Things to do in

Maldives

Sunrise Beach Yoga on Maldivian resorts and local islands is a gentle, restorative practice held on the sand at dawn where the calm sea, warm light and ocean breeze create an ideal setting for awakening the body and mind. Sessions are suitable for all levels and are offered as group classes, private lessons, or part of resort wellness packages. Expect a relaxed pace focusing on breathwork, gentle flows, and guided meditation while enjoying unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean.

Ideal for early risers, honeymooners, wellness travelers, and anyone seeking a peaceful start to the day.

Paddle a transparent kayak over shallow resort lagoons to view corals, reef fish and other marine life from the water surface. This gentle, low-impact activity is suitable for couples, families and solo travelers who want a close-to-water perspective without getting fully wet. Resorts typically offer single, double and sometimes guided sunset or night paddles in clear hull kayaks.

Experience a serene yet exhilarating parasailing flight high above the Maldives’ turquoise lagoons and coral reefs. Weather-permitting, flights launch from a boat or beach at select resorts and sandbanks across Malé Atoll and nearby islands. Guests enjoy panoramic aerial views, photo opportunities, and a gentle glide that’s suitable for first-time flyers. Flights are organised by experienced crews, include a full safety briefing and lifejackets, and can be booked as tandem, solo (where available) or private sessions.

High-energy jet ski rides and a selection of motorized and non-motorized watersports offered from the watersports centre at most Maldivian resorts. Sessions combine brief training and safety briefings with guided rides around lagoons and reef edges, plus optional activities such as banana boat, wakeboarding, parasailing and snorkel stops at coral patches.

Experience traditional Maldivian night fishing aboard a classic dhoni. Set off after sunset with experienced local crew who use attractor lights and time-tested handline techniques to draw in a variety of tropical species. This activity blends fishing, cultural insight, stargazing and a peaceful seascape under the Milky Way — a quintessential Maldivian night out.

Guided snorkel excursions to prime reef sites in Rasdhoo (Ari Atoll) and selected Lhaviyani Atoll reefs to encounter sea turtles (Green and Hawksbill) amid healthy coral gardens, cleaning stations and abundant reef life. Suitable for confident beginners through experienced snorkelers; trips depart from local island resorts and guesthouses and are led by experienced local guides/ dive guides.

Overview: Paddle through the sheltered mangrove channels of Addu Nature Park in Hithadhoo (Addu Atoll) — a calm, wildlife-rich canoeing experience that combines gentle adventure with environmental education. This activity is suitable for novices and families when led by an experienced local guide.

Interactive, conservation-focused centre visits run by island resorts in the Maldives. Centres combine short interpretive talks and displays, touch tanks, coral nursery visits, supervised snorkels and excursions (when available) to observe reef life and larger megafauna such as manta rays and sea turtles. Activities are designed for families, snorkelers and non-swimmers wanting to learn about local marine ecosystems and support ongoing research and coral-restoration efforts.

Victory Wreck is a popular, easily accessible wreck dive located just off Hulhulé Island near Malé in North Malé (Kaafu) Atoll. The site features a sunken ship lying on a sandy bottom with abundant marine growth and marine life attracted to the structure. The wreck offers an exciting mix of scenic swim-throughs, macro and pelagic sightings, and is suitable for advanced open water divers and guided intermediate divers.

Experience the Milky Way far from resort lights — a guided night on a secluded sandbank in the Maldivian atolls where the ocean meets the sky. Enjoy uninterrupted 360° views of stars, constellations, planets and meteor trails while lying on soft sand, accompanied by an experienced local guide and a comfortable boat transfer.

A convenient single-day resort pass that lets non-resort guests enjoy island-resort facilities near Malé with fast speedboat transfers. Typical inclusions are return speedboat transfer from Malé/Hulhumalé, a welcome drink, use of pools and beach areas, access to the house reef/snorkeling (sometimes guided), lunch (usually buffet or set menu), and select non-motorized water sports. Options range from budget island resorts to upscale luxury properties offering premium day pass packages.

Hedhikaa are Maldivian short-eats—small, flavorful snacks served in teashops and local cafés across Malé. This guided or self-guided tasting tour focuses on sampling classic savory and sweet hedhikaa while visiting neighborhood teashops, meeting local makers, and learning about the ingredients and cultural traditions behind each bite.

Hands-on culinary class held in local island guesthouses and some resorts across the Maldives. Participants learn to make traditional Maldivian dishes — most commonly mas huni (a shredded smoked tuna and coconut breakfast mix) and a selection of coconut-based fish and vegetable curries — guided by local cooks or guesthouse hosts. Sessions combine a short introduction to Maldivian ingredients and techniques, a demonstration, a hands-on cooking segment, and communal tasting, with optional market or island garden visits where available.

Kitesurfing in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll offers warm, clear water, long sheltered lagoons and uncrowded spots ideal for both flatwater freeride and reef-pass wave riding. The area is seasonal: the strongest and most consistent winds arrive with the Southwest Monsoon, producing reliable side‑onshore conditions over many lagoons and channels. This activity suits intermediate and advanced riders seeking space and variety, and beginners who take guided lessons in shallow, protected lagoons.

Fotteyo Kandu (Vaavu Atoll, Maldives) is a world-class channel drift dive renowned for strong currents and large pelagic encounters. This activity is designed for experienced (advanced) divers seeking high-adrenaline drift diving among schools of reef fish, grey reef and whitetip sharks, eagle rays and occasional larger pelagics. Expect dramatic topography with channel walls, bommies and cleaning stations illuminated by strong currents and nutrient-rich upwellings.

Experience vibrant reef life right off your villa or from nearby local islands. Snorkel directly from the beach or villa platform to explore corals, reef fish, turtles and rays without needing a boat. Options range from self-guided short swims to guided eco-tours and night snorkels led by local guides. Ideal for families, beginner snorkelers and experienced swimmers who want easy access to marine life with minimal travel time.

A relaxing and scenic cycling route that links Gan and Feydhoo via the low-lying causeways of Addu Atoll. Riders pass fishing villages, coconut groves, WWII relics, tidal channels and coastal vistas — an easy-paced cultural and nature ride suitable for beginners and experienced cyclists wanting a leisurely exploration of southern Maldives.