which island in the maldives has the most to do (2024)

Which island in the Maldives has the most to do

The island in the Maldives offers the most activities and variety, with a wide selection of accommodation options, including overwater villas and beachfront suites, and diverse preferences, ensuring a vibrant and engaging experience for visitors. Some popular islands in the Maldives that offer a wide range of activities include:

Also read: Where is the Maldives located?

1. Maafushi

Maafushi Island in the Maldives is a popular destination known for its budget-friendly travel options, diverse accommodation choices, and a range of water activities. Travelers can access Maafushi from Male, the capital of the Maldives, through various transportation options like ferries and speedboats. The island offers a vibrant water sports culture, including activities like parasailing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, kneeboarding, windsurfing, and flyboarding, in addition to diving opportunities in its rich marine ecosystem.

What are some activities to do on Maafushi Island?

Some activities to do on Maafushi Island include:

1. Snorkeling: Experience the vibrant marine life by snorkeling at sites like Maavelaathu, Banana Reef, Vilivaru Corner, and Maafushi Corner.
2. Sandbank Excursion: Relax on snow-white sandbanks in shallow areas, offering stunning views of the azure sea.
3. Dolphin Safari: Enjoy watching dolphins up close on a safari where you can see them swim, jump out of the water, and display their skills.
4. Island Hopping: Explore nearby islands by booking an island-hopping day trip to experience different locations.
5. Socialize with Locals: Immerse yourself in the local culture by interacting with Maldivian people, exploring the streets, and visiting local attractions.
6. Sunbathing at Bikini Beach: Relax and soak up the sun at Bikini Beach, the only beach on Maafushi where tourists can wear swimwear freely.
7. Floating Bar & Safari: Enjoy food and drinks at the Floating Bar & Safari, offering Italian and fusion cuisine along with beverages accessible via free shuttle boats.
8. Luxury Resort Stay: Indulge in a pampering experience by booking a stay at one of the luxury resorts on the island.
9. Night Fishing: Experience the thrill of night fishing, a popular activity in the Maldives where you can catch fish and even enjoy your catch for dinner.

These activities offer a diverse range of experiences for visitors to enjoy the beauty and attractions of Maafushi Island in the Maldives.

2. Malé

Malé is the capital and most populous city of the Maldives, located on the southern edge of North Malé Atoll. With a population of 211,908 in 2022, Malé is one of the most densely populated cities globally. The city consists of a central island, an airport island, and four other islands governed by the Malé City Council. Historically known as the King’s Island, Malé was the seat of ancient royal dynasties and featured fortifications, gates, and significant structures like the Royal Palace and the Malé Friday Mosque. Despite expansions through land reclamation, Malé retains historical remnants amidst modern development, offering a blend of cultural heritage and contemporary living.

Things To Do in Male

In Malé, the capital of the Maldives, there are several exciting activities and attractions to explore:

1. Grand Friday Mosque: Visit the largest mosque in the Maldives, known for its impressive architecture and cultural significance.
2. Victory Monument: Explore the Victory Monument, symbolizing the triumph of the Maldivians.
3. Sultan Park & National Museum: Discover historical artifacts and the rich heritage of the Maldives at the National Museum located in Sultan Park.
4. Tsunami Monument: Pay respects at the Tsunami Monument, built to remember the victims of the 2004 tsunami that affected the Maldives.
5. Local Market: Immerse yourself in Maldivian culture by exploring the local market, where you can find unique fruits and experience the local way of life.
6. Underwater Adventure: Embark on snorkeling or scuba diving excursions to witness the vibrant marine life and colorful coral reefs surrounding Malé.
7. Public Beaches: Relax and swim at the beaches of Hulhumale Island, offering a laid-back atmosphere and warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
8. National Museum, Maldives: Delve into the history and traditions of the Maldives by exploring the artifacts and exhibits at the National Museum.

These activities offer a diverse and enriching experience for visitors exploring the vibrant city of Malé in the Maldives.

3. Hulhumalé

Hulhumalé is a reclaimed island located in the south of North Malé Atoll, Maldives. This artificial island was developed through land reclamation to meet the housing, industrial, and commercial development demands of the Malé region and as a response to rising sea levels.

Inaugurated in 2004, Hulhumalé is managed by the Housing Development Corporation and has grown to become the fourth largest island in the Maldives, with a population exceeding 50,000 as of December 2019. The island is designed with green urban planning initiatives, including north-south-oriented buildings for reduced heat gain, optimized wind penetration, and easy access to amenities like schools and parks within walking distance of residential areas. Hulhumalé aims to accommodate up to 240,000 people by the mid-2020s, offering a well-designed living environment with ample recreational spaces and sustainable infrastructure.

What are some popular tourist attractions in Hulhumale?

Some popular tourist attractions in Hulhumale include:

1. Hulhumale Beach is known for its soft white sand, picturesque views of sunrise and sunset, and opportunities for water sports like scuba diving and snorkeling.
2. Hulhumale Central Park is a green space in the central region of Hulhumale Island, offering a clean environment for relaxation and leisure activities.
3. Ferry Terminal Park: a park located near the ferry terminal, providing a pleasant setting for a leisurely stroll or relaxation.
4. Eastern Beach: Another beautiful beach in Hulhumale known for its serene atmosphere and scenic views.
5. Hulhule Island is an island near Hulhumale that offers a different perspective and additional recreational opportunities for visitors.
6. HDC Building: A notable building in Hulhumale worth exploring for its architecture and significance.
7. Hukuru Miskiy: A mosque in Hulhumale that showcases the local architectural style and cultural heritage.
8. Hulhumale Public Beach is a popular beach destination with good-quality food options and a relaxing ambiance for visitors to enjoy.
9. Hulhumale Local Shops: Explore the local shops in Hulhumale to experience the local culture and find unique souvenirs.

These attractions offer a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and recreational opportunities for tourists visiting Hulhumale in the Maldives.

4. Kuramathi Island

Kuramathi Island is the largest of six islands in a small natural atoll located off NE Ari Atoll in the Maldives. Geographically, it is situated approximately 56 kilometers southwest of the capital island of Malé and can be reached by a 20-minute seaplane flight or a 90-minute boat transfer.

This island is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, vibrant marine life, and a range of activities such as diving, snorkeling, and water sports. Kuramathi Island Resort offers luxurious private villas with amenities like flat-screen TVs, spa baths, and easy access to the beach or gardens. The island features multiple dining options, a kids club, a spa, and various outdoor pools for relaxation. Guests can enjoy a variety of water sports and diving activities, making Kuramathi Island a popular destination for a memorable Maldivian holiday experience. For more information, Visit Maldives

What are the activities available on Kuramathi Island?

On Kuramathi Island, Maldives, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, including:

1. Water Sports: Engage in various water sports activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, big game fishing, windsurfing, stand-up paddle surfing, kayaking, water skiing, banana rides, and fun tubes at Aqua Sports & Fun Watersports Center.
2. Diving: Explore the amazing marine life and warm waters of the Indian Ocean with exciting and safe dives provided by Rasdhoo Divers at Kuramathi Maldives.
3. Spa Facilities: Relax and rejuvenate at the Spa at Kuramathi, offering a range of treatments in a serene setting with ocean views.
4. Kids Club: Families can enjoy the Bageecha Kids Club, where children aged 3 to 12 can participate in outdoor and indoor activities, nature walks, treasure hunts, beach activities, and marine life education.
5. Botanic Walk: Take a leisurely Kuramathi botanic walk to explore the lush greenery and natural beauty of the island.
6. Pool Time: Enjoy relaxing pool time and movies, along with BBQ sessions and visits to the Eco Center for an educational experience.

These activities cater to different interests and age groups, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for visitors at Kuramathi Island in the Maldives.

5. Velassaru Island

Velassaru Maldives, located in South Male Atoll, offers luxurious beachfront and over-water accommodations with stunning ocean views. The resort provides a wide range of water and adventure sports, sunset cruises, yoga classes, and relaxing spa treatments in over-water pavilions. Guests can enjoy various dining options, including international specialties, at the resort’s restaurants. Velassaru Maldives is known for its excellent location, rated 9.5/10, and offers facilities like outdoor swimming pools, free WiFi, a spa, a fitness center, and family rooms. The resort also arranges a 25-minute speedboat transfer from Male International Airport for guests. With a focus on luxury and relaxation, Velassaru Maldives provides a memorable Maldivian holiday experience for visitors seeking a blend of comfort and adventure.

What are the dining options available in Velassaru, Maldives?

In the Velassaru Maldives, guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, including:

1. Sand Grill: Offering a rating of 4.8, the Sand Grill provides a delightful dining experience with 30 reviews. It is located at 4CCP+3RC, Velassaru, South Atoll, Malé, Maldives.
2. Meeru Maalan Restaurant: Located at Meeru Maldives Resort Island in Dhiffushi, the Meeru Maalan Restaurant offers a rating of 4.8 with 265 reviews. It is situated at FP58+GXQ, Dhiffushi, Maldives.
3. Vela: This restaurant on Velassaru Island provides a menu with prices and has received positive reviews on Tripadvisor. It offers special diets like vegetarian-friendly and vegan options, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
4. Sand Restaurant: Guests can enjoy a heavenly beach dinner at Sand, where they can choose from the chef’s signature menu or opt for Pan-Indian Ocean cuisine.
5. Turquoise Restaurant, Fen Bar, and Chill Bar: These dining venues offer a range of culinary delights and are part of the Velassaru Indulgence experience, providing lunch and dinner options for guests to enjoy.

These dining options cater to various tastes and preferences, ensuring a memorable culinary experience for visitors at Velassaru Maldives.

You May also Like: Best Beaches in the Maldives

FAQ’s