Enjoy these must-try activities in the Maldives on your next escape

Traditionally, the best time to visit the Maldives is between December and April when the rain and strong winds have subsided and you can enjoy the archipelago’s dry season. You can expect bright blue skies, sunny days and balmy evenings - perfect for enjoying all the things to do in the Maldives. Alternatively, May to November are considered the rainy season and during this time the conditions both in the sea and on dry land make it more complicated to enjoy the islands.

With over 130 resorts offering endless fun activities in the Maldives, choosing one can feel overwhelming. Yet it hasn’t always been this way. 50 years ago, the islands were practically untouched and today, they are a Nirvana of luxurious resorts. Yet not all resorts are created equally. The Barceló Whale Lagoon, located on the private island of Bodufinolhu, is dedicated to offering its guests an authentic island experience in a picture-perfect, peaceful environment. Here you can find 100 5* villas, an ayurvedic spa, and a diving centre among other top-tier facilities. It is an ideal choice for those wanting a glamorous escape while respecting the beauty of this natural paradise. 

Active families will enjoy the crystal clear waters surrounding the South Ari Atoll which forms part of the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA). Regardless of the age of your brood, there are infinite ways to enjoy the Indian Ocean. From paddling along the shoreline to diving into the depths of the deep blue, you can guarantee a memorable holiday.

With over 1000 kilometres of live coral reefs surrounding the 22 atolls that make up the archipelago, the Maldives has earned a reputation of being a world-class diving destination. Whale sharks are a common appearance in these waters along with hammerhead sharks, manta rays, turtles, tuna shoals, sea eels and many more exotic varieties of sea life. 

You may decide it is time to take a PADI qualification in the resort’s dive centre. Or if the idea of deep sea Maldives diving doesn’t appeal, no worries. Grab a snorkel and enjoy witnessing the wonders of the deep blue from the surface. 

Thanks to the coral reefs and the tides, the Maldives is a surfer’s paradise with waves all year round. For optimum conditions, the best months for surfing are between May and October when the Ocean is more turbulent and the swells are larger. The north atolls are famous for their Sultans and Chickens surf breaks as well as the Jailbreaks - a fun exposed reef bank. 

Kids, big and small, will enjoy getting up close to dolphins during their holidays in the Maldives. May through September is a great time to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures as they gather in herds to feed and breed in the pristine Ocean before continuing their journey. Since the evenings are a popular time to spot dolphins, why not book a sunset boat trip in the Maldives? Even better if the excursion is with an eco-friendly charter.

As well as being a haven for active souls eager to explore untouched natural surroundings, the Maldives is the ultimate honeymoon spot. If you are keen to enjoy some quality time alone with your loved one, away from crowds and with backdrops that look like screensavers, these activities in the Maldives are a must! 

The Mandara Spa at the Barceló Whale Lagoon is a great hideaway for couples seeking some R&R. Inspired by mystical Balinese healing rituals, treatments here will leave your mind and body feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and restored. The sauna and Turkish bath provide additional moments of relaxation meanwhile the beauty treatments and fitness centre allow you to extend your ‘me-time’ to all kinds of self-care activities in the Maldives.

Cosy up in a kayak for two and enjoy viewing the area’s rich biodiversity from a new perspective. The calm waters of the different lagoons create an enchanting environment where you and your partner can enjoy soaking up the sun, endless conversations and the thrill of adventure all in one activity. 

For a truly original experience, switch up date night and enjoy it in one of the Maldives’ famous underwater restaurants. Not all atolls have one, nor all resorts. But, dining with views of the expansive Indian Ocean and the area’s marine is one of the most unique activities in the Maldives. Be sure to book in advance and as expected, most menus specialise in seafood and freshly caught fish.

While your Maldives resort will be sure to offer countless opportunities to have fun and enjoy yourself, you may also want to venture off to explore other areas of the archipelago. Whether it is a Maldives sailing trip or day sightseeing, this corner of Earth is sure to delight. 

The Maldives is known for its sandbanks, a unique geological feature that is the perfect setting for a romantic dinner or even a proposal or vow renewal ceremony. These deserted islands are only reachable by small boats, so they are a must-visit. 

But how did they appear? Parrotfish eat the coral and then excrete what cannot be processed. This fine white sand forms the sandbank that gets moved around by the wind and currents. Spend a private beach day with family or friends on one of these sandbanks or, plan a torch-lit dinner for a loved one. Either way, any time spent here is special. 

Not all activities in the Maldives have to revolve around the Ocean. The capital, Malé, contrary to popular belief is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Here you can stay at the newly opened Barceló Nasandhura Malé and be a stone’s throw from the city where you can discover what real life is like for the Maldivians and explore their history, customs and fascinating culture. The Fish Market is a must-visit, especially for foodies. Sultan Park, the National Museum and the Grand Friday Mosque are all city highlights that provide a welcome break from tourist-centred activities in the Maldives.