11 Maldives Beach Activities For 2024
Maldives is widely known as a once-in-a-lifetime destination, but it faces criticism when it comes to things to do at this island nation. We’re here to prove that wrong with some amazing Maldives beach activities!
With its super fine sand, cerulean waters and enthralling ecology, it’s no wonder people fall in love with this country. Even with all this aesthetic beauty, not even Maldives is free from criticism, as people have said that there’s nothing to do other than lying on the beach or going for a swim. So without further ado, here are 11 Maldives beach activities for 2024 that we think will change your mind and have you turn your trip of relaxation into a trip of excitement!
1. Sea of Stars
The Sea of Stars is a luminous marvel of nature, a phenomenon that occurs at Vaadhoo Island, located at Raa Atoll. It is 194 km / 121 miles from the capital Male’, with a travel time of approximately 2 hours.
The bioluminescent dinoflagellates, a type of plankton and phytoplankton that float on the ocean’s surface, are the organism that causes the “Sea of Stars” phenomena on Vaadhoo Island. Whether the plankton is on the beach or the ocean’s surface, the bluish light is caused by motions among the plankton. Chemiluminescence, a chemical process that takes place within living things, is the source of bioluminescence. The two distinct substances known as luciferase and luciferin are what trigger this response.
Two considerations are necessary in order to detect and experience any bioluminescence at all. The amount of plankton present in the ocean is one. From June through December, there is a noticeable rise in bioluminescent plankton in the water, so this would be a good period for you to schedule your vacation.
Moonlight is the other contributing component. Travelling at a time of year when there is less natural light available due to the moon’s effect and during a favourable weather window would be great. This is often around the middle of May, after the full moon has disappeared, when the oceans and beach are sufficiently dark to increase the likelihood that you may see the bioluminescent plankton. Your best chance would be from July to December, as there won’t be any moonlight to worry about.
2. Sandbank Excursion
Maldives is known for its perfect sandy beaches on its islands, inhabited or not. The country is also filled with sandbanks, just a lump of sand in the middle of the sea with nothing else. When you stand on one, all you see is the ocean around you. A truly remarkable sight that some resorts offer to take you on as part of excursion packages!
If you feel like going on a sandbank excursion, here are some excellent options for you to consider.
- Vakkaru Maldives: The Ultimate Sandbank Escape
- Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: Idyllic Sandbank Excursions
- Baglioni Maldives: Golden Sand Bank
- Soneva Fushi Maldives: Private Sandbank Overnight Experience
3. Sunset Beach Dining
One of the most mesmerising scenes you can witness in Maldives is a sunset by the beach, overlooking the water as the sun hits the horizon. And then when night moves in, stars appear in the sky, cascading across your view as they accompany you on a once-in-a-lifetime beach dining experience.
There are quite a few resorts that offer this experience. Here are some of our best picks.
- Milaidhoo Island Maldives: Dining Under the Stars
- Anantara Veli Maldives Resort: Dining by Design
- Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives: Thundi Farikolhu
4. Sunbathing
Sunbathing in Maldives is something almost everyone does on their trip. Just lie on the beach and have the sun toast you to perfection while you take a nap, read a book or simply admire the view. This can be done on resort beaches and not so much the public beaches on islands.
Maldives is a Muslim country so people do cover up when they go out, so sunbathing in public with a bikini or shorts would be frowned upon. That is unless you’re at a resort island where there are private beaches. Just make sure you put on some SPF 50 and you’re good to go!
5. Bodu Beru Show
Some of you may be wondering, ‘what’s Bodu Beru?’. Bodu Beru is a traditional Maldivian song and dance that was derived from east & south west African song and dance from a long time ago.
Bodu Beru consists of one main instrument, a large drum made out of coconut wood. The two sides where the drums are played is covered in goat skin, which gives it a thick and distinctive sound, reverberating throughout the performance with each thwack. The song and dance is usually performed by a lead singer and three drummers, with a varying number of dancers.
The music starts off nice and slow, with the singer usually singing about tales of romance, heroism or things of satirical nature. Then as it continues, the tempo gets faster, the drums get louder and it slowly turns the performance into a grand celebration of vibes, as even spectators jump in to dance to the beat. It’s truly an experience to behold, with these resorts offering this experience. It is important to note that local islands would also have these performances but they usually fall on times of celebration such as Eid Al-Adha.
- Conrad Maldives Rangali Island: Maldivian Night
- Fiyavalhu Resort Maldives: Maldivian Nights
- Kuredu Resort Maldives: Maldivian Culture Show
6. Beach Party
Beach parties have become quite the norm in Maldives, which mostly occurs in the resorts. Dance the night away and socialise with other guests under the stars of this island nation at these resort destinations.
7. Flyboarding
Flyboarding has become a staple in the list of Maldives beach activities and for good reason. Most people take to the depths of the water and float around while admiring the views. With flyboarding, you get to take to the skies and quite literally fly. Indulge in an Ironman-like experience in Maldives today.
8. Cinema Under the Stars
IMAX experiences are pretty cool but how many of your friends can say they’ve watched a movie in an open-air theatre under the stars of Maldives?
Whether it’s on the beach or at the resort accommodation, a cinema-under-the-stars experience is sure to make your Maldivian vacation even more special with these resorts.
- Gili Lankanfushi Maldives: Jungle Cinema
- Six Senses Laamu Maldives: Private Jungle Cinema
- One&Only Reethi Rah Maldives: Outdoor Cinema at Grand Sunset Residence
9. Surfing
Surfing in Maldives is a dream come true for those who indulge casually or competitively. There are some amazing surf spots close by to resorts that will have you riding waves in no time. Here are some resorts that have some amazing trips to prolific surf points in Maldives.
- Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives: Pasta Point
- Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi Maldives: Lohis
- Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort: Nonyas
10. Horseback Riding
A recent addition to the tourism scene in Maldives, horseback riding is available at two luxurious resorts in Maldives. Ride free in these resorts with these majestic beasts while taking in the Maldivian sunset.
11. Beachside Yoga
Yoga is all about harmony and uniting the mind and the body. Imagine doing your morning meditation on a beach in Maldives, with the sea salt wind brushing past you. The gentle sound of the waves lapping on the beach as the warm sun rises from the horizon brings together an unbeatable environment for this calming activity.
- Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa: Beach Yoga Sessions
- Naladhu Private Island Maldives: Beach Yoga and Meditation
- Lily Beach Resort & Spa Maldives: Yoga at Lily
With the amount of options and beauty that’s on offer, Maldives beach activities are something that shouldn’t be passed up on. If you’re in the market to book your vacation, visit MadlyMaldives by clicking any of the resort links and make your booking as easy as pie!
