The Maldives, a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, is often synonymous with romantic getaways and honeymoon escapes. However, it's also an excellent destination for families seeking adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. With its pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and rich cultural heritage, the Maldives offers a wide range of activities that cater to all ages. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top things to do in the Maldives for families, ensuring your trip is filled with fun, learning, and bonding moments.
Things to Do in Maldives With Kids
Things to do in the Maldives with babies and toddlers
Things to do in the Maldives with tweens and teenagers
Things to do in the Maldives with Parents
Best kid-friendly resorts in maldives
Places to Visit in Maldives With Family
Why It’s Great for Kids: The Maldives is famous for its clear, shallow lagoons, which are perfect for introducing kids to snorkeling. The warm waters and gentle waves make it easy for children to float and explore the colorful coral reefs and marine life just beneath the surface.
Top Spots: Biyadhoo Island is Known for its beginner-friendly snorkeling conditions and Baros Maldives Offers shallow lagoons with plenty of fish and coral.
Tips: Equip your kids with child-sized snorkeling gear and consider starting in very shallow water until they feel comfortable.
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Why It’s Great for Families: The Maldives is known for its luxury resorts, and many of these cater specifically to families. Family-friendly resorts offer a range of amenities, including kids' clubs, family villas, babysitting services, and child-friendly menus. These resorts also often organize family-oriented activities such as treasure hunts, beach games, and movie nights, ensuring that children are entertained while parents can relax.
Top Resorts: Consider resorts like Soneva Fushi, which offers a dedicated kids' club and eco-friendly activities, or Kurumba Maldives, which provides a wide range of family services and activities.
Tips: Look for resorts that offer flexible dining options, family suites with interconnecting rooms, and complimentary water sports activities.
Why It’s Great for Families: Dolphin watching is a magical experience that will delight family members of all ages. The Maldives is home to several species of dolphins, including spinner dolphins, which are known for their playful behavior. Many resorts and tour operators offer dolphin-watching excursions, usually in the early morning or late afternoon when dolphins are most active.
Top Spots: The waters around Kaafu Atoll, Baa Atoll, and the waters near the capital, Malé, are popular spots for dolphin watching.
Tips: Bring binoculars for better viewing and a camera to capture the dolphins in action. Some tours also include snorkeling stops, so be prepared for a multi-activity excursion.
Why It’s Great for Families: For families with young children or those who prefer to stay dry, a submarine ride is a fantastic way to explore the underwater world. The Maldives is one of the few places in the world where you can take a submarine tour. The experience allows you to descend to depths of up to 100 feet and see the vibrant coral reefs and marine life without getting wet.
Top Providers: The Whale Submarine in Malé offers an exciting underwater experience, taking you through coral gardens and giving you a chance to spot reef sharks, colorful fish, and maybe even a turtle.
Tips: Book your submarine ride in advance as slots can fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
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Why It’s Great for Families: A boat trip to a secluded sandbank offers the perfect family escape. These tiny, uninhabited patches of sand are surrounded by turquoise waters, providing a private spot for swimming, snorkeling, and picnicking. Some sandbanks are so small that you can walk around them in just a few minutes, making them an exciting and unique destination for children.
Top Activities: Enjoy a picnic on the sandbank, build sandcastles, and take advantage of the shallow waters for safe swimming and snorkeling.
Tips: Bring plenty of sunscreen, hats, and water, as there is little to no shade on sandbanks. Some resorts offer organized excursions that include umbrellas and picnic baskets.
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Why It’s Great for Families: Many resorts in the Maldives are committed to marine conservation, offering programs that allow guests to participate in their efforts. These programs are not only educational but also a great way for families to bond over a shared experience. Activities might include coral planting, beach clean-ups, and learning about marine life conservation.
Top Resorts: Soneva Fushi, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, and Six Senses Laamu offer excellent marine conservation programs for families.
Tips: Encourage children to ask questions and learn about the importance of protecting the marine environment. Participation certificates are often provided, making it a memorable and educational experience.
Why It’s Great for Families: The Maldives is home to several turtle sanctuaries that focus on the rehabilitation and conservation of sea turtles. Visiting a sanctuary allows families to learn about these amazing creatures, their life cycles, and the threats they face. Children can observe the turtles up close, learn about conservation efforts, and even participate in releasing rehabilitated turtles back into the ocean.
Top Sanctuaries: The Olive Ridley Project at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and the Turtle Rehabilitation Center at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru are among the most well-known sanctuaries in the Maldives.
Tips: Plan your visit to coincide with a turtle release event if possible, as this is a particularly special experience for families. Be sure to follow the sanctuary’s guidelines to ensure a safe and educational visit.
Why It’s Great for Families: A sunset cruise in the Maldives is a relaxing and picturesque way to end the day. Families can enjoy the stunning views of the sun setting over the horizon while sailing through the calm waters of the Indian Ocean. Many sunset cruises include additional activities like dolphin watching, fishing, or simply enjoying refreshments on board.
Top Providers: Most resorts offer sunset cruises as part of their excursion packages, with options ranging from traditional dhoni boats to luxury yachts.
Tips: Bring a camera to capture the beautiful sunset and any wildlife you might encounter. Some cruises provide snacks and drinks, so check with your provider to see what’s included.
Why It’s Great for Families: Night fishing is a popular activity in the Maldives and offers a unique experience for families. The excitement of fishing under the stars, coupled with the thrill of catching a fish, makes it a memorable adventure for all ages. Many resorts offer night fishing excursions, where you can try your hand at catching fish like snappers, groupers, and barracudas.
Top Spots: Night fishing trips are widely available, with popular spots around the atolls of Malé and Ari.
Tips: Bring along seasickness medication if anyone in your family is prone to motion sickness. The catch can often be prepared by the resort’s chef for your dinner, adding a personal touch to the experience.
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Why It’s Great for Families: A glass-bottom boat tour is an excellent way for families to explore the underwater world without getting wet. These boats have a clear glass panel in the floor, allowing you to see the vibrant coral reefs and marine life below. It’s a particularly great option for young children or those who are not comfortable with snorkeling.
Top Providers: Many resorts and local tour operators offer glass-bottom boat tours, particularly in areas with rich coral reefs and marine life.
Tips: Bring along some snacks and drinks for the trip, and don’t forget your camera to capture the marine life visible through the glass.
Why It’s Great for Families: A private beach dinner is a wonderful way to enjoy the Maldivian scenery while spending quality time together. Many resorts offer private dining experiences where you can enjoy a specially prepared meal on the beach, under the stars, with the sound of the waves in the background. It’s a memorable experience that the whole family will cherish.
Top Resorts: Resorts like Constance Moofushi and Anantara Veli Maldives Resort offer private dining experiences that can be customized to suit your family’s preferences.
Tips: Book your dinner well in advance, especially during peak season. Some resorts offer themed dinners or special menus for children.
The ultimate beach vacation may be found in the Maldives, and while young children may not remember it, their parents most definitely will! To save room in your luggage, check ahead of time for beach toys that you can borrow at many resorts, both big and little. Let your child splash and play in a miniature swimming pool you've created with warm, shallow water by finding a sandbank.
Many resorts in the Maldives feature specially designed kids' pools that provide a safe and fun environment for younger guests. These pools are often equipped with shallow areas, water slides, and splash pads, making them perfect for children to play and cool off while parents relax nearby. Some resorts go the extra mile by incorporating colorful themes and interactive water features, adding an element of excitement to the swimming experience. Additionally, many kids' pools are located in proximity to family-friendly amenities, such as supervised play areas and dining options, ensuring that both children and their families have an enjoyable and convenient vacation. Whether it’s a fun-filled splash or a leisurely float, the kids' pools in the Maldives offer an ideal way for children to enjoy the sun and water in a safe, engaging setting.
Why It’s Great for Families: The Maldives is home to some of the world's most beautiful coral reefs and diverse marine ecosystems, making it an ideal destination for snorkeling and diving. Families can explore colorful coral gardens, swim with tropical fish, and even encounter larger marine animals like manta rays and turtles. For families with younger children or beginners, many resorts offer shallow lagoon snorkeling, ensuring everyone can enjoy the underwater wonders.
Top Spots: Popular snorkeling spots include the house reefs of Bandos Island, the coral gardens near Maafushi, and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll. For diving, consider spots like Banana Reef, Manta Point, and the vibrant coral atolls around the Ari Atoll.
Tips: Ensure children are comfortable in the water and consider starting with a guided snorkeling tour. Many resorts provide snorkeling gear, but bringing your own, especially for kids, can be more convenient.
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Why It’s Great for Families: A seaplane ride over the Maldives is a thrilling experience that offers breathtaking views of the atolls, coral reefs, and turquoise waters. For children, the excitement of taking off and landing on water adds to the adventure. It’s a short ride but provides an unforgettable perspective of the Maldivian landscape.
Top Providers: Trans Maldivian Airways and Maldivian Air Taxi offer seaplane transfers and scenic flights across the Maldives.
Tips: Book a seaplane transfer to your resort, or opt for a scenic flight to make the most of the experience. Seaplanes typically fly at lower altitudes, so every seat offers great views.
Why It’s Great for Tweens and Teenagers: Surfing in the Maldives provides a thrilling experience with some of the world’s best waves. It’s an ideal sport for adventurous teens who want to test their skills on the water.
Top Spots: Thulusdhoo is Known for its consistent waves and surf breaks and Himmafushi Offers great surf conditions for beginners and advanced surfers alike.
Why It’s Great for Families: The Maldives offers a plethora of water sports that are perfect for family fun. From kayaking and paddleboarding to more adventurous activities like windsurfing and jet skiing, there’s something for every age and skill level. Many resorts provide complimentary non-motorized water sports equipment, making it easy to enjoy the water at your leisure.
Top Activities: Try paddleboarding in the calm lagoons, go kayaking around the atolls, ride a jetski, or take a family banana boat ride for some high-speed fun.
Tips: Ensure that everyone wears life jackets, especially younger children. It’s also a good idea to start with calmer activities before moving on to more challenging ones.
The Maldives offers an exciting array of beach sports perfect for both relaxation and adventure. The crystal-clear waters and stunning sandy shores provide the ideal backdrop for activities like beach volleyball, where families can engage in friendly matches while enjoying the panoramic ocean views. For thrill-seekers, jet skiing delivers an exhilarating ride across the waves, offering a unique perspective of the picturesque atolls. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) allows for a serene exploration of the lagoons, combining gentle exercise with the opportunity to spot marine life. Beach soccer adds a competitive edge to your beach day, while kayaking provides a tranquil way to explore the coastal beauty and rich biodiversity of the Maldives. Whether you're seeking relaxation or excitement, the beach sports in the Maldives cater to all preferences and ensure a memorable experience for the entire family.
Why It’s Great for Families: A Maldivian cultural show is an excellent way for families to immerse themselves in the local culture. These shows often feature traditional music, dance, and storytelling, providing insight into the rich heritage of the Maldives. Children will be captivated by the vibrant costumes, rhythmic drumming, and lively performances.
Top Shows: Many resorts organize cultural shows for their guests, often including performances like Bodu Beru (traditional drumming) and other folk dances.
Tips: Arrive early to get a good seat and encourage children to participate if there are interactive segments. Cultural shows are usually family-friendly and can be a great way to wind down after a day of activities.
Why It’s Great for Families: A visit to a local island provides a unique opportunity for families to experience the culture and lifestyle of the Maldivian people. Many local islands, such as Maafushi, Dhigurah, and Hinnavaru, welcome visitors to explore their communities. Families can visit schools, mosques, and traditional houses, participate in cultural events, and even enjoy a meal at a local café.
Top Activities: Engage in traditional crafts workshops, watch a Bodu Beru (drumming) performance, or participate in a cooking class where you can learn to prepare Maldivian dishes.
Tips: Dress modestly when visiting local islands, and respect local customs and traditions. Guided tours can enhance the experience, providing insights into the history and culture of the islands.
Why It’s Great for Families: Sometimes, the best activity is simply relaxing on the beach. The Maldives is famous for its powdery white sand beaches and calm, shallow waters, making it perfect for families with young children. Spend your days building sandcastles, swimming in the crystal-clear lagoon, or simply lounging under the shade of a palm tree. The serene environment of the Maldives’ beaches allows for uninterrupted family time, where everyone can unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the islands.
Top Beaches: Some of the best family-friendly beaches are found on islands like Kuramathi, Maafushi, and Dhiffushi. These beaches often have calm waters and plenty of space for children to play.
Tips: Bring beach toys for the kids and plenty of sunscreen. Some resorts offer shaded cabanas or beach service, making it easy to spend the entire day by the water.
Why It’s Great for Families: Cooking classes are a fun and interactive way to introduce children to new flavors and cultures. In a Maldivian cooking class, families can learn to prepare traditional dishes like fish curry, mas huni (a breakfast dish made from tuna, coconut, and onion), and roshi (flatbread). It’s a hands-on experience that everyone can enjoy, and you’ll leave with new skills to recreate these dishes at home.
Top Providers: Many resorts offer cooking classes as part of their cultural experience programs. You can also find cooking classes on local islands like Maafushi.
Tips: Choose a class that’s suitable for children, with simple recipes that they can help prepare. Many classes end with a family meal, where you can enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Soneva Fushi is known for its luxurious yet eco-friendly atmosphere and is a top choice for families. The resort offers an impressive children’s program called "The Den," one of the largest kids' clubs in the Maldives, featuring a cinema, two pools, a pirate ship, and a variety of creative activities.
LUX* South Ari Atoll is a vibrant resort offering a mix of fun and relaxation. The "PLAY" kids’ club and "Studio 17" teens’ club ensure that children of all ages are engaged and entertained throughout their stay.
Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort offers a perfect blend of luxury and family-friendly amenities. The resort’s "Dhoni Club" provides an array of activities that cater to the interests of younger guests, while parents can indulge in the resort’s luxurious offerings.
This resort combines luxury with an excellent range of activities for children. The "Kuda Velaa Kids’ Club" offers a variety of educational and recreational activities, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a balanced vacation.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort offers a luxurious experience with a strong focus on family-friendly amenities. The resort’s "Children’s Club" provides engaging activities, ensuring that younger guests are well taken care of.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa is an all-inclusive resort that caters exceptionally well to families. The resort’s "Turtle Kids Club" offers a range of activities designed to keep children entertained, while the all-inclusive package makes it easy for parents to relax.
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi in the Noonu Atoll offers a perfect blend of luxury and family-friendly activities. The resort’s expansive grounds and numerous amenities make it an ideal choice for families with children of all ages.
Why It’s Great for Families: A visit to Malé, the capital city of the Maldives, offers a glimpse into the everyday life of the Maldivian people. The Malé Fish Market is particularly fascinating for children, with its bustling atmosphere and the chance to see fresh catches being brought in by local fishermen. The nearby local markets are full of vibrant colors, selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.
Top Spots: Explore the Malé Fish Market, the local vegetable and fruit markets, and the souvenir shops around Majeedhee Magu.
Tips: Visit the markets in the morning when they are most active. Keep an eye on younger children, as the markets can be crowded and busy.
Why It’s Great for Families: Located in Malé, the Maldives National Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the Maldives. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, including royal regalia, ancient weapons, and traditional costumes. It’s an educational experience that can help children learn more about the Maldives’ rich heritage.
Top Exhibits: Look out for the 11th-century coral stone head of Buddha, the traditional lacquerware, and the ancient manuscripts on display.
Tips: The museum is a great place to visit on a rainy day or as part of a day trip to Malé. Be sure to discuss the exhibits with your children to enhance their understanding and interest.
How would you like to eat and sleep beneath the sea without getting wet? That has to be a resounding yes. Fortunately, the folks at Ithaa had the same vision and built the first-ever underwater glass restaurant and resort close to the stunning Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. Enjoying a meal beneath the glass dome will transport you to an aquarium, with the exception of the fish being outside. Before you start dining, don't forget to take some amazing photos since you should take your kids to this enchanted location in the Maldives.
As you reach Malé, the little capital city, you are greeted by tall buildings, cutting-edge infrastructure, busy streets, broad roadways, and unique dining options. But this island lacked the white-sand beaches for which this country is most known. Thus, the nation constructed a man-made one! The artificial beach is a vast expanse of fine sand that faces the cyan-blue water, just as all-natural beaches. Adventure water activities and unique cafes by the beach are great places to satisfy your appetite. Locals congregate in huge numbers for a cool swim in the summer months, and live music events are arranged on the beach. The man-made beach has served as the venue for numerous carnivals and parades organized by the city.
Maafushi is one of the most popular local islands for tourists, offering a more budget-friendly option compared to the luxury resorts. It's a great place for families to experience local culture and enjoy a range of activities.
