Top 10 Bucket List Experiences In The Maldives

Planning a trip to the astonishing, amazing (and affordable) country of The Maldives? Before you make a decision on where to go or how long to stay, bear in mind these 'Top 10 Bucket List Experiences in The Maldives', so that you can make the most if your once-in-a-lifetime trip there!

1. Swimming with Manta Rays

Manta Rays are beautiful, unique and mesmerising marine animals, and The Maldives has an abundance of them in its waters - you can actually see them all year round in certain parts of the country!

The Manta Ray hotspot is definitely Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll, where thousands of Mantas gather every year from May to August to devour the phyto-plankton in the ocean. Hanifaru Bay is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the location is protected and the Mantas are monitored by a charity called Manta Trust, who have a team of scientists specialising in identifying mantas and their movements, collecting data of the population of Mantas and much more.

Most atolls in The Maldives will have Manta Rays passing by at different times of the year, so check out our detailed Manta Ray Guide for in depth information.

2. Having a Picnic on a Deserted Sandbank

Enjoying a sandbank all to yourself is a truly unforgettable experience, especially when it’s a strip of sand in the middle of the Indian Ocean!

You will feel at one with nature, take the opportunity to relax, swim, snorkel, sunbathe and take photos of the remarkable place you’re in, gazing at the endless blue sky and across the fifty shades of blue. Most guesthouses and resorts will provide this experience, you may even have the option to have a picnic or a romantic sunset dinner there too!

3. Seeing Bioluminescent Plankton

Did you know you could see bioluminescent plankton in The Maldives? It is rare, but will stay in your memory forever once you experience it!

During the months from June to December, the chances are higher of seeing the fluorescent plankton waves wash up on the shore, but it remains a natural phenomenon that is completely unpredictable! Read our detailed guide on how to see Bioluminescent Plankton in The Maldives.

4. Visit a Local island as well as a Resort

At Maldives Secrets, we really want you to make the most out of your Maldives experience. That’s why we recommend visiting both a Resort and a local island during your stay so that you can experience the best of both worlds and gain more from The Maldives - which will definitely make you want to return!

After indulging in the luxurious lifestyle of a resort, why not stroll along the sandy streets of a local island, dotted with colourful and humble homes and friendly locals. Explore the untouched, natural beaches and try the local delicacies in a cute cafe whilst you watch local life unfold before you.

5. Go Scuba Diving or Learn How To Do It!

The Maldives is the best destination in the entire world for scuba diving, the crystal clear waters, colourful corals, tropical fish and huge marine animals including sharks, dolphins, rays, eels, turtles and more…

There is so much to see underwater. If you want to learn how to dive, check out our 6-night PADI Course Package.

Also it is worth having a read of our following blog posts:

6. Snorkelling with Whale Sharks

Do you dream of swimming alongside the biggest fish in the ocean? We can relate! The best place to spot them is in South Ari Atoll, and we have partnered with many guesthouses and resorts that offer Whale Shark excursions all year round.

You don’t need to be afraid of whale sharks, they are gentle giants (that can measure up to 12 metres) and only eat plankton, which are micro-organisms. When swimming with them, keep a distance of 3 metres and never touch them. So if you want to see these remarkable marine animals, let us know and we will plan you trip especially for this!

7. Participating in a Boduberu Show

Revel in the music and culture of The Maldives though the form of Boduberu. Grab your partner, get up and dance to the authentic beat of the Boduberu drums. It it bound to be a fun, cultural experience that will make your holiday that little bit more memorable!

8. See a Sunken Shipwreck

There are many exciting shipwrecks to see in The Maldives, they have now become a haven for fish and marine life and are great to explore when diving or snorkelling.

Some of the most impressive ones are the British Loyalty shipwreck in Addu and the famous and photogenic one (pictured above) is the Keyodhoo Ship Wreck in Vaavu Atoll, also known as Wow Atoll for its beauty. The latter wreck is positioned in a way that the bow of the wreck is above the water - it presents great photo opportunities and we would advise to visit either early in the morning or sunset time to avoid the crowds.

9. Learn the Local Language of Dhivehi

Learning a few words of Dhivehi should definitely be on your bucket list! You will be able to communicate with locals and manage on a local island? Watch our 'Learning Maldivian' videos on YouTube!

10. Go Island Hopping!

With over 1200 islands in The Maldives, how can you select just one? We love the idea of selecting a few islands that you adore and experiencing different things! Spend one week in the North of The Maldives and one week in the South... Or one week in a fancy resort and the other week in a down to earth, family-run Guesthouse... The choice is yours!

We hope you enjoyed this blog post and hopefully it has inspired you to plan more activities during your trip to paradise!

Here's a little bit more about us, Maldives Secrets, and what we do: