Five Things to do in the Maldives

Surrounded by the clear blue waters of the Laccadive Sea, it’s no wonder that The Maldives continues to top honeymoon destination polls. When sitting behind your desk fantasising about being there, it’s easy to forget to plan what you will do when you actually arrive, aside from languidly relaxing next to the pool whilst a cocktail waitress ensures that your glass is never empty, of course.

Surfing

When you’re not relaxing on the beach, get some exercise by picking up surfing. As the Maldives is mostly sea, water sports are extremely popular and each island has a sports centre stocking equipment for those who want to take to the water. Surf lessons are also available on most islands, but avid surfers may want to visit the well known breaks in North and South Male. From June to September the monsoon brings massive swells with it, so be prepared for waves of up to 8 feet.

Mingle with the locals

Get a feeling for Maldivian culture by visiting one of the inhabited islands such as Dhiffushi, Guraidhoo, and Malé. Explore modern towns with brightly coloured buildings and small fishing villages with long-standing customs and traditons. Look out for traditional holhuashi, gazebos built with wood ans a thatched roof. Locals generally finish work mid-afternoon and spend the rest of the day visiting relatives or spending the evening at the beach. As the Maldives is a Muslim country, expect celebrations during Ramadan and Eid. Independence Day on July 26th is a spectacle, with parades and floats occurring in Republic Square.

Diving

Most holidays in Maldives involve some level of diving, whether it’s scuba diving to the 270 foot Maldive Victory freighter that sank in 1981, or whether it’s casual snorkelling by the beach. The Banana Reef off North Male is worth a dive; the devastating effects of the 2010 tsunami are still visible, and you may be lucky enough to get the chance to swim alongside the manta rays.

Night fishing

Unsurprisingly, Maldivian cuisine is mostly seafood based and tuna is a particular favourite. Fishing, along with tourism, is the dominant industry. Join a fishing excursion (offered by most hotels and resorts) during the evening. You will be taught how to fish in the traditional method, before having a barbeque with your catch. Although there are plenty of fancy restaurants on the island, it’s hard to imagine a more satisfying dining experience.

Visit a desert island

There are 1,190 islands in the Maldives and only ten are inhabited. Most of the night-fishing excursions also finish up on these serene islands in order to have a barbeque, so this is the perfect chance to combine two must-do events. Of course, trips are also available during daylight hours so that you can make the most of the solitary experience. Surrounded by shimmering water, warm sand, and lush vegetation, it’s easy to get carried away and feel like you truly are starring in your very own island fantasy. Do try to keep raucous behaviour to a minimum, however; the Maldives is a Muslim country and you shouldn’t run the risk of offending a local.

Fiona Roy writes for a digital marketing agency. This article about holidays in Maldives has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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