The Maldives, a tropical destination for your exotic vacation, is so much more than being the most sought-after place for rest and relaxation. Tourists from all over the world go there to lounge on swaying hammocks, indulge in massages and spa treatments, and sip fruity cocktails during sunset. However, along with these lazy moments, the island nation also is home to a huge array of water adventure activities for all the adrenaline junkies out there!
The huge and lavish resorts have their own water sports centre, which has a wide range of equipment available for hire for under and over-water fun activities. Many of the water sports are often included in the package if you book an all-inclusive resort. An extra fee is required for some water outings like sunset cruises, scuba diving, etc. The Maldives is the hub of water activities and you may find it difficult to fit them all in one vacation.
In this article, we present the top fifteen water sports to do in the Maldives.
#1 of top 15 water sports in the Maldives: Scuba Diving
The Maldives is ranked at a pretty high position when you search for the best scuba diving destinations across the globe. The perfect conditions for a growing underwater world are provided by the sparkling and warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Its thriving marine life includes turtles, rays, eels, dolphins, sharks (the friendly ones), and so much more.
Most of the huge Maldives resorts have their own PADI-certified dive centre. Here, you can enroll in various programs and dives as per your preference. It is absolutely fine if you have never ever dived in your life. These centres are experts in teaching newbies. They often have special training pools where you are taught the techniques so that you can get comfortable with being under the water and feel familiar before going out for the actual dive. There is a lot on offer for more advanced divers. All you have to do is show your PADI certification to the dive centre when you arrive and me the most of the Maldives.
There are some Maldivian resorts that specialise in conducting various diving programs. While choosing your accommodation here, make sure you pick one with either house reefs or nearby coral reefs as these are home to a wide variety of marine life. If you are someone who is willing to partake in a bit unusual dives, then go for night dives, deep dives, and wreck dives. You can scuba dive all year round, but the best time is between January and April when the water is clearer and calmer. That’s why, everything is extra costly here during the peak season.
#2 of top 15 water sports in the Maldives: Snorkeling
If you are not confident enough to go scuba diving but are willing to explore the beautiful underwater world, then you should go for snorkeling. All resorts have snorkeling equipment and you can hire or purchase it as well. You will also be provided flippers that help you to swim in the ocean. But you really have to be very careful that you never accidentally step on the living corals as the ecosystem is very delicate here.
The resorts in the Maldives have a house reef that is located just out from the beach. You can go and swim there as per your own convenience. There are such resorts also that provide snorkeling boat trips wherein you stop at the most popular snorkeling hotspots. These often include a mouth-watering barbecue lunch or a sunset dinner as well. Clicking underwater photographs is highly recommended. So you can bring along a waterproof GoPro to capture the wonderful marine life in your camera.
#3 of top 15 water sports in the Maldives: Kayaking
A popular water adventure activity in the Maldives, kayaking gives you an opportunity to witness the lovely palm trees and sugary sand beaches while you paddle around the island. Along with being a fun-filled activity, it is also a good workout for your arms. There are see-through kayaks also that offer you a glimpse of the marine world when you paddle in the cobalt waters of the Indian Ocean. You can see which creature is swimming underneath you! Moreover, always wear a hat and apply sunscreen lotion for your protection while you are out on the ocean.
#4 of top 15 water sports in the Maldives: Glass-Bottom Boat
If you are allured by the idea of a see-through kayak but are not willing to put so much effort and just want to sit back and relax while someone else does the hard work, then your best is to go on a glass-bottom boat ride. These special boats have clear glass paneling at the bottom. Thus, you can view the colorful corals and fishes underneath your feet while sitting comfortably. This adventure is also suitable for those who cannot swim. There are many resorts in the Maldives that offer tour packages including a glass-bottom boat ride with beach lunch so that you can make the most of your afternoon.
#5 of top 15 water sports in the Maldives: Jet Skiing
Jet skiing is a popular water sport in the Maldives. You can rent jet skis from your resort and have fun out on the ocean. If you love speed and want to whizz over the powerful waters of the Indian Ocean, then this adventurous water activity is just for you! Also, if you don’t want to ride, then you can just enjoy the adrenaline rush by sitting behind your partner.
#6 of top 15 water sports in the Maldives: Banana Boating
Sign up for a banana boat ride if you want to laugh like there is no tomorrow! This is an amazingly fun-filled activity that you can do with your loved ones when in the Maldives. This special boat is inflatable and shaped like a banana. It is attached to a speedboat that pulls you around the island. When the speedboat takes a sharp turn, be ready to fall into the water. The best time to go for this fun activity is from April to October but it is available throughout the year.
#7 of top 15 water sports in the Maldives: Underwater Walking
Underwater walking has emerged as the most sought-after water activity in the island nation. Definitely a unique experience, you must have seen its photographs on social media and craved to do the same! All you need to do is put on a special sealed oxygen mask that provides you air so that you can walk on the seafloor without any problem. You don’t go very deep when you do this exciting activity. You have to hold onto the rope so that you can walk along the bottom of the ocean. Underwater walking gives you unlimited memories for a lifetime that you can cherish with your friends and family. If you are someone who wants to do scuba diving but is a bit afraid to begin with, then you should go for underwater walking. People of all ages can do this. The best time to go for underwater walking is from January to April.
#8 of top 15 water sports in the Maldives: Kitesurfing
Try your hand at kitesurfing if you want to improve your balancing skills and also looking for a real thrill. While doing this, you are attached to a small board with a big kite that lets you skim across the sea at an extremely fast speed. Requiring a little skill, you may need to enroll in a few lessons at your resort to be able to get the hang of it. Go for kitesurfing when the southern-westerly winds arrive during the low season from April to October as it is considered the best time. However, some resorts offer this activity all around the year.
#9 of top 15 water sports in the Maldives: Windsurfing
Something like kitesurfing, windsurfing is apparently a little easier to do. Even if you are doing it for the first time, it is a wonderful water sport to do in the Maldives. 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 centre who will help you in learning the basics of windsurfing so that you get familiarised with this incredible sport.
Windsurfing in the months between May and October is considered the best as during this time, the winds pick up and provide an exhilarating experience. However, this water activity is available all around the year.
#10 of top 15 water sports in the Maldives: Catamaran Sailing
Catamaran sailing is counted among the best water activities to do in the Maldives owing to a number of reasons. A relaxed outing in the ocean, this water sport lets you sit back, chill, and soak up those million-dollar views. The resorts in the Maldives offer catamaran packages that involve champagne, a food menu, and soothing music to create a peaceful aura. If you want, then you can also hire a private catamaran with a personal captain to show you the natural beauty around. You should surely include catamaran sailing in your Maldives itinerary as the experience of skimming over the Indian Ocean is unforgettable.
#11 of top 15 water sports in the Maldives: Wakeboarding
Do you want to know how standing on a wave would feel? If you have this fantasy, then wakeboarding is the perfect water activity for you. This amazing sport includes holding onto a rope while you are walking on the water. All you need to do is maintain balance so you don’t fall. Swimming is preferable. While doing it, acquire an understanding of your center of gravity. The best time to do this is between April and October.
#12 of top 15 water sports in the Maldives: Flyboarding
Flyboarding is one of the best and the most popular water sports in the Maldives. It is for all those adrenaline junkies who have the guts to do something that not everyone else is doing and that involves a little risk also. Recently invented extreme sport, flyboarding is an enthralling activity wherein you get on a flyboard that is attached to a jet ski by a hose. You are sent up in the air and the feeling is quite mesmerising. May to October is the best time to do flyboarding. You don’t need to know swimming to do this. Ensure that you wear safety gear properly and maintain balance, especially if you are a beginner.
#13 of top 15 water sports in the Maldives: Fun Tubing
As evident from its name, this water activity is definitely fun-filled! In this, you have to get on an inflatable and unpowered tube that takes you over water at a high speed. You are sure to enjoy the bumpy ride on the water. When in the Maldives, go for this activity if you want to do something not requiring hard efforts and skills. You don’t need to know swimming. Wearing shoes would be better while doing fun tubing. April to October is the best time to do this adventure activity.
#14 of top 15 water sports in the Maldives: Parasailing
If you are in the Maldives and want to do such a water activity that lets you fly high in the sky and forget all your problems for a while, then parasailing is the best water activity for you. This lovely activity offers a bird’s eye view of the stunning island. You will have the time of your life when you are up above in the sky alone. You are in the air with a parachute and towed by a motorboat. You don’t need to know swimming to do parasailing. May to October is the best time to do this adventure activity. You should check the weather beforehand and listen to your trainer cautiously. It is a tricky water activity and can be dangerous if not done carefully.
#15 of top 15 water sports in the Maldives: Big-Game Fishing
Fishing is ordinary, but what about big-game fishing that involves confronting some of the rarest species such as tuna, sailfish, etc! The Maldives is known for its rich marine life and you can have a sneak peek for sure while going for this water sport. November to March is the best time to do this. You don’t need to carry anything with you as fish food is provided to you by the sports staff.
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