Family Holidays in the Maldives: A Guide for Travelling With Children

The Maldives is often thought of as a place for couples, but it is also a wonderful destination for families. Children love the warm, clear lagoons, the fish they can see from the beach and the freedom of an island with no roads or traffic. Parents enjoy a holiday where everything is close at hand. This guide explains what to look for when travelling with children, from kids clubs and villa choice to meals and transfers, so the whole family can relax.

Why families enjoy the Maldives

Parents and two children in light summer clothes walking hand in hand along a white beach past thatched villas and palm trees

Each resort sits on its own island, so days are simple and unhurried. Restaurants, the beach, the pool and activities are usually a short walk away, often barefoot along sandy paths. Children can build sandcastles, spot crabs and fish, and try snorkelling in calm water, while parents rest nearby. The Maldives is warm all year, so families can travel during school holidays without worrying about the season.

Choosing a family-friendly resort

An aerial view of a resort island with villas, palm trees, a pool and play area, surrounded by a turquoise lagoon

Not every resort is set up for children, and some welcome only adults. When choosing, look at:

Whether the resort has a kids club, and for which ages
Whether there is a calm, shallow lagoon near the main beach
Family villas or connecting rooms
A children's pool, menus for children and family activities
The transfer from the airport, and how long it takes

Your travel advisor can help you match a resort to your children's ages and interests.

Kids clubs

Children weaving palm leaves and drawing fish at a shaded kids club on the beach, with a staff member helping

Many family-friendly resorts have a kids club with a programme of games, crafts and outdoor activities, often with a Maldivian touch such as learning about reef fish, palm weaving or traditional games. Clubs usually accept children from a certain age, and some ask that younger children come with a parent. Opening hours, age groups and rules vary from resort to resort, so check the details before you book. Some resorts also have activities or spaces for teenagers.

Choosing your villa

A beach villa with a cot in the bedroom, steps down to the sand and the lagoon beside it

Beach villas are usually the easiest choice with young children, with direct access to the sand and a garden or terrace to play in.
Family villas offer more space, sometimes with two bedrooms, and are often close to the kids club and restaurants.
Overwater villas have open water just off the deck, so they are often better suited to families with older children who swim well. Some resorts set minimum ages for overwater villas.

Ask the resort about cots, extra beds and any child safety items you may need, such as pool covers or gates.

Shallow lagoons and time in the water

A mother guiding a child in a life jacket through ankle-deep clear water with small fish around them

The calm lagoons of the Maldives are ideal for paddling, swimming and a first try at snorkelling. Still, the water can get deeper quickly near the reef edge, and currents can change with the tide. Always keep children within arm's reach in and near the water, including at the villa pool and on overwater decks. Life jackets and suitable snorkel gear are usually available from the resort, and the water sports team can tell you which areas are best for children. Follow their advice on where and when to swim.

Sun and heat

A family in sun hats and long, light clothing resting in the shade of a large beach umbrella with water bottles

The tropical sun is strong all day. Hats, sunglasses, light long-sleeved clothing and regular breaks in the shade help children stay comfortable, along with plenty of drinking water. Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect both skin and corals. If a child feels unwell, the resort team can help you get advice.

Meals for children

A family at a round table in an open-air beach restaurant overlooking the lagoon, with a young child in a high chair

Most family-friendly resorts offer children's menus or simple dishes, and buffets give picky eaters plenty of choice. Kitchens can usually adjust spice levels and prepare plain food on request. If your child has an allergy or special diet, tell the resort before you arrive and remind the restaurant team on your first day. Ask in advance about baby food, milk and other essentials, and pack anything you rely on that may be hard to find.

Babysitting

A resort staff member reading a picture book about sea life with a young girl on a sofa on a shaded beachfront terrace

Many resorts can arrange babysitting through the resort team, so parents can enjoy a dinner or spa visit on their own. It usually needs to be booked in advance, and the availability and age limits depend on the resort. Ask the resort team how it works and book early in your stay.

Transfers with children

Resort crew welcoming a family with backpacks from a wooden jetty onto a speedboat

Depending on the resort, you will reach it by speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight. A short speedboat transfer is often easiest with very young children. Seaplanes have baggage limits and fly only in daylight, so families arriving in the evening may need a night near the airport first. Keep snacks, water, hats and a change of clothes in your hand luggage, and ask your travel advisor about timings so the journey fits your children's routine.

Family activities

A family looking through the glass bottom of a boat at a turtle, fish and coral below

Beyond the beach, many resorts offer activities the whole family can enjoy together: snorkelling trips, dolphin cruises, glass-bottom boat rides, fish feeding, cooking classes and visits to a sandbank. Older children may enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding or a first dive lesson with qualified instructors. Ask the resort for age limits and safety guidance before booking any activity.

Resorts that suit families

From our hand-picked resorts, these are often chosen by families:

Not sure which one suits you? Ask us and we’ll help you choose.

Quick checklist

Choose a resort that welcomes children and has a kids club for their ages
Check for a calm, shallow lagoon near the main beach
Pick a beach or family villa for young children
Ask about cots, extra beds and child safety items
Tell the resort about allergies or special diets in advance
Book babysitting early if you need it
Ask about your transfer: speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight
Pack hats, reef-safe sunscreen, light long-sleeved clothing and snacks
Keep children within arm's reach in and near the water

Frequently asked questions

Is the Maldives good for a family holiday?

Yes. Many resorts welcome children, with kids clubs, calm lagoons and family villas, and everything on the island is close at hand.

Do all resorts accept children?

No. Some resorts welcome adults only, and others have age limits for certain villas or activities. Check before you book.

What age do kids clubs accept?

It depends on the resort. Many clubs accept children from a certain age, and some ask that younger children come with a parent. Ask the resort for details.

Are overwater villas suitable for young children?

Beach villas are usually easier with young children. Overwater villas often suit families with older children who swim well, and some resorts set minimum ages.

Can the resort arrange babysitting?

Many resorts can arrange babysitting through the resort team. Book in advance and ask about age limits.

Which transfer is easiest with children?

A short speedboat transfer is often easiest with very young children, but seaplanes and domestic flights are also comfortable. Your travel advisor can help you choose.

Family holidays in the Maldives