Maldives ticks all the boxes for anyone looking for a sun (and fun!) filled holiday for all of the family. The destination has the perfect combination of scenic beauty, adventure activities, and everything you need for a memorable getaway.

Enjoy the encounters with ancient sea turtles and majestic manta rays

The underwater ecosystems of Maldives, an island-nation comprising 99% water, provide refuge to various kinds of sea turtles which you can encounter across the destination. 5 out of 7 marine turtles are found here, with only the green sea turtle and the endangered hawksbill turtle seen commonly across the country. North Malé Atoll, Ari Atoll and Baa Atoll are hotspots for the critically endangered hawksbill turtle whereas Lhaviyani, Laamu, and Baa atoll are hotspots for the endangered green sea turtle.

Get a chance to swim with the magnificent manta rays, one of the most incredible and charismatic animals underwater and create a memory for the lifetime. The reef manta ray is the commonly found manta ray in the Maldives and according to statistics compiled for over fifteen years by the Manta Trust, the world’s top manta ray research and conservation organisation, the greatest documented reef manta ray population in the world is in the Maldives. The destination also supports a seasonal migration/ visitation of the Oceanic mantas.

Explore beaches that glow in the dark!

Experience a sense of awe and catch the glimpse of an incredible phenomenon at the beach side with the entire family. Witness the sea of stars, an exquisite natural phenomenon called ‘Bioluminescence’ that is sure to add a touch of enchantment during your stay in the Maldives. While the natural phenomenon occurs in a variety of organisms including bacteria, algae, jellyfish, crustaceans, worms, fish, sharks, and even mushrooms, in the Maldivian waters, bioluminescence is caused by microscopic plankton called dinoflagellates. Witnessing the bioluminescent plankton is a matter of being in the right place at the right time as its depended on a number of factors, including, water temperature, salinity, tides, and nutrient levels.

Delve into the waters

Maldives is perfect for a great variety of water sports for beginners and the more advanced alike. Take on a bouncy banana ride with family or a solo ride trimming the waves on a jet ski or skim the lagoon at high speeds on a wakeboard. If a relaxed ride is what you are looking for, paddle around the island in a canoe on a lazy afternoon.

Adventure junkies can choose from wakeboarding or kite surfing which offer a greater adrenaline rush as you cut through the water, trying out various maneuvers and turns over the shimmering waters of the lagoon. There’s also jet skiing and flyboarding to fulfill a thrill-seeker’s dream. Serious divers can plan a range of dives with night dives and wreck dives that will satiate their thirst for the underwater.

Try your hand at Maldives’ traditional games and sports

Get insights into the local Maldivian culture and tradition by learning some games and sporting activities that have remained favourites amongst locals throughout the years. From Bashi, which was the national sport of the country before football took centre stage in recent years to Baibalaa, a rugged and physically demanding outdoor sport which is similar to the old Indian sport of Kabaddi and Turkish Oil Wrestling to the Maldivian version of Chess, Raazuvaa, there’s plenty for you and your family to try your hand at in the Maldives. In resorts or on nearby islands, you might also get the chance to play some of these games or be fortunate enough to watch others.