Get Outdoorsy in the Maldives

Imma by Hani Amir, on Flickr Close your eyes and picture the Maldives : what do you see? Paradise beaches with crystal clear waters, posh ho...

Imma by Hani Amir, on Flickr

Close your eyes and picture the Maldives: what do you see? Paradise beaches with crystal clear waters, posh holiday villas, extravagant honeymoons? That’s part of the story, but not all of it – the Maldives are an incredible spot for adventure tourism. You can swim, snorkel, dive, kayak, surf, windsurf, sail, parasail, fish, hike, climb, explore ancient Islamic ruins and look for wildlife without ever leaving the archipelago – and you can experience the local culture as well at markets on non-resort islands. There’s a reason the UK voted it their favourite country outside of Europe in 2010 – here are a few of our favourite adventure activities in the Maldives:

Diving

Keen divers will be hard-pressed to find a better spot than the Maldives. The waters surrounding these islands are so clear you can often see fish up to fifty metres away. There are over a thousand varieties of sea critters here, from tiny shrimp to majestic tropical fish and sharks (thankfully, there are no Great Whites here). Divers of all levels of experience are catered for and there are excellent snorkelling options available too.

Surfing

The Maldives are a total surfer’s paradise, with some areas seeing impressive swells from June to September thanks to the southwest monsoon. Waves can reach up to 8 feet, so you’ll need a head for heights if you’re planning on heading out!

Island Hopping

If you’re hoping to get a real impression of what life is like in the Maldives, you should think about heading off-resort to Malé, the capital city, as well as visiting some uninhabited islands. You can take a boat around the different islands to get a taster and go trekking through postcard scenery, with the option to fish for your supper. Getting right back to basics, grilling your catch of the day on an open fire down at the water’s edge – perfection!

Whale and Dolphin Watching

The Maldives plays host to more than 20 species of whale and dolphin, and is one of the premier places to see these fascinating creatures. Head out on a tour boat to see how many you can spot, or stay on the beach to see the Spinner dolphins come in during the early hours to eat.