If a person is interested in what to do in the Maldives, then he plans to at least go beyond his hotel. And this is a very wise thought, because in a small state located on 1192 islands of the Indian Ocean, all conditions are created so that tourists are not bored.
A short guide to the Maldives
All people are different. For some, the best entertainment is a sightseeing tour of local attractions, while others are attracted to spa vacations, shopping and discos. However, the Maldives is primarily the Indian Ocean, so many recreational activities here are associated with its turquoise clear water. You can even have dinner at the bottom, watching the fish pass by.
So, you are going to the Maldives. Excursions and entertainments that will surely interest you are here:
- Snorkeling and diving.
- Windsurfing.
- Water skiing, catamarans.
- Parasailing.
- Boat trip on the fishing islands.
- Fishing.
- Diving in a submarine.
- Sailing.
- Excursions to the sights of Male.
- Breakfast, lunch or dinner in the underwater restaurant.
- Visit the nightly Vaadhu beach.
- Night discos.
- Shopping
Agree, an impressive list. Therefore, many tourists think not so much about what to do in the Maldives, but how to do everything in one vacation. Let's take a closer look at the most interesting events.
Underwater world with your own eyes
Maldivian waters are famous for coral reefs of extraordinary beauty. The ecosystems of local waters are inhabited by more than a thousand species of fish, so every tourist has a chance to meet under water face to face with amazing fish-Napoleon, angel fish or barracuda. But the supreme thrill for a vacationer is to tickle your nerves and swim next to the whale sharks. These fish eat plankton and are completely safe for humans.
It’s not necessary to bring snorkeling equipment with you. Snorkeling and diving are the main and most sought-after activities in the Maldives, so tourists buy everything they need in local stores at an affordable price.
There are "home" reefs in the waters of every hotel where you can admire the beauty of corals and meet representatives of the local ichthyofauna, sailing with a mask and snorkel literally a few meters from the shore.
Those who decide to learn scuba diving need to use the services of diving centers, which are also available in all major hotels.
Island Cruise
A one-day boat trip to several Maldivian atolls will allow not only to enjoy the beauties of these places, but also to learn the life of the villagers. Very original souvenirs of local artisans are bought here. During the walk you can go diving or have a picnic on the beach.
If parents are interested in what kind of entertainment there is in the Maldives for a child, experienced tourists highly recommend hiring a boat with a transparent glass bottom. Such swimming facilities slowly ply along the atolls, and the children delighted to see the coral reefs and their amazing inhabitants floating right under their feet.
Support Maldives ecosystem
Little is known that in 1998 the temperature of the water here rose by 5 ° , which caused the coral to become discolored and many microorganisms inhabiting them died. Therefore, today in most hotels, guests are invited to participate in a coral reef restoration program.
You become the owner of your own coral, which is planted in the waters of the hotel and called by your name. Corals grow slowly, not more than 1 cm per year, but you will learn about the well-being of the acquisition from regular photos and video reports.
Features of national Maldivian fishing
Ask any man who has returned from vacation what to do in the Maldives, and he will describe to you in paints an unforgettable experience of local fishing.
You can’t fish off the coast of the islands and in the lagoons; for this, you can rent a boat or dhoni, a local vessel modernized with a diesel engine. The necessary equipment is rented directly on the ship. You can go to sea during the day or order night fishing.
Fishing spots in the Maldives are everywhere, so no tourist is left without a catch. Everything that is caught can be prepared for you upon returning right on the shore, for example, stewing fish in coconut milk or baking in banana leaves.
Depending on the scale of the event, the cost of fishing will cost from $ 20-30 to $ 500-700 ($ 1 is 65 rubles). In the second case, this is a real marine adventure with hunting for large fish.
Entertainment for active and sports
Many vacationers do not even think about what to do in the Maldives, but spend time by the pool or lying on the white sandy beaches. But those who are used to an active lifestyle, will not be bored here. Almost every resort offers tourists all the most popular types of sports entertainment:
- Catamarans, kayaking and water skiing.
- Surfing and windsurfing (board with a sail).
- Beach volleyball;
- Parasailing is one of the most popular entertainments among lovers of extreme sensations - flying on a parachute attached to a fast-moving boat.
- A bike ride across bridges and dams, 17 km long, is an exciting event for guests at Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa.
Sporting equipment rental points are available at every hotel, and professional instructors can be used for a moderate fee.
But even vacationers indifferent to sports have something to do in the Maldives. In the reviews, tourists enthusiastically talk about exotic local cuisine and places where you can eat and get an unforgettable experience.
Ocean floor meal
To visit the Maldives and not to dine in an underwater restaurant is an unforgivable oversight. Such establishments, mesmerizing with their fabulous atmosphere, are not in every resort. The restaurants at Conrad Rangali Island and Anantara Kihavah Villas are especially praised.
Through a special entrance-tunnel, you go to a surreal dining room located at a depth of 5-6 meters, and find yourself in the realm of fish and other marine life, who live their lives behind huge panoramic windows.
And, of course, all the underwater restaurants of the Maldives are famous for their exotic cuisine, which presents a huge menu of all kinds of dishes based on the freshest seafood.
And now you will learn what to do in the Maldives for connoisseurs of the beautiful and all the unusual.
Amazing entertainment for the romantics
The island of Vaadhu is considered to be one of the most romantic places on the planet. When darkness descends on Earth, the water in the surf begins to shine with a magical glow, as if reflecting a starry sky. Such an unusual effect is created by myriads of bioluminescent planktonic organisms containing pigment - luciferin.
Taking with you high-quality photo equipment, you can take pictures of divine beauty as a keepsake.
And if you raise your eyes to the sky, the picture will open no less spectacular, although not so magical. After all, the stars at the equator shine especially brightly. By the way, tourists who are fond of astronomy can visit the observatory located in the Soneva Fushi resort of Kunfunadu.
Day or night on a desert island
Not everyone who goes on vacation cares what to do in the Maldives. According to tourists, many people come here not only because of the favorable climate, but seek and find here blessed silence, tranquility and solitude. That's why, sharing experiences, happy vacationers most often mention the word "paradise".
Out of thousands of Maldives, a little over 200 are inhabited. Therefore, all tourists have the opportunity to go to a desert island to enjoy the solitude or company of a loved one. This service is especially in demand among newlyweds and couples in love.
You will be taken to a small island where you can stay all day, have a romantic dinner and even spend the night away from civilization.
However, many still do not represent a complete rest without visiting local attractions, and they are here and are located in the capital of the Maldives - the only city in the entire archipelago of Male.
Let's find out what history and architecture buffs have to do in the Maldives.
Presidential Palace and National Museum
The modern residence of the President of the Republic of Maldives is located in a beautiful building, called Theemuge. The palace is under guard; official receptions and summits are held here.
And in the former residence of the Sultan - a luxurious three-story palace in the colonial style - is the National Museum, where you can get acquainted with the history and cultural heritage of a small state. The institution is open daily, except Friday, from 9 to 18 hours, a break from 12 to 16.
The magnificent park of the Sultans
Before you get to the museum, you will walk through a unique place beloved by tourists and locals - a magnificent park of sultans.
Vacationers are attracted by fragrant exotic vegetation and educational excursions. At the entrance to the park you can admire an aluminum sculpture called the "monument to the Republic".
The park accepts guests from 9 to 17 hours every day, except Friday.
Islamic Center
This is the main attraction of Male, founded by Momun Abdul Gayum in 1984. The chic 6-story building rises in front of the presidential palace. It includes a library of rare books, conference rooms for business meetings and office space.
However, the pride of the Islamic Center is a unique architectural monument, the Great Mosque, erected in memory of the hero of the Maldives - Sultan Muhammad Tukurufan. This is one of the most revered places in Male.
The mosque was erected on the foundation of a ruined pagan temple, and coral blocks were used for construction, which keep themselves without any binding materials.
It so happened that the Great Mosque is not facing Mecca, which is contrary to Islamic laws. The error is compensated for by the arrow placed inside the building on the carpet, which indicates the right direction for worshipers. The mosque can simultaneously accommodate more than 5 thousand people, therefore it is one of the largest in South Asia.
All these tourist sites can be visited as part of a single tour or explore local attractions on your own, diversifying your vacation in the Maldives. What to do in the evening? This question excites many tourists who are accustomed to club life.
Night bars and discos
In a Muslim country, you will not find the usual entertainment venues on the streets, however, each major hotel complex provides its guests with the opportunity to have fun from the heart.
For a pleasant night out, pay attention to the following places:
- After reconstruction, Niyama Maldives Hotel opened the chic Subsix Club, which is located underwater and welcomes guests around the clock.
- The Veligandu Island Resort 4 * hotel has an incendiary disco Thuindr Bar, where local musicians perform, and everyone is taught bodu beru - national dance to the drums.
- In one of the best hotels - One & Only Kanuhura - there is the popular Nashaa Club disco, famous for its excellent repertoire of modern music, an impressive assortment of liquors and world famous people who love this place.
Now you know what to do in the Maldives. It’s easy to find entertainment, as you see, that will not be difficult for you. However, one cannot ignore the fascinating and beloved by all women occupation - shopping.
Shopping in the Maldives
In fairness, it is worth noting that shopaholics have nowhere to go for a walk, but to buy something original for sure will work out.
Most souvenir shops in the capital, on Chaandani Magu Street, in the so-called Singapore Quarter. However, it is worth considering that the souvenirs here are mainly from Singapore. Local works of applied art are best acquired during excursions around the islands.
So, what can be brought from the Maldives to the memory of an unforgettable vacation:
- beautifully embroidered national dresses and colorful men's shirts;
- a T-shirt with a picture that will be drawn right in front of you with special indelible paints;
- jewelry made of pink and red corals, gold and silver;
- natural cosmetics based on coconut oil;
- original souvenirs made of palm wood, shark teeth (and even jaws), shell of turtles and black corals.
From food you can safely buy different varieties of tea, factory-sealed coconut oil (refined and unrefined), fruit chips and coconut sausage in packages. These products can be exported and they will not deteriorate on the road.
And leave, please, if suddenly during a vacation you find something new from what to do in the Maldives, reviews about your vacation. Your opinion is very important for those who are just going to discover paradise on Earth.