The Maldives has been known as a paradise for a long time enough, attracting more and more visitors to embrace the extreme pleasures that are generally subject to serendipity. It is popular for exotic resorts with sophisticated restaurants and spas and infinity pools overlooking panoramic sunsets.
However, you will also come across various stunning natural wonders both on land and underwater. From surfing on the waves, swimming with the whales, and snorkeling among the corals to stargazing there’s a lot you can cherish here. We have brought to you a list of the best things to do in Maldives for excellent natural experiences.
Best Natural Experiences In The Maldives
1. Swimming With Whale Sharks
Whale sharks are plankton-feeding gentle giants in the ocean with an intimidating name. It is the world’s largest fish weighing around 20 tons and 40 feet long. You will be even more intrigued when you take a closer look at them. At South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas, you may lookout for the most wonderful whale shark experiences.
Set off on a traditional dhoni sailboat with local marine biologists while you gather the courage to dive into the blue water. Although the peak season spans from August to November, whale sharks can be spotted in the tropical Maldivian water throughout the year.
Also Read: Holidays to Maldives: A Complete Guide
2. Plant Coral Reefs
The abnormal rise in temperature in 1998 caused havoc on coral reefs around the world including the Maldives. Now protecting the reefs from any such major warming events in the future is a major concern at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort.
While much of the coral reefs have been recovered naturally, this initiative lets guests be the part of Coral Adoption Programme, collaborating with a marine biologist and planting corals in the reef nursery. You can follow up on the growth of baby coral on a return trip or online.
3. Go Surfing
The list of best things to do in Maldives will be incomplete if the sheer pleasure of surfing on the clear, turquoise waters is missing. Soneva Jani, the chic overwater resort offers the world’s first 100 percent sustainable surfing program for its visitors.
The surfboards and other equipment here are known to be made from recycled waste. In fact, they also offer eco-friendly sunscreens. Beginners can opt for introductory surfing classes here; while the experienced ones can set off to the nearby Noonu Atoll on a speed boat. Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with manta rays, sea turtles, and whale sharks is a great alternative.
4. Stargazing
The utopian Soneva Jani resort is home to the first overwater observatory in the Maldives. The Maldives being located on the tad north of the equator, you can spot constellations of both the Northern and the Southern Hemisphere.
While these are rarely visible to naked eyes in light-polluted areas of the world, you may spot them very easily with a telescope here. The observatory at Soneva Fushi is also worth visiting. There are 3D astronomical models by various researchers.
5. Dolphins And Sunsets
The Maldives is home to more than 20 different dolphin species. These include the acrobatic spinner dolphins that can jump and twirl up to 10 feet high above the waves. Get on a sunset dolphin-watching cruise at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives resort for this amazing show.
In order to ensure that the boats don’t disturb the dolphins, an eco-friendly initiative is followed by the resort. According to these initiatives, the boats don’t move too fast or change speed suddenly and do not approach a pod directly. You can also rent private luxury yachts for special occasions.
6. Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center
Carelessly discarded fishing nets have continued to cause injuries to various endangered species on the planet. The Olive Ridley sea turtle is one of them. It is the world’s second-smallest turtle species living in the warm waters of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu Resort which is a part of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The resort has Marine Turtle Rescue Center with surgical facilities, laboratory, dedicated veterinarians to help the injured reptiles. The visitors can observe the patients and meet the vet. You may also attend presentations concerning the conservation of sea turtles.
7. Diving With The Reef Sharks
With lush jungles, dazzling white sands, and curious lizards, the Baros island resort is a perfect place for nature lovers. However, diving down the deep turquoise sea is one of the best things to do in Maldives. The myriad of aquatic animals underwater are the real gems here. Dive down the ocean to watch the ecological treasures. You will come across various amazing creatures.
Also Read: 8 Best International Backpacking Destinations For Budget-Friendly Trips
8. Stroll Through A Tropical Garden
The Six Senses Laamu resort offers an array of nature activities and underwater adventure including diving, snorkeling, and castaway beach adventure. This sustainability-focused resort will take you closer to Nature. You can tour the organic gardens of the resort with the executive chef. There are over 40 herbs, salad leaves, and chilies. You can also take cooking classes here.
While the place is abundant in natural beauty and activities, the list of best things to do in Maldives can be long enough. Consider the above-mentioned activities for pleasurable holidays. Plan it well.
Keep Traveling!