10 must-do experiences in the Maldives

Unparalleled luxury, breathtaking white beaches and an extraordinary underwater world are the ingredients that make the Maldives the ideal destination. But if you want a truly unforgettable experience, here are ten things to do during your stay.

In the Maldives, beauty lies both above and below the surface ©seanscott/Getty Images

Maldives, places of interest and special experiences

1. A luxury shipwreck in the Maldives' best atolls

Almost all resorts offer the possibility of experiencing the thrill of a 'shipwreck'. Together with your partner or family, equipped with a picnic basket (which in the most exclusive resorts could also be an actual meal), you will be 'marooned' on a deserted, untouched island. The dhoni that drove you to your destination will leave you to your own devices on a beach of fine white sand surrounded by a turquoise lagoon. You can explore the island, enjoy great food, sunbathe and swim, feeling like a modern-day Robinson Crusoe.

Snorkelling with a giant manta ray in Hanifaru Bay, Maldives ©Bernard Radvaner/Getty Images

2. Snorkelling in the Maldives: Hanifaru Bay

The most famous snorkelling site in the Maldives is this plankton-rich bay located in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Baa Atoll, where it is easy to see dozens of giant manta rays performing intricate acrobatics as they glide through the water, from which they filter nutrients. On days when the water is transparent, seeing them appear in numbers is an incredible experience. The Hanifaru site is also regularly visited by whale sharks, another species that feeds on plankton. Resorts and inhabited islands in the vicinity organise daily excursions to Hanifaru Bay.

3. Where to dive

Seeing what lies beneath the surface of the water in the Maldives is a must. Corals, tropical fish, sharks, turtles and rays inhabit an extraordinary world that can only be best appreciated by diving. All resorts and many guesthouses have a diving school and (thanks to high safety standards, state-of-the-art equipment, passionate and experienced instructors and - above all - water so warm that many don't even wear wetsuits) the Maldives is the perfect place to try your hand at this activity.

4. Where to stay in Male

Thanks to the many guesthouses that have opened in recent years, independent travellers now have the opportunity to discover the 'real' Maldives: you can stay on an inhabited island, meet the islanders, taste the traditional cuisine and have an experience quite different from that offered by a resort. The best guesthouses are those on secluded atolls, far from the modern atmosphere of Male, where you will be warmly welcomed by hospitable families who will take you to deserted islands for fishing, diving and snorkelling.

The typical colourful houses of Maafushi Island, Maldives ©Tobias Helbig/Getty Images

5. Relax on Maafushi, the low-cost Maldives island

Maafushi was the first inhabited island in the Maldives to become a major tourist destination, and currently has about thirty guesthouses and hotels. A budget holiday can be spent there, as strong competition ensures low rates for accommodation, diving, snorkelling and other activities. There is also a nice 'bikini beach', where tourists can sunbathe and swim without offending the sensibilities of the locals. Moreover, being only two hours away from the international airport, the island is also very easy to reach.

6. A dive with hammerhead sharks

Hammerhead sharks, among the more bizarre-looking sea creatures, are easily spotted in the waters of the Maldives, provided you know where to look for them. Few experiences are more exhilarating than a sunrise dive to a depth of thirty metres to observe a huge school of hungry hammerhead sharks in search of food. The best site for such sightings is the famous Hammerhead Point (also called Rasdhoo Madivaru) in the Rasdhoo Atoll.

A shark on the prowl, Maldives ©Ciril Monteiro/Shutterstock

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7. Swimming with a whale shark

The largest fish in the world, the whale shark, inhabits the waters of the Maldives; it can be observed particularly south of the Ari atoll and during the full moon, when the currents between the atolls are strongest. Swimming with one of these tame giants of the sea is an exceptional experience. On average about ten metres long, they are completely harmless because, despite their size, they feed exclusively on plankton.

8. A trip by seaplane

There are few destinations where you can say that the means of transport is one of the attractions of the trip, but the reason is that there are few places in the world where you need a seaplane to reach your hotel. In a country with no roads, these fast Twin Otters practically act as taxis, and taking off from the water is an unforgettable experience, as much as watching the spectacle of coral atolls, azure lagoons and deserted islets from above.

Aerial view of Male, the capital of the Maldives ©Levente Bodo/Alamy Stock Photo

9. Discover the 'micro metropolis' Male, the capital of the Maldives

The capital of the Maldives is undoubtedly the best place to meet the locals and get to know them. The colorful houses, bustling markets and cozy teashops, where you can chat with islanders and share delicious short eats, are just some of the attractions of this unusual capital, a perfect complement to the luxurious atmosphere of the resorts. Be sure to visit the National Museum, which presents the best overview of Maldivian history in the country, or the Old Friday Mosque, with its coral stone tombstones.

10. Attend a bodu bodu show

Whether you're staying at a resort or on an inhabited island, be sure to catch a performance of bodu beru, which means 'big drum' in Dhivehi, a traditional all-male drumming and dancing show. It is an enthralling and authentic experience, even if it might seem a little contrived in a resort restaurant. The rhythm is slow at first, then gradually increases until it reaches an incredible intensity, with the dancers almost entering a trance-like state.

Read also:

When to go to the Maldives: the best time of year

High season

From December to February you will find:

- The best weather conditions;

- Low rainfall, low humidity and blue skies;

- Sky-high prices for Christmas and New Year (often a minimum stay of five days is required)

Mid-season

March to April you will find:

- Fine weather until the end of April, the hottest month;

- The beginning of the surf season (March to October);

- An increase in rates at Easter.

Low season

From May to November you can expect:

- Rainfall and thunderstorms, but warm weather, and resorts charge lower rates;

- Price increase in August to coincide with the European summer holidays;

- More diverse marine life on the western side of the atolls.