The Maldives is one of those out-of-this-world places where even the most thrilling adventures are relaxing. Easily mistaken for paradise, the Maldives appears in the dreams of many travelers and on the screensavers of most work computers. Whenever we picture escaping the asphalt jungle and daily rhythm, our imagination leads us to an exotic paradise with flawless white beaches, hypnotic turquoise waters, and an absolute lack of the time concept. Exactly like the Maldives!
When planning a trip to the Maldives, no one actually creates itineraries. Because they would probably look the same every day: basking in the sun, sipping cocktails, eating seafood, basking in the sun some more, watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean, and repeat! However, if at some point you’ll want to see if your body still has functioning arms and legs, you can try one of these activities. They’re fun, exciting and, not to worry, incredibly relaxing!
Snorkelling
Snorkelling is as relaxing as being lazy on an infinite beach or in an overwater bungalow. Especially, if you’re experiencing this adventure accompanied by the underwater creatures of the Maldives, spectacular beings like turtles, stingrays, reef sharks, and dolphins. If you want to make sure you’ve chosen the best snorkeling spot, add to your itinerary trips to Bandos Island, Baros Island, Moofushi, and Mandhoo. For whale sharks, gear up and head to the South Ari Atoll, while if you want to swim along with the manta rays, head to the North Male Atoll. For a change of scenery, snorkel under some of the concave islands of the Maldives. The views are incredible!
Diving
Increase the dose of fun without compromising the relaxation factor and sign up for a diving adventure. Home to 5% of the world’s corals, The Maldives is known as a fabulous diving destination. The superb coral awaiting at the Addu Atoll attests to its fabulousness, as does the Mushimasmingili Thila, perfect for a submarine dance with grey reef sharks, tropical reef fish, and giant snappers. Rasdhoo Atoll is one of the few places in the world where you can meet hammerhead shark dives. The archipelago is also famous due to its population of stingrays, whale shark, and sea turtles that have chosen this aquatic universe as their home. The turquoise waters of the Maldives are so warm and diver-friendly that you don’t even need to wear a wetsuit.
Surfing
Get out of your comfort zone a bit and learn how to surf! If you’re already an experienced surfer, you’ll be happy to know the Maldives has awesome surfing waves between March and October. Accept the challenge launched by the Cinnamon Dhonveli and Lhohifushi, in the North Male Atoll, and take on some of the most fabulous breaks in the world. The Central Atolls impress with spectacular waves between June and September, while the South Atolls keeps its breaks reasonable but consistent all year long. Surfing in the Maldives is mostly reserved for intermediate and advanced surfers but this shouldn’t stop you for learning the art of riding the waves with the help of the local surf instructors.
Island hopping
There are over 1,000 islands and 26 natural atolls in the Maldives, so an island hopping adventure might take quite a while. And even though most of them are uninhabited, there are still about 200 that have been subdued by humanity. Book day trips to the local islands to visit the workshops of artisans and lively markets where you can sample the local produce. Male, the busy capital of the Maldives, is the most visited city in the country. While the resorts create this perfect bubble of beatitude and serenity, the capital’s streets allow you to take a peek into the everyday life of the Maldivians. During your trip, you can admire the 17th-century coral stone Hukuru, visit the city’s museum, and admire the Sultan’s thrones.
For a more relaxing day trip experience, visit the island of Vilingili situated just a short ferry ride away from Male, a great place to watch the locals play cricket or enjoy a picnic under the palm trees. And for the ultimate relaxing adventure, choose to spend the night on an uninhabited island or dine in the world’s largest underwater restaurant.
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