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 idea, because in a small state located on 1192 islands of the Indian Ocean, all conditions have been created so that tourists will not be bored.
A short guide to the Maldives
All people are different. For some, the best entertainment is an informative tour of local attractions, others are attracted by spa holidays, 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 swimming by.
So, you are going to the Maldives. Excursions and activities that will surely interest you are here:
- Snorkeling and diving.
- Windsurfing.
- Water skiing, catamarans.
- Parasailing.
- Sea trip around the fishing islands.
- Fishing.
- Dive in a submarine.
- Sailing.
- Sightseeing tours in Male.
- Breakfast, lunch or dinner at an underwater restaurant.
- Visit Vaadhoo beach at night.
- 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 my own eyes
The Maldivian waters are famous for their coral reefs of extraordinary beauty. Ecosystems of local waters are inhabited by more than a thousand species of fish, so every tourist has a chance to meet underwater face to face with an amazing Napoleon fish, angel fish or barracuda. But the highest thrill for a vacationer is to tickle your nerves and swim next to whale sharks. These fish eat plankton and are completely harmless to humans.
You don't have to bring any diving gear with you. Snorkeling and diving are the main and most popular activities in the Maldives, so tourists buy everything they need in local stores at an affordable price.
There are "house" reefs in the waters of each hotel, where you can admire the beauty of corals and meet representatives of the local fish fauna, sailing with a mask and snorkel just a few meters from the shore.
Those who decide to learn to scuba dive should use the services of dive centers,which are also available in all major hotels.
Island cruise
A one-day boat trip through several Maldivian atolls will allow you not only to enjoy the beauties of these places, but also to get to know the life of the villagers. Here you can also buy very original souvenirs of local artisans. During the walk, you can go diving or have a picnic on the shore.
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 boats slowly cruise along the atolls, and the children are delighted to look at the coral reefs and their amazing inhabitants passing right under their feet.
Support the Maldives Ecosystem
Not many people know that in 1998, the water temperature here rose by 5°C, which caused the corals to become discolored and killed many of the microorganisms inhabiting them. Therefore, most hotels today offer guests to take part in the coral reef restoration program.
You become the owner of your own coral, which is planted in the waters of the hotel and named after you. Corals grow slowly, no more than 1 cm per year, but you will learn about the he alth of the acquisition from regular photo and video reports.
Peculiarities of national Maldivian fishing
Ask any man returning from vacation what to do in the Maldives, and he will describe in colors unforgettablelocal fishing experience.
Fishing off the coast of the islands and in the lagoons is not allowed here, for this you can rent a boat or dhoni - a local boat upgraded 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 places in the Maldives are everywhere, so not a single tourist is left without a catch. Anything that is caught can be cooked for you on your return right on the shore, for example, fish stewed in coconut milk or baked in banana leaves.
Depending on the scale of the event, the cost of fishing will cost from $20-30 to $500-700 (1 dollar is 65 rubles). In the second case, this is a real sea adventure with big fish hunting.
Entertainment for active and sporty
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 accustomed to an active lifestyle will not be bored here. Almost every resort offers tourists all the most popular types of sports entertainment:
- Catamaran, kayaking and water skiing.
- Surfing and windsurfing (board with a sail).
- Beach volleyball;
- Parasailing is one of the most popular entertainment among fans of extreme sensations - flying on a parachute attached to a speeding boat.
- Cycling over bridges and dams, 17 km long - an exciting experience for guests of the Shangri-La's hotelVillingili Resort & Spa.
Sport equipment rentals are available at every hotel, and professional instructors are available 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.
Meal at the bottom of the ocean
To visit the Maldives and not dine in an underwater restaurant is an unforgivable mistake. Such establishments, which fascinate with their fabulous atmosphere, are not found in every resort. And the restaurants at the Conrad Rangali Island and Anantara Kihavah Villas hotels are especially praised.
Through a special tunnel entrance you enter a surreal dining room located at a depth of 5-6 meters, and find yourself in the realm of fish and other marine life that live their lives behind huge panoramic windows.
And, of course, all the underwater restaurants of the Maldives are famous for their exotic cuisine, which offers a colossal menu of all kinds of dishes based on the freshest seafood.
And now you will find out what to do in the Maldives for connoisseurs of beauty and everything unusual.
Amazing fun for romantics
Vaadhoo Island is rightfully considered 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 the starry sky. Such an unusual effect is created by myriads of bioluminescent planktonic organisms containing the pigment - luciferin.
Taking high-quality photo equipment with you, 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 Kungfunadu Island.
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 they are looking for and finding blessed silence, tranquility and solitude here. That's why, when sharing experiences, happy vacationers most often mention the word "paradise".
Out of more than a thousand islands in the Maldives, a little over 200 are inhabited. Therefore, all tourists have the opportunity to go to a desert island to enjoy loneliness or the company of a loved one. This service is especially in demand among honeymooners and couples.
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 cannot imagine a full-fledged vacation without visiting local attractions, but they are here and are located in the capital of the Maldives Republic - the only city in the entire archipelago, Male.
Let's find out whatto do in the Maldives for lovers of history and architecture.
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 high-level meetings are held here.
And in the former residence of the Sultan - a luxurious three-story palace in the colonial style - there 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.
Magnificent Sultan Park
Before you get to the museum, you will pass through a unique place loved by tourists and locals - the luxurious park of the sultans.
Vacationers are attracted by fragrant exotic vegetation and educational excursions. At the entrance to the park, you can admire an aluminum sculpture called "Monument to the Republic".
The park welcomes guests from 9 am to 5 pm every day except Friday.
Islamic Center
Founded by Maumoon Abdul Gayoum in 1984, this is Male's main attraction. A chic 6-storey building rises opposite 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 monument of architecture, the Grand Mosque, built inmemory of the hero of the Maldives - Sultan Mohammed Tukurufan. This is one of the most revered places in Male.
The mosque was built on the foundations of a destroyed pagan temple, and for the construction they used coral blocks that hold themselves without any binding materials.
It so happened that the Grand Mosque does not face Mecca, which is contrary to Islamic laws. The error is compensated by an arrow painted inside the building on the carpet, which indicates the correct direction for the worshipers. The mosque can accommodate more than 5 thousand people at the same time, therefore it is one of the largest in South Asia.
All these tourist sites can be visited as part of one excursion or explore local attractions on your own, diversifying your holiday in the Maldives. And what to do in the evening? This question worries many tourists accustomed to club life.
Night bars and discos
In a Muslim country, you will not find the usual entertainment venues on the streets, but every major hotel complex provides its guests with the opportunity to have fun from the heart.
For a pleasant night out, check out the following places:
- Niyama Maldives has reopened its chic Subsix Club, which is underwater and open 24/7.
- At the hotel Veligandu Island Resort 4there is an incendiary disco Thuindr Bar, where local musicians perform, and everyone is taught bodu beru - nationaldancing to the drums.
- One of the best hotels - One & Only Kanuhura - houses the popular disco Nashaa Club, famous for its excellent repertoire of modern music, an impressive assortment of spirits and world celebrities who love this place.
Now you know what to do in the Maldives. Finding entertainment to your liking, as you can see, will not be difficult for you. However, one cannot ignore the exciting and beloved by all women activity - shopping.
Shopping in the Maldives
To be fair, it's worth noting that shopaholics have nowhere to roam here, but you can definitely buy something original as a keepsake.
Most of all 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 purchased during excursions around the islands.
So, what can you bring from the Maldives as a memory of an unforgettable vacation:
- beautifully embroidered national dresses and colorful men's shirts;
- a T-shirt with a picture that will be painted right in front of you with special indelible paints;
- pink and red coral, gold and silver jewelry;
- natural cosmetics based on coconut oil;
- original souvenirs made from palm wood, shark teeth (and even jaws), tortoiseshell and black corals.
From food, you can safely buy different types of tea, factorysealed coconut oil (refined and unrefined), fruit chips and packaged coconut sausage. These products can be taken out and will not deteriorate on the road.
And please leave, if suddenly during your vacation you found something new from what to do in the Maldives, reviews about your vacation. Your opinion is very important for those who are just about to discover heaven on earth.
