Things to do in The Maldives
The Maldives, planned before you land.
Most of the trip is the resort. The excursions that are worth leaving it for happen on and under the water.
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What to do in The Maldives
The Maldives are 1,200 islands in 26 atolls, and a holiday there is a resort island reached by seaplane or speedboat from Male. The resorts run their own excursions, but the independent operators from Male and the local islands offer the same reef, manta and whale shark trips for less, and they are the way to see the country if you stay on a local island like Maafushi. Flights connect through Dubai, Doha, Istanbul or Colombo.
01
Snorkeling with manta rays and whale sharks
Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll for mantas from roughly June to November, and the South Ari Atoll for whale sharks year-round. Boat trips with a guide; the sightings are close.
02
Sandbank and dolphin cruise
A boat to a sandbar with nothing on it, snorkeling on the way, and spinner dolphins at dusk. Half day from Male or the local islands.
03
Scuba diving
Channels, reefs and wrecks with big pelagic life. Two-tank dives for certified divers and discover-scuba sessions for beginners, from Male and Maafushi.
04
Local island day: Maafushi or Hulhumale
See how Maldivians live away from the resorts: the fish market, a bikini beach, a cafe and a water-sports beach. Ferries and speedboats from Male.
05
Sunset fishing and barbecue
Handline fishing from a dhoni as the sun goes down, with the catch grilled on the beach after. The traditional evening out.
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Top-rated in The Maldives right now
Live from Viator, ranked by traveler rating. Prices are per person, from the lowest option, as of the last refresh; the listing has today's.
Private Vacation Photography Session in Male Maldives
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Greater Male Explorer - Private City Tour by Car or by Walking
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Male' City Walking Tour Explore All the Top Highlights
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Maldives Dreams A Photoshoot of Love & Laughter with Island Todo
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Underwater and Drone photoshoot in Maldives
5.0 (17 reviews)5h
From $171 per person→
Male' City Tour - Language options (English/Spanish/French/Italian)
5.0 (4 reviews)3h
From $40 per person→
Why book through Viator
Book the The Maldives tours before you fly, without locking yourself in.
Viator lists tours and excursions from local operators in The Maldives with live availability, verified reviews and 24/7 support. We send you there because it is the simplest way to compare, and it earns us a commission that does not change your price.
- Free cancellation on most experiences
- Cancel up to 24 hours before the start on most listings for a full refund. Plans change; the booking can.
- Reserve now, pay later
- Many experiences let you hold a spot now and pay closer to the date, so you can lock in the popular day without paying before the flight is booked.
- Reviews from people who went
- Ratings and reviews come from travelers who booked that exact tour. Read the recent ones before you choose.
- Compare before you land
- The hotel tour desk sells what it has left that morning. Booking ahead means you pick the operator, the time and the pickup, with the price in front of you.
Cancellation and payment terms are set per listing and shown on Viator before you book. Check them for the tour you pick.
Good to know
- Count the transfer in the cost
- A seaplane to a far atoll can cost as much as a flight to Dubai, and seaplanes do not fly after dark. Resorts near Male use speedboats and are cheaper to reach.
- Dry season is December to April
- Calm, clear water and the high season. May to November brings rain and wind but also the manta season in Baa Atoll and lower rates.
Before you go
Resorts, local islands and the water, filmed on the ground.
Questions before you book
Resort or local island?
A resort is the overwater villa and one island for the whole trip. A local island is a guesthouse, a fraction of the price, the same sea and tours to the resorts' reefs. Many people do a few nights of each.
Do I need a visa?
A free 30-day visa is issued on arrival to most nationalities, with a return ticket and a hotel booking. Check the current rules before you fly.
How do I book these tours?
Each "See tours" button opens Viator's listings for that experience in The Maldives, with live prices, dates, reviews and the cancellation terms. You book and pay there. All Travel Fun earns a commission on bookings made through those links; it does not change what you pay.
Can your agents book tours over the phone?
Our agents book flights. Call to price the flight to The Maldives; book the tours on Viator once your dates are fixed.
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