant pelagic and reef life, it suits both snorkelers and certified divers. Visibility is generally excellent and the site features shallow coral gardens as well as deeper walls and overhangs.

Experience a close encounter with nocturnal nurse sharks in the calm, shallow waters around Alimatha Jetty. This guided night activity is ideal for snorkelers who want an easy, memorable wildlife encounter and for certified divers seeking relaxed night dives with predictable shark sightings, abundant small reef life, and dramatic nocturnal behavior.

Fuvahmulah (Gnaviyani Atoll) is one of the world's premier destinations for close encounters with large tiger sharks. This specialized dive is typically performed from a local boat or as a shore-to-boat operation targeting deep channels and steep drop-offs around the island, where tiger sharks are often sighted. Expect powerful currents, dramatic topography and the chance to see large, mature tiger sharks at relatively close range. Sightings are frequent but never guaranteed; this is an advanced, experience-rewarding dive for confident divers.

Cokes is a world-class, fast, hollow right-hand reef break located on the eastern side of Thulusdhoo island. It produces long, punchy barrels on mid-to-large west and southwest swells and is famous among experienced surfers for its speed and intensity.

Jailbreaks is one of the Maldives' most legendary reef breaks, located just off Himmafushi in the North Malé (Kaafu) Atoll. It offers fast, hollow, and powerful waves that can produce long, barreling rides on the right swells. The wave breaks over a shallow coral reef and is renowned for its consistency and ability to deliver world-class barrels—making it a bucket-list stop for experienced surfers.

The break is typically accessed by short boat rides from Himmafushi island or as part of surf charters. Conditions can change quickly, so local knowledge and a guide are highly recommended. Not suitable for beginners due to shallow reef, strong currents, and powerful takeoffs.

Witness the famous bioluminescent shorelines of Vaadhoo Island, Raa Atoll — locally called the "Sea of Stars". The glow comes from microscopic plankton (dinoflagellates) that emit light when disturbed, turning waves, footprints and swimming trails into a surreal blue spectacle. This is a natural, unpredictable phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed, but Vaadhoo is one of the most reliably luminous spots in the Maldives.

A relaxed, scenic boat trip across the Maldivian seas timed for golden-hour viewing of wild dolphins and a spectacular sunset. Cruises depart commonly from Malé and Baa Atoll (often from resorts or local jetties) and range from small traditional dhonis to larger speedboats. Expect natural dolphin displays, photo opportunities, and tranquil island vistas.

Day trips from resorts or local islands that combine visits to uninhabited sandbanks and prime snorkel sites across nearby atolls. Typically run by resort excursion desks or local tour operators using speedboats or traditional dhonis. Ideal for swimmers and families looking for a relaxed beach picnic plus easy to moderate snorkeling among vibrant reef fish, coral gardens, and occasional larger megafauna (turtles, rays, manta sightings depending on the atoll).

Explore local island life and turquoise lagoons. This full-day island-hopping trip visits two of Kaafu Atoll's most popular inhabited islands — Maafushi and Thulusdhoo — combining cultural experiences, relaxed beaches, snorkeling and, if weather permits, a nearby sandbank stop. The tour focuses on local-community islands (not resort islands), giving you a realistic feel for Maldivian daily life alongside classic tropical scenery.

A compact cultural walk through the historic core of Malé focusing on the 17th‑century Hukuru Miskiy (Old Friday Mosque) and the Maldives National Museum, giving visitors insight into Maldivian history, Islamic architecture, and everyday island life within a short, walkable city route.

Visit the Grand Friday Mosque & Islamic Centre in Malé — the Maldives' most iconic religious landmark. The complex features a large golden-dome mosque, an adjacent Islamic learning centre and library, and open courtyards. It's a striking example of modern Islamic architecture in the Maldives and a focal point for religious life in the capital.

A vibrant, authentic stroll through Malé’s central markets where local life, fresh seafood and colorful produce converge. Best time: early morning when the fish market is busiest and freshest; the atmosphere is lively and very photogenic. The visit is ideal for travelers who want a short, immersive taste of Maldivian daily life and food culture.

Bodu Beru (literally “big drum”) is the Maldives’ most iconic traditional music and dance form. The performance features a group of drummers playing large hand drums accompanied by call-and-response singing and energetic dancers. Originating from Afro-Arab influences, a typical show builds from slow, rhythmic chanting into a fast, exhilarating finale. You'll commonly see Bodu Beru presented on resort beaches and in community island cultural nights, often at sunset or after dinner.

Experience authentic Maldivian seafaring aboard a traditional wooden dhoni. Glide between atolls, snorkel vibrant reefs, watch dolphins at sunrise, and enjoy island hopping with local-style hospitality. The cruise emphasizes slow travel, local culture, and marine life encounters on a classic handcrafted vessel.

A breathtaking scenic seaplane loop departing and returning to the Malé Seaplane Terminal that gives passengers panoramic aerial views of the Maldives’ ringed atolls, turquoise lagoons, coral reefs and white-sand islands. The flight is typically a round-trip sightseeing loop (not a transfer) designed for photography and short immersive aerial exposure to multiple atolls. Perfect for: photographers, first-time visitors, couples and families who want an overview of the Maldives from the air.

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime meal surrounded by the Indian Ocean: dine while coral, reef fish and rays glide past panoramic glass walls. Popular options include Ithaa (Conrad Maldives, Rangali Island) — the world's first all-glass underwater restaurant — and 5.8 Undersea Restaurant (Hurawalhi) — one of the largest all-glass underwater dining rooms. Kihavah (Kihavah Huravalhi and nearby resorts) also offers memorable undersea dining experiences or private underwater setups; check your resort for exact offerings. This is a premium, romantic and highly photogenic culinary experience combining fine dining with marine views.

Experience signature overwater spa treatments set on private pavilions above crystal-clear lagoon waters. These sessions blend traditional Maldivian and Asian healing techniques with modern wellness therapies, set to the sound of lapping waves and panoramic ocean views. Treatments range from short massages to full-day rituals and couples’ packages, often including steam, hydrotherapy and post-treatment relaxation on private decks.