A Maldives holiday can be as active or as lazy as you like. Most resorts have a water sports centre on the beach and a list of excursions by boat, from a morning kayak in the lagoon to a sunset cruise with dolphins.
Here's what's usually on offer, and what to keep in mind. Activities vary by resort, so tell us what matters most and we'll check before you book.
Non-motorised water sports
These are quiet, easy and often the first thing guests try. Some resorts include a few of them in the room rate or the meal plan.
- Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Calm lagoons are ideal for beginners. Clear-bottomed kayaks let you see the reef below.
- Snorkelling. Many resorts lend masks and fins, and some have a house reef you can reach from the beach.
- Windsurfing and small-boat sailing. Catamarans and dinghies, with lessons for beginners.
- Surfing. Some atolls have well-known surf breaks, with the main season from about March to October.
Motorised water sports
For more speed, many water sports centres offer:
- Jet skis, often as guided tours rather than free riding
- Parasailing
- Water-skiing and wakeboarding
- Banana boats and other towed rides
- Electric hydrofoil boards and underwater scooters at some resorts
Motorised sports usually take place in set areas away from swimmers and the house reef, and some quieter or eco-focused resorts don't offer them at all. Age limits and safety briefings apply.
Excursions from your resort
- Dolphin cruises. Late-afternoon trips by dhoni to look for spinner dolphins, which often ride the bow wave. Sightings are common but never guaranteed.
- Sandbank picnics. A boat drops you on a strip of white sand in the lagoon for a few hours, often with a picnic or a private dinner.
- Snorkel safaris. Trips to reefs beyond the house reef, and at some resorts to look for turtles, manta rays or whale sharks in season. Our Hanifaru Bay guide explains the manta season in Baa Atoll.
- Sunset cruises and fishing. Evening trips on a dhoni, sometimes with line fishing. See our fishing guide.
- Local island visits. A chance to see everyday Maldivian life: the mosque, the school, small shops and cafés.
- Malé city tours. Usually best for resorts close to the airport, often at the start or end of a stay.
Visiting a local island
Local islands are home to Maldivian communities, so a few customs apply:
- Dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees in the village. Swimwear is only for designated tourist beaches, where they exist.
- No alcohol. Alcohol isn't sold or allowed on local islands. It's served at resorts.
- Prayer times. Some shops close briefly at prayer times, and Friday is the main day of prayer.
- Ask first. Ask before photographing people, especially children.
How to choose your activities
- Pick the right resort. Some resorts, such as Joy Island and Kandima Maldives, are built around activities, while others focus on peace and quiet.
- Check what's included. Some meal plans include a few non-motorised sports or an excursion. Our meal plans guide explains the usual inclusions.
- Mind the weather. Boat trips and some sports depend on the sea and the wind, so plan a flexible day.
- Book popular trips early. Sandbank dinners and dolphin cruises can fill up in busy weeks.
- Leave time to rest. Keep the day before you fly home calm, and if you dive, allow 24 hours before your flight.
Frequently asked questions
Are water sports included at Maldives resorts?
Sometimes. Many resorts include non-motorised sports such as kayaks and paddleboards, while motorised sports and excursions usually cost extra. It varies by resort and meal plan.
Can children do water sports?
Yes, with age limits that vary by resort and activity. Kayaks and snorkelling suit most children, while jet skis and parasailing usually have minimum ages.
What should I wear when visiting a local island?
Cover your shoulders and knees in the village. Swimwear is only for designated tourist beaches.
Will I see dolphins on a dolphin cruise?
Often, but not always. Spinner dolphins are common in many areas, but they're wild animals.
Can I visit a sandbank on my own?
Usually not. Sandbank trips are organised by the resort, by boat and with a crew, for safety.
