The Maldives has emerged as the most sought-after water sports destination in the world. It is home to azure waters and excellent marine life. That is why trying a myriad of water sports here gives you the ultimate high. Whether you are travelling with your partner, friends, family, or solo, the water adventure activities available here are truly exciting and mesmerising. They are sure to satisfy the adrenaline junkie in you! The archipelago is the one-stop destination for luxury and adventure lovers.
In case you don’t know which water sports you should try when in the Maldives, then you have landed on the right page! We present below a full-fledged list of the best water sports in the Maldives that you must try out for a memorable vacation. Try as many as you want. The options are many!
Banana Boating
This fun-filled water activity in the Maldives is a must-try for everyone. With absolutely no requirement for swimming (you will be wearing a safety jacket), it involves a long boat where you are strapped to. You zoom over the turquoise waters of the ocean and all you have to do is maintain balance so that you don’t fall off. Banana boating can be done in a group. So take your friends and family members along to do this super thrilling water sport. The best time to try your hands at this activity is from April to October. The best thing is that you can do it in almost all beach resorts in the country. The most popular locations include Malé, Baa Atoll, Ari Atolls, and Kaafu Atoll.
Catamaran Sailing
As you lounge on a magnificent catamaran, the calm and serene waters of the Indian Ocean will give you much-needed relaxation. While sailing on these special kinds of luxury boats, you can experience amazing holiday vibes as you chill with your loved ones and appreciate the incredible panoramas of the island. The cherry on the cake, watch the most gorgeous sunset while on a catamaran. You don’t need to know swimming to go for this water activity. The best time for catamaran sailing is between November and April. Catamarans are offered on the charter basis at all major ports in the country. You can hire it from resorts as well apart from agencies.
Fishing
Highly relaxing and rewarding, fishing is one of the most popular activities in the Maldives. If you catch a fish, then you are allowed to keep it and cook it as well. While game fishing, you can come face to face with huge and exotic sailfish as well. Isn’t that exciting! Doing this exhilarating water activity is on the checklist of everyone who visits the Maldives. The best time is from November to March. The best thing is that all resort islands offer game fishing and you can also get in touch with agencies for taking you to good locations.
Flyboarding
Enabling you to hydro-fly, flyboarding is a futuristic ride that has a board, which is propelled into the air. Soaring above the water and looking at it from the top is definitely an unforgettable experience. Knowing swimming is not required to do this. The best time to try your hands at flyboarding is between April and October. The best location would be Lhaviyani Atoll, Maafushi Island.
Jet Skiing
Counted among the best water sports in the Maldives, jet skiing offers a thrilling as well as fun-filled experience. When you ride on the oceanic water at such a terrific speed, you are sure to have an amazing time. Getting a high adrenaline rush is inevitable. Do try this exhilarating water sport when in the island nation. Wear your life jacket properly. You can go for it with your partner or a friend but if you are trying it for the first time, then taking an instructor along with you is advisable. The best time for jet skiing in the Maldives is between April and October and you don’t need to know swimming to go for it.
Fun Tube
As clearly evident from its name, the fun tube is a fun-filled activity to do in the Maldives. There is a bed-like tube on which you can enjoy the ride with your gang while zooming through the bright blue ocean. This adventure activity is the perfect combo of laid-back fun and thrilling speed. Knowing swimming is not required for this. This crazy sport can be enjoyed the most between April and October. Almost every beach resort in the country offers a fun tube. The most popular locations include Malé, Baa Atoll, Ari Atolls, and Kaafu Atoll.
Kayaking
Feel the adrenaline rush running through your veins as you indulge in various water sports in the Maldives! Counted among the most exciting water adventure activities, kayaking is all about moving across the water in a kayak. A kayak is a type of canoe made up of very light material having a small opening on top for the person to sit. Kayaking amidst the lush greenery and crystal-clear water of the ocean is a mesmerising experience that leaves you awestruck with stunning diversified views. The Maldives is known for the calming sound of its water. If you want to experience total bliss while vacationing on the island, then go for kayaking as it is the perfect fit for you. It will be one of the memories that you will cherish for life.
Kitesurfing
Absolutely thrilling, while doing kitesurfing, you have the additional pull of the tropical winds. Become one with the waves and experience the mighty ocean like never before. Soar into the wake with your huge kite. If you want to do surfing, then kitesurfing can be a great gateway sport. The best time to go for it would be from April to October. It can be done on all resort islands, especially Malé and Hulumalé. You don’t need to know swimming to try kitesurfing.
Parasailing
While parasailing, you are into a different space flying free above everyone else and witnessing gorgeous views of the island. This adventure activity offers you an amazing experience that stays with you for a lifetime. It is an incredible water sport that anyone can enjoy in the Maldives. Parasailing offers a fantastic combo of water and airborne adventure. While harnessed in a parachute, you are tied behind a motorboat with a rope. As the boat speeds off into the sea, you start flying like a kite in the sky! You may get to dip into the water as well. The whole experience is extremely enthralling! This activity is something that you should not miss at any cost while holidaying in the archipelago. And don’t forget to wear clothes in which you can move comfortably.
Surfing
A lot like kitesurfing, surfing is a popular water sport in the Maldives. Even if you are doing it for the first time, it is sure to give you unforgettable memories. Imagine enjoying the cool tropical breeze brushing your hair as you sail over the Indian Ocean with the bright sun shining softly down on you. There will be qualified and experienced instructors of the water sports center who will help you in learning the basics of surfing so that you get familiarised with this incredible sport.
Surfing in the months between April and October is considered the best as, during this time, the winds pick up and provide an exhilarating experience. The best locations are Baa Atoll and Thulusdhoo Islands. You can also contact agencies to take you to the best locations for surfing.
Cost of water sports in the Maldives
Counted among the most intriguing places to explore you can ever find, the Maldives is surrounded by miles and miles of sea. It is one of the best places in the world to perform a number of water sports and activities. Its crystal-clear blue waters are popular for unparalleled and awe-inspiring underwater diversity.
We present below the cost of various water sports in the Maldives along with the duration so that you can have a fair idea of which ones you want to try.
S.No. |
Water Sport |
Cost Per Person |
Time Duration |
1. |
Banana Boating |
USD 50 - USD 80 |
20 minutes |
2. |
Catamaran Sailing |
USD 50 - USD 80 |
1 hour |
3. |
Fishing |
USD 80 – USD 100 |
1 hour |
4. |
Flyboarding |
USD 150 |
30 minutes |
5. |
Jet Skiing |
USD 70 - USD 100 |
30 minutes |
6. |
Fun Tube |
USD 130 for two people |
20 minutes |
7. |
Kayaking |
USD 10 - USD 50 |
1 hour |
8. |
Kitesurfing |
USD 50 - USD 90 |
1 hour |
9. |
Parasailing |
USD 90 |
10 minutes |
10. |
Surfing |
USD 130 |
2 hours |
If thinking about it makes you excited, imagine actually doing it!