By Soren Rivero
The Maldives is a nation full of islands chained together into 20 atolls, some of which are habitable and offer exciting activities and unique entertainment. From snorkeling to diving, to browsing fish markets and learning about ancient culture, there’s something for everyone to do in the Maldives.
Need some help deciding what to do on your next trip? Here are the 10 Best Things to do in the Maldives.
1. Pay Tribute at the Tsunami Monument
On December 26, 2004, a massive undersea megathrust earthquake formed at an epicenter in the Indian Ocean off the northwestern coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. It originally started as a massive earthquake with an estimated magnitude of about 9.1–9.3 Mw, which eventually led to the development of one of the world’s most destructive tsunamis ever known to mankind. Over 200,000 people lost their lives in surrounding areas, with many more being injured.
To this day, many people are still recovering from the impacts of the destruction caused by the earthquake and tsunami. Fortunately, there have been many events and locations that have sought to honor the lives lost to the disaster, one of which is called the Tsunami Monument on the southeastern part of the Malé Island in the Maldives. Visitors can see how the architects constructed the monument to signify the importance of remembering those who were lost: vertical rods in the center symbolize their lives, steel balls resemble the country’s 20 atolls, and the overall lifted design signifies the rising waters.
Candle light events are occasionally held near the monument and local vendors offer fresh food and drink right on the outskirts.
2. Dive Deep Down To Explore the Maldive Victory
If you’re an adventurous and rather skilled scuba diver, the Maldives offers plenty of diving locations that have proven time and time again to be a real challenge. One of the more well-known diving locations is a deep plunge into the Hulhule House Reef located right between Malé, and Hulhule. It’s within this phenomenally difficult diving spot where you’ll find the Maldive Victory.
The Maldive Victory is a sunken ship that wrecked in 1981, after coming into contact with a nearby reef. The wreck has now become a sight for sore eyes and a habitat for marine life. Aside from the extreme challenge, many people come to dive at this location specifically to observe the unique and colorful fish and corals that inhabit the underwater area.
** Just be warned: this is an extremely challenging adventure, and even highly-experienced divers should take the journey along with an expert.
For other diving spots, please see here!
3. Visit The Famous Banana Reef
The Maldives are grouped into a double chain of 26 atolls, some of which are more inhabitable than others. For clarification, an atoll is a ring-shaped reef, island, or even a chain of islands. They’re usually formed by coral and are very similar to islands just with a few minor differences.
Located in the North Malé Atoll, just west of Farukolhufushi Island, is the super popular Banana Reef, which got its name from its shape which closely resembles a banana. Snorkeling and diving are extremely popular activities here. If you found adventuring down into the high currents near the Maldive Victory as daunting, you might want to look towards visiting the banana reef instead. There are plenty of diving and snorkeling spots that are friendly to both beginners and those who are more advanced. Plenty of unique fish species can be found here, and the Banana Reef itself is even a protected marine area.
4. Get The Spa Experience of a Lifetime
Okay, so quite literally anywhere you go in the world, there are bound to be at least some places that offer spa or similar services. A good chunk of resorts offer spa services as either an added or included amenity, which makes it fairly easy to get a massage, facial, or stretch at any time.
But if you want the island spa experience of a lifetime, you’ll have to get a spa treatment (or a couple) on your trip to the Maldives. Like mentioned, many resorts have their own spa services on deck so you don’t have to worry about finding one. What’s even better is that most of the spas in the Maldives take advantage of some of the natural items harvested from the lands (such as papayas, seeds, other fruits, unique herbs, etc.) to make your experience all the more better.
If you truly want the best of your trip to the Maldives, take advantage of the world’s first underwater spa— the Huvafen Spa.
5. Pay a Visit to Malé Artificial Beach
It’s easy to assume that there’s plenty of beaches all across the Maldives considering that, well, it’s practically all islands, right? Yes! But unfortunately, some of them are unswimmable due to dangerous tidal conditions. Some, of course, are much safer, but are prohibited due to marine biolife protection laws.
If you happen to be visiting Malé, you’re in luck! The only swimmable beach in the capital city is located here, and it is called the Artificial Beach due to breakwaters that guard the beach area. Artificial Beach is a crowd-favorite among locals and tourists alike (revealing swimwear is prohibited) due to how accessible it is. Other activities such as live events are making the beach so popular that it’s been known as one of the best beaches in the Maldives.
6. Try Seeing the Hukuru Miskiiy
Located on the very northern tip of Malé in Medhu Ziyaaraiy Magu is the oldest mosque in the entire Maldives country, dating back to 1656. It’s formally known as Hukuru Miskiiy, which roughly translates to “elderly Friday mosque.”
From afar, the mosque might seem a little lackluster due to its simplistic design. However, what really makes this mosque shine (aside from its history) is how intricate the architecture is combined with the many scriptures from the Quran written on the outside of it.
Admission is free, although there is one condition: people who don’t follow the Islamic religion (non-Muslims) must get special permission from an official to enter the mosque. Luckily, there are plenty on site that can easily grant you access. As always, just be sure to be respectful of all the surroundings and activities such as prayer times.
7. Tour Through the National Museum
It wouldn’t feel right to visit the Maldives without learning a little bit about the history, so why not visit a museum in the Maldives to immerse yourself in knowledge?
Located in the heart of Sultan Park in Malé is the Maldives National Museum. THe original opening date of the museum was set back in 1952, and over the years the museum has earned a large gathering of antique and historical items that belonged to the ancient sultans. The museum is divided into a lower and upper division, with the lower division being dedicated to pre-medieval times and the upper division mostly encompassing modern antiques and artifacts.
8. See Where The President of Maldives Used to Live
Back before the President of the Maldives moved to his current palace, the former Presidential house used to be a part of Theemuge on the northern part of Malé.
Completed back in 1994, Theemuge is a massive building that the president used to reside in. After some time, the president moved out and Theemuge is now the official site of the Supreme Court in the Maldives. Visitors can take a trip to Theemuge at any time during open hours and take a tour through the building.
9. Visit the Malé Fish Market
As an island country surrounded by water, one of the most important parts of Maldivian cuisine is fish. There are dozens of places where fish is sold and offered all throughout the different atolls, especially on Malé. The most popular one where people not only go to shop but also to mingle, is close to Republic Square on the northern side of the island, called the Malé Fish Market.
There are no “official” operational hours, so you quite literally visit at any time of the day. However, knowing when fishermen return with their fresh produce and catches might be beneficial if you’re looking to shop for supplies for a dinner in the Maldives.
10. Relax On a Private Island
Finally, nothing can beat a good relaxing day on the soft white sands of one of the Maldives prettiest islands: Fua Mulaku.
Set on the middle of the equator on the southern end of the Maldives, this private island is closed off to public tourism but can be accessed via a purchased permit. The island is by far a magical place to relax and unwind, especially with how beautiful the environment is. To add to that, plenty of fresh, tropical fruit is found all throughout the island which makes for an even better island-getaway experience.
If you found this guide on the best things to do in Maldives helpful, head over to our vacation packages site where you can book your own island getaway.
