10 Unique Things to Do in Maldives Beyond Beaches and Resorts
- Adhil
- Aug 13
- 4 min read

The Maldives is one of those places that most people think of white sandy beaches, turquoise water and luxury over water villas. However, the tropical paradise has more than a perfectly postcard-perfect shoreline. Planning a tour to the Maldives tour from India with Go Kite Tours? You should be glad to know that there is lot of cultural, adventurous and immersive experiences to explore. This guide will discuss 10 exotic things to do in Maldives that are not sunbathing and sipping your cocktails on the pool.
1. Visit the Local Life in Mal e
You need to take a trip to the capital of Maldives, Mal e before you head to the islands. Explore the busy fish market, street food at local cafes, and visit sights such as the 17 th -century Old Friday Mosque. This is your opportunity to experience the everyday life of the Maldivians in close proximity- something that is quite different to the tourist resorts. This ought to be on the top of things to do in Maldives, especially when you are interested in culture.
2. Learn the History at the National Museum
Maldives has a long history that is founded on trade, religion, and seafaring. The National Museum in Mal is host to artifacts of the Sultanate period, ancient royal robes and lacquer work. It is an interesting detour to the history enthusiasts who would like to know more about the islands than their beauty.
3. Stay in a Guesthouse on a Local Island
Leave the luxurious resorts and stay over a night or two on a local island like Maafushi, Dhigurah or Thulusdhoo. Guesthouses are more economical and offer a convenient stay at a much lower price and give an opportunity to explore the life of locals, eat Maldivian food and see how people fish. It is a very immersive experience of enjoying things to do in Maldives that many tourists overlook.
4. Go Night Fishing with Local Fishermen
Maldivians are inseparable with fishing and night fishing is among the most thrilling activities that you can engage in. You will be going out into the sea in a traditional dhoni boat under the starry sky and catching fish with hand lines. The best thing? Most tours prepare your catch on the boat, so it is a fresh ocean-to-table meal.
5. Take an Island-Hopping Tour
The Maldives consists of more than 1,000 islands and none of them is identical. Take an island-hopping excursion to see deserted sandbanks, colorful coral reefs and secluded lagoons. It is a wonderful experience in photography and in the variety of the atolls. It is a day full of adventures, which should definitely be in your list of things to do in Maldives.
6. Visit the Manta Ray Haven of Hanifaru Bay
However, travel during the months of May to November and go to Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll. It is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known to be the gathering place of large numbers of manta rays and, on occasion, whale sharks. Snorkeling in this area is an amazing experience and a reminder of the unrivalled marine biodiversity of the Maldives.
7. Take Maldivian Cooking Classes
Foodies will also love to know how to prepare the traditional Maldivian foods such as mas huni (tuna with coconut) and garudhiya (fish soup). In many guesthouses and resorts, you may take cooking classes and buy ingredients in a local market and then cook with a Maldivian chef. This is a cultural activity that makes your Maldives tour in India even more delicious.
8. Attend a Cultural Boduberu Drumming Night
Boduberu is Maldivian music and dance, so called because of its big drum. It is great, energy, catchy, and it is ideal to those travelers who desire to get a feel of the local spirit. Boduberu performances are held in many islands in the evenings, so you have an opportunity to dance with the locals.
9. Dive in Untouched Reefs
Snorkeling is fun but scuba diving in the Maldives is an entirely different world. Other dive locations, off the resorts, will have beautiful coral gardens, reef sharks, turtles and schools of brightly colored fish. Dive centers on local islands usually have smaller groups and offer you a more personal and adventurous experience.
10. See a Glowing Beach at Night
Bioluminescent plankton causes some of the Maldivian beaches to appear blue at night. One of the most popular places to see this magical phenomenon of nature is on Vaadhoo Island. There is nothing like walking along the beach with the waves glowing under your feet to complete your day in heaven.
Making the Most of Your Maldives Adventure
Traveling in the Maldives is not only about visiting the beaches, but also about getting to know the country and its culture better and getting to know the peculiarities of the lifestyle of people living here. Whether it is busy markets or relaxing sandbanks, all this creates a new layer to your adventure.
By going on a tour to the Maldives in India with Go Kite Tours, you will get the opportunity to get both relaxation and cultural immersion and adventure. The Maldives is an island that is a treasure trove, whether you are traversing the streets of Mal, dancing to the Boduberu drums or sightseeing manta rays in Hanifaru Bay.
When you are prepared to make your own list of what not to miss in Maldives, begin planning now. Go Kite Tours can also assist you in designing your own itinerary so that you have not only the world-class beaches but the hidden treasures that make this island nation such a special place. Click here to start your travel and feel the Maldives in a new way.
Comments