With over 1,000 islands to explore, tourists often seek out excursions and activities that allow them to make the most of their time in the Maldives.
here are some of the many types of excursions that are available for tourists in the Maldives.
1. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
The Maldives is well-known for its outstanding snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities, with sites ranging from shallow coral gardens to deep drop-offs and underwater thilas or pinnacles. Snorkeling is great for those who are not comfortable diving, and the Maldives has pristine coral reefs that are easily accessible from shore. For experienced divers, the Maldives offers a wealth of dive sites, including wreck sites, reef walls, and underwater caves teeming with marine life. Expect to see everything from colorful reef fish, rays, and turtles to giant schools of pelagic species like barracuda, jacks, and tuna.
There are many dive centers and excursion service providers in the Maldives, so it is easy to find a snorkeling or diving trip that best suits your level of skill. Many of the resorts in the Maldives also offer snorkeling tours and beginner’s scuba diving courses, making it easy to experience the underwater world regardless of diving experience.
2. Island Hopping
Island hopping is a fantastic way to get to know more about the many beautiful islands that make up the Maldives. Tours typically include visits to different islands, allowing visitors to appreciate the cultural and ecological diversity of the archipelago. The resorts themselves may be located on a small atoll or island, and so a tour of the surrounding region provides a broader appreciation of the Maldives. An island-hopping excursion will likely include boat trips to different islands, giving visitors the chance to explore many of the Maldives’ tiny uninhabited islands as well as learn about the daily life of local Maldivians on inhabited islets. A popular island-hopping itinerary is a full day tour to one of the Maldives’ inhabited islands, including stops at local markets, institutions, and interacting with the locals.
3. Whale and Dolphin Watching
The Maldives is home to several species of dolphins and whales, including spinner dolphins and the Scalloped Hammerhead Shark. Many tour operators offer Budget travel guide about dolphin and whale watching trips along popular dolphin highways and deep-water channels where pods of dolphins and larger marine mammals are known to congregate. Depending on the time of year, whale sharks, manta rays, and humpback whales can be found in the region, and wildlife watching is one of the most popular activities for adults and families visiting the Maldives.
4. Fishing
Fishing is one of the most popular pastimes for the Maldivians and therefore it is no wonder that fishing is also a popular tourist activity. Tour operators and hotels can arrange different types of fishing trips, with guests may choose from sport-fishing, night-fishing, bone-fishing, hand-line fishing, or trolling for big game species such as sailfish, wahoo, or yellowfin tuna. Trips can last from a few hours to a whole day, giving visitors the chance to interact with local fishermen and learn about their fishing techniques and traditions. Many resorts offer guests the chance to cook their catch of the day as a delicious addition to their daily meals.
5. Seaplane or Scenic Flight Tours The Maldives’ gorgeous scenery can be best appreciated by taking to the air. Visitors can choose from helicopter tours, scenic flights, or seaplane trips to see the Maldives from above. Seaplane tours are a unique specialty.
