What to do in the Maldives

A little over 200 islands in the Maldives are inhabited, among them Malé, the country's capital, which has a resolutely modern profile as it sits enthroned on turquoise waters. It will be an essential visit to the Maldives to meet a discreet and welcoming population.
For holidaymakers who want to know what to do in the Maldives to learn more about the history of this country which is made up of an incredible string of atolls, head to the National Museum. A sublime collection of ancient artifacts will accompany you from the Buddhist era to the reign of the Muslim monarchs.

Continue your tour of the Maldives with a stroll through the city's colourful buildings, which come alive with the precious reflections of the golden domes of the mosques. After passing through one of the traditional markets with their colourful stalls, stop at a tea house. Asian influences have indeed made this beverage one of the favourites of these atolls. These small establishments will also be your destination of choice to enjoy local specialties. Dried fish curry, spicy tuna paste (rihaakuru), fish balls with ginger and coconut and raa, a palm juice popular with Maldivians, are just some of the delicacies you can taste there.

The beaches of the Maldives are reputed to be the most beautiful in the world. Sometimes turquoise, sometimes emerald waters, green nature and coconut palms surrounded by a corolla of white sand: wherever you go, the atolls of the Maldives will reserve you moments of idleness in an idyllic setting. Don't hesitate to discover these different paradises during excursions on the peaceful waters of the Indian Ocean. Palm trees as far as the eye can see on the Veligandu atoll, stretches of immaculate sand on the atolls of Ari, north-east of Male, or Kuramathi in the centre of the Maldives: peace and sunshine will always be there. On the island of Mudhdhoo, the beach will even take on magical allures. At nightfall, astrocodes, tiny bioluminescent crustaceans, make the waters sparkle with a bluish glow.

Lazy lovers will enjoy the Maldives as an extraordinary playground. But there's more to your stay on these paradise atolls than just relaxing sun and sea bathing. A visit to the Maldives is indeed to enjoy waters populated with exotic species to be discovered during snorkeling or diving sessions, to practice water sports and to make cultural discoveries during a visit to Male: so many activities which will enable you to live an unforgettable stay.

If you're wondering what to do in the Maldives to punctuate your sunbathing with activities, snorkeling and diving will be two occupations that you will have access to on all the atolls. All you need is a mask and snorkel to explore the reefs. Hard and soft corals, queen wrasses, eagle rays and turtles are just some of the discoveries you can make here. During your diving excursions, caves and colourful drop offs populated by dolphins, manta rays, octopuses and other morays will provide you with unforgettable encounters.

Back on the sand, try your hand at night fishing, one of the flagship activities of the Maldives atolls. After admiring the sunset, you can extend your evening in the water and try your hand at fishing for the largest reef specimens that come out to feed at nightfall. And for a breathtaking view of the Maldives, soar to the top on a seaplane flight. You'll see each atoll ringed by a turquoise lagoon rising out of the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

Finally, if you're a water sports enthusiast, try to master the gentle winds of the Maldives on a kitesurfing session with the incredible, bubbling life of the seabed beneath your feet. Kayaking and stand-up paddle are two other sports activities that will allow you to visit the Maldives and enjoy unique views of the atolls.