The irresistible islands and sparkling waters of the Maldives, scattered like marbles across the Indian Ocean, attract hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. The absolute beauty, inimitable hospitality and dizzying variety of experiences have made the Maldives the leading destination in the world in 2020 and 2021. The Maldives is known as a place of peace and serenity. But let's face it, the Maldives is all that and more. After all, where else can you swim with tiger sharks, dine in an underwater gourmet restaurant, camp on an uninhabited island all to yourself and sleep under the night sky in a bubble tent all in the same day? The Experiences in the Maldives is endless.

The Maldives are also home to the unique "one Island - one Resort" concept. Each resort is located on its own private island and offers you absolute privacy. The islands of the Maldives are a place to relax and let go. The Maldives are a haven of peace against the stress of everyday life. In addition to resorts, the Maldives also has Guest Houses, liveaboards and hotels. No matter what kind of traveler you are, the Maldives offers a piece of paradise for everyone. Maldivian hospitality knows no bounds. Travelers arriving in the Maldives are greeted at the airport with a smile. Maldivian warmth and friendliness are an integral part of the culture; it is a core identity of the Maldivian people. Whether you stay at a resort, guest house, liveaboard or hotel, you will experience the distinctive Maldivian hospitality.

Fantastic beaches are waiting to be discovered in the Maldives. ©Visit Maldives

In the Blue Sea

The beauty of the Maldives lies above and below the water. If you are curious enough to explore them, a world underwater awaits you. The Maldives consists of hundreds of islands scattered throughout the archipelago. Each island and atoll has its own personality and character. There are channels connecting the ocean to lagoons, underwater caves, stunning coral reef ecosystems and much more. Each lagoon, channel and cave is home to an incredible variety of marine life. Manta rays, whale sharks, dolphins and turtles are among the fascinating underwater inhabitants, but that's not all. Fascinating nudibranchs, elusive thresher sharks, the strange Napoleon wrasse and the cool surgeon fish are just a few of the thousands of fish that call the Maldives home.

Pack your snorkeling gear, dive in and explore the fascinating coral reefs. You don't have to dive far and deep to discover the beauty of the underwater world. That's what makes snorkeling so fantastic. With a pair of fins, a snorkeling mask and a good dose of curiosity, you can see two of the most extraordinary animals. Manta rays and whale sharks. 

If you want to swim with manta rays, you have to go to Baa Atoll, a world-famous UNESCO biosphere reserve. Plankton washes up through the channels in Hanifaru Bay, attracting hundreds of manta rays during the southwest monsoon season. A unique experience you will never forget!

Manta rays, also called devil rays, can be found in Baa Atoll. ©Visit Maldives

In search of whale sharks? South Ari Atoll is the place to be. These docile animals frequent the channel and can be spotted year-round around the islands of Dhigurah, Dhangethi and Maamigili. Whale shark excursions can be arranged almost any time of the week, and tracking whale shark sightings is easy via the Whale Shark Network Maldives app from the Maldives Whale Shark Research Program. Many island resorts, guesthouses and liveaboards offer tours for this exciting excursion.

Snorkeling is not enough for everyone. Diving, total immersion in the underwater world, is arguably one of the most extraordinary experiences one can have in the Maldives. With over hundreds of spots scattered throughout the country, the unique geography of the country means that there are a multitude of dive sites accessible from anywhere in the country. A dive school is an essential part of any resort and there is a dive center on each of the guest house islands. Whether you have thousands of dives under your belt or are a complete beginner, the waters of the Maldives invite you to explore.

©Visit Maldives

Ever heard of the exciting side of life?

Serenity is best served with a pinch of thrills. The Maldives is the ultimate playground for thrilling adventures. Glide through the crystal clear sea on a jet ski or fly hundreds of meters above the sea on a parasail. Or even better, shoot into the sky and experience a rush like never before while flyboarding. The Maldives has so much more to offer. Windsurfing, catamaran sailing, exploring shipwrecks and even skydiving are on the agenda. You can also just relax and paddle on a kayak.

Embark on an adventure with a Maldives-style fishing trip. Fishing may sound quite ordinary, but in the Maldives it is anything but. Many resorts and guesthouses offer night fishing and angling for big fish. You can also board a local fishing boat (dhoni) and try your hand at pole and line fishing, one of the most sustainable fishing methods practiced in the Maldives for centuries.

From the top there is a breathtaking view over the vastness of the sea. ©Visit Maldives

An experience that really takes your breath away is surfing the majestic towering waves of the Maldives. The Maldives has made a name for itself in the surfing scene and is a surfer's paradise. Blue waters and consistently long waves that offer barrel after barrel invite surfers from all over the world to the Maldives. The North Malé Atoll is home to some of the world's most popular breaks such as Chicken's, Cokes and Lohis. If the choices are overwhelming, the best way to take a surf trip in the Maldives is on a liveaboard. You don't have to choose, you can have it all.

Shooting across the waves on a jet ski offers the ultimate adrenaline rush. ©Visist Maldives

L like luxury

Indulge in haute gourmet cuisine by world-class chefs on an overwater deck overlooking the endless Indian Ocean. Accompanied by fine wines. If an overwater deck isn't luxurious enough, how about an underwater restaurant? The Maldives has some of the most luxurious underwater restaurants in the world. Dining on a sandbar under the stars sounds like a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you are looking for the ultimate vacation with your loved ones, this is it. Check with the resort you're staying at to see if this offer is available - it's only a few minutes by speedboat, and you'll be able to take in the gorgeous sunset over the waves.

Have you ever wanted to start your day in style and enjoy a fantastic breakfast while getting comfortable in your own pool? Well, you can do that too while enjoying your stay in the Maldives! Resorts in the Maldives offer luxurious and elegant spas to revitalize your body, mind and soul. From spas on the water to spas set amidst lush and tropical vegetation, the choices are endless. Maldives spas combine traditional methods with modernity, offering an experience that brings you closer to yourself and the natural environment.

©Visist Maldives

The ultra-luxurious accommodations make the Maldives one of the most sought-after honeymoon destinations. This picture-perfect paradise filled with ultra luxury resorts, experiences and amenities, makes for an unforgettable honeymoon. A destination worthy of love. The location on the equator ensures that couples have long, hot days to get a tan on their honeymoon. They can enjoy the endless, breathtaking underwater beauty and also explore the islands. For those who are thrill seekers, there are water sports available at every single resort and on most of the islands and liveaboards.

The iconic Overwater Villas are iconic for good reason. Bedrooms with ocean-view beds, outdoor decks with infinity pools, a private 24-hour butler, private chefs, on-demand fitness trainers, spa treatments, and access to private jet skis are just a few of the amenities offered at Maldives accommodations. And what about the beach? This is where beach villas come into play. Beach villas are the perfect option for those who want to stay right on the beach. Like the Overwater Villas, Beach Villas often offer total privacy and plenty of space, and feature private pools and sundecks, daybeds, and more.

©Visit Maldives

The sunny side of life

Even though a dazzling variety of experiences await you, the Maldives is a destination where you are not above lazing around. Sit under the rustle of palm leaves, listen to the gentle rhythm of the waves washing ashore, and feel the gentle embrace of the equatorial sun on your body. Simply being is the hallmark of the Maldives. In an age of constant distractions and stimuli, the Maldivian islands are a sanctuary where you can get in touch with your inner self.

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