Things to do in Maldives

Why go to Maldives

• Snorkeling the House Reef (Maafushi)

  Slip off the bikini beach jetty and drift over vibrant coral gardens teeming with reef sharks and turtles.

• Whale Shark Encounter (South Ari Atoll)

  Swim alongside the world's largest fish in one of the most reliable whale shark aggregation sites on Earth.

• Male Fish Market & Friday Mosque

  The old coral-stone mosque and chaotic tuna market reveal authentic Maldivian life far from the resort bubble.

• Bioluminescent Beach (Vaadhoo Island)

  Watch the shoreline glow electric blue at night thanks to phytoplankton, one of nature's most jaw-dropping free spectacles.

• Manta Ray Cleaning Station (Hanifaru Bay, Baa Atoll)

  A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where hundreds of manta rays spiral in feeding tornados, a bucket-list dive or snorkel.

Good to know in Maldives

• Transit: Public ferries between local islands cost $1-4 and run on set schedules, plan ahead as frequency is low; speedboat transfers are faster but cost $25-80.
• Tipping: Not culturally mandatory but appreciated at guesthouses and on dive boats, $2-5 per excursion guide is a kind gesture.
• Tap water: Do NOT drink tap water anywhere in the Maldives, buy large 5-liter bottles from local shops for $0.50-1 to save over single-use bottles.
• Free entry: The National Museum in Male has no official 'free day' but admission is under $2; most beaches and snorkeling reefs are free to access independently.

Trip essentials