Uncover endless adventures in the Maldives! Dive into turquoise waters, lounge on white-sand beaches, and discover vibrant coral reefs. From snorkeling to sunset cruises, there's something for everyone in this tropical paradise!
Explore MoreMaldives is where the pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters and vibrancy of marine life coexist! The allure of the luxurious resorts is surely undeniable, but Maldives offers so much more than just that. We are here to take you on a journey of unraveling the top 5 places to visit in Maldives while on your Maldives vacation.
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Best 5 Places To Visit In Maldives This Summer
Whether you are craving for deep diving into the local culture, heart throbbing thrills or just want some tranquil serenity this island oasis has it all.
1. Maafushi Island And Corals
Maafushi isn’t just any ol’ island – it’s the ultimate destination that is easy on the pocket, with a high variety of homestays and charming cafes waiting to catch your attention. One of the major reasons this place is so famous is because of the plethora of water sports it has to offer. This little gem is just 27 kilometers away and reachable from a ferry or the zippy speed boat.
The vivid underwater panorama of Maafushi will take you over as you commence your snorkeling adventure in the Coral Gardens here. The amount of vibrant corals and variety of fish found in this location is astounding and unfathomable, as you glide through the waters watching the ornate formations that adorn the reef’s surface do not forget to keep your eyes peeled for spotting creatures like the Eagle Rays, Napoleon Wrasse, and swift Tunas that glide ever so gracefully through the waters. Every twist and turn around here will let you come across the wonders of marine life.
Not only is the experience very immersive and educational but also they give you the possibility to engage in a guided excursion led by experienced instructors who have access to the most secluded and untouched spots for an undisturbed, intimate experience with mother nature.
The unfathomable clear waters of Maafushi are very ideal for snorkeling and while you are at it, you must be alert and keep your eyes peeled for those vivacious clownfish darting among the anemones, Hawksbill turtles and the majestic manta rays gliding gracefully. Even the whale sharks make a rare appearance around here.
How To Get There?
Best possible way to get to Maafushi is by a speedboat, the best recognizable speed boat operators between Male’ to Maafushi are ‘Icom tours’. The speed boat to Maafushi costs around US$ 25 per way and the approximate time to reach would be 45 minutes.
2. Como Cocoa Island
Como Cocoa Island is a blissful slice of heaven nestled snugly in the mesmerizing South Male Atoll of the Maldives! This destination boasts of a brilliant white sandy beach that is caressed by the gentle lapping of emerald hued waters.
Just imagine the powdery shores of the Cocoa Island enveloping around your toes, palm trees swaying in the breeze and the colorful marine life dance through the ripples of the waters. Natural wonders are innumerable here, it is almost like a sanctuary for flora and fauna. You can explore hidden coves, lagoons, and breathtaking coral reefs here. But, it’s not just the marine wonders that captivate the travelers here. If you book your stay at specific resorts then you get to experience a taste of the maldivian fishing on a sunset excursion as you cast your line into the tranquil waters of the Indian Ocean.
As the sun sets and turns the sky into candy colored radiance you can marvel at the ethereal hues dancing around. Seasoned experts guide and help you through the process as you cast your line into the glistening waters. Now, you wait. As you get lost in the saga of the sunset, the thrill of a catch transforms the energy on the boat and your efforts will be rewarded with a bountiful haul of fresh fish, captured by your hands. Now all that will be left is for your guide to skillfully transform your catch into a mouthwatering feast as he expertly grills it to perfection!
This is one of the best places to visit in Maldives because you get to savor the flavors of the ocean as you dine surrounded by the beauty of Maafushi. Each bite reminds you of the beauty of the sea which is shared among friends and family and relishing in this camaraderie along with the personal attention from your guide ensures an unforgettable trip.
Where to stay?
Lily Beach Resort & Spa at Huvahendhoo Maldives
How to get there?
You can choose to take a speed boat from the Male International Airport. The journey takes about 45 minutes to reach COMO Cocoa Island Maldives and also this is the cheapest way to commute.
The rates for the speed boat are US$ 350 FOR ADULTS AND us$ 175 for children between 2-11 years.
Book your Maldives Adventure 5 nights stay with 10 Excursions now!
3. Hanifaru Bay Island
The Hanifaru Bay is a must visit for those that admire hidden gems, It is nestled on the southeastern side of the Baa Atoll in the Maldives and this hidden gem is not just any ordinary bay – it’s a haven for the marine marvels that will leave you awe-struck.
The turquoise waters here spread as far as the eye goes and with Hanifaru Bay standing right there almost impersonating a gateway to paradise – its unique shape almost resembles a keyhole.
One of the most unique characteristics of this bay is the seasonal currents that sweep the deep-water channels carrying a bounty of plankton with it, and where there is plankton there are Manta rays – and lots of them!
These exhilarating creatures are always seen on television and you assume that it would be hard to reach out to them on the surface of the water, but in Hanifaru Bay these little guys come up to the surface! With a dazzling variety of around six ray species grazing these waters, including the superstars – Stingrays, gentle giants – Bullrays, and the captivating blue-spotted stingray, there is absolutely no shortage of marvels to encounter.
If you are feeling curious already then hold on to your horses because it is about to get even more exciting! The Kihaa Maldives Island Resort in the Maldives located just 4 kilometers from the bay organizes daily meal excursions for the super adorable stingrays.
Precautions: It is very important and crucial to brush up your etiquettes while you are here, though these creatures seem harmless and gentle, they have their own personal space too. So, remember to maintain a respectful distance and never, ever touch that tail barb!
Where to stay?
Kihaa Maldives Island Resort
How to get there?
Hanifaru Bay is located in the Baa Atoll and 115 kilometers away from Male International Airport. You can reach the destination simply by taking a seaplane which will take you approximately 25 minutes to reach.
4. Vaadhoo Island (Glowing Beach)
This one has to be our favorite island, Vadhoo Island is where you can literally say the sentence “Nature painted the sky with a brush dipped in stardust” The sand is bathed in moonlight here and a haven for the lovers where romance blooms with the graceful rhythms of the waves.
The idyllic characteristic of this destination is that the water goes through a wonderful phenomenon , a transformation so magical that it seems to be straight out of a fairland. Bioluminescent plankton illuminate the night, casting a mystical blue glow all over the waters transforming the ocean into a glistening glow that warms your soul.
Let us paint a picture for you now – You are lounging on a strip of pristine white sand, just a few steps away from the crystal clear waters that ripple in uniform formations. You have a picnic basket in your hand. The sun bids a candy-colored farewell to the horizon, giving way to the star studded night sky twinkling away to glory and unparalleled beauty. All you need in this setting is a blanket, the glowing beach and allow the spectacular cosmic show to unfold before your eyes.
If you are a very serious stargazer then a star chart and binoculars are your trusted companions. The Maldivian clear sky allows you to take the help of online resources and identify planets like Saturn, Venus and even Jupiter. Marveling at this starry canopy has to be one of the best activities in Maldives.
Where to stay?
Adaaran Prestige Vadoo
South Male, Atoll 20105, Maldives
How to get there?
The Vaadhoo Island is situated around 8 km (5 miles) from the Male International Airport at the capital of Maldives. Just hire a speed boat and reach the island within 15 minutes from the airport.
5. Kadimba Maldives
Kadimba is a scene straight from the tropical dreams, it is tucked away as a serene island paradise promising a vital escape from the ordinary. As you set your foot on the powdery sands you are bound to feel the cares of the world melt right away. Kadimba is where you are reminded of life’s simple joys.
This island is not just about relaxation though – it is also a whole lot about adventure sports teamed up with a bounty of marine life floating lazily in the warm embrace of the ocean
The enchanting waters of Kandima which is one of the best islands in Maldives houses a vibrant world of dolphins that await your discovery. Maldives boasts of 20 staggering species of these playful mammals, including spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Risso’s, and Atlantic white-sided dolphins. Your chances of spotting one of these oceanic gems are very high during your visit to Maldives.
If you wish for a closer encounter then you can join in on the Dolphin Quest excursion which is led by one of the Aquaholics guides, setting sail on a thrilling boat adventure to the areas where dolphin movement is at the pinnacle. The local fishermen attest that the dolphins are attracted to applause. So next time you spot them and wish to see how amazingly interactive they are in nature, just clap your hands and watch them perform some of the most amazing acrobatics for you.
Precautions: As you prepare for your dolphin encounter, remember to tread softly in their world. Respecting their privacy is very essential if you wish to connect with them on a deeper level. Foster a sense of peace and appreciation for their beauty from far and allow them to remain undisturbed as they thrive in their own little world.
Where to stay?
Kandima Maldives
Kandima 20066, Maldives
How to get there?
Kandima Maldives Resort is a 45 minute Seaplane ride away from the Male International Airport or in 30 minutes by Domestic Flight
Suggested Reads: Things To Do In The Maldives
Conclusion
There you have the curation of the best places to visit in maldives. The indulgent gourmet picnics on the sandbank beach is a doorway to enchantment, those underwater adventures will allow you to see things that you only wondered about watching on your television screen and those conversations you have with the locals will leave you with a sense of humbleness. So, pack your bags and leave your worries behind, get ready for a marvelous journey ahead.
FAQs On Best Places To Visit In Maldives
The best place to visit for a honeymoon really depends on the individual preference. However, if you would like, you could visit the Vadhoo Islands for one of the best experiences.
Maldives is very renowned for the stunning variety of water sports because of the turquoise clear waters and marine life it has to offer. Some of the best places to get the full potential of water sport experience would be:
Maafushi: Known to be affordable, it provides the options of snorkeling, parasailing, diving, wind surfing and jet skiing.
North Male Atoll: This destination has the world’s best dive sites and wakeboarding.
Some of the must visit islands of Maldives are Ari Atoll, Baa Atoll, Huraa and Veligandu Island.