Things to do in the Maldives

Overwater bungalows above impossibly clear lagoons, some of the world's best diving, and a country so flat and low-lying it's become a symbol of climate vulnerability as much as luxury travel.

Explore Maldives on the map →

What's worth your time in Maldives

Snorkel directly from an overwater bungalow

Nature

Many resorts place bungalows over house reefs, so vibrant coral and reef fish are visible within a few strokes of your own deck.

Dive with manta rays at Hanifaru Bay

Adventure

One of the world's largest manta ray feeding aggregations, seasonal and protected, drawing dozens of mantas at once in the right conditions.

Swim with whale sharks near South Ari Atoll

Adventure

One of the few places on Earth where whale sharks are present year-round rather than seasonally, making sightings unusually reliable.

Watch bioluminescent plankton light up the shoreline

Nature

Certain beaches, notably on Vaadhoo Island, glow blue at night when waves disturb bioluminescent plankton — weather and lunar conditions dependent.