10 places to visit in maldives

Maldives   Travel Guide

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11 Epic Things to Do in the Maldives

With 1,190 islands scattered across 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean, including close to 200 resort islands and 200 inhabited islands, there are plenty of places to explore in the Maldives. Despite the numerous options, most visitors choose to lounge at

• All Things To Do

Maldives Beaches Maldives Beaches free

Many vacationers head to the Maldives solely to relax on the beach – and for good reason. The sugar white sand and striking turquoise water – practically unmatched in its clarity anywhere in the Caribbean – make for the perfect beach vacation backdrop. Every resort island has at least one beach with lounge chairs or salas to relax on. Most also have a "house reef" where you can cool off and admire the marine life.

Some resorts that boast notably beautiful beaches include:

Go scuba diving and snorkeling Go scuba diving and snorkeling

With exceptionally clear visibility of up to 131 feet, an average sea temperature of 85.5 degrees Fahrenheit, bucket-list opportunities to swim with whale sharks and manta rays, and an abundance of marine life, the Maldives makes for a great environment for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Many resorts feature a house reef (a coral reef easily accessible from shore), while most also offer snorkeling excursions where a boat and tour operator transport you to even more vibrant reefs around the atoll. Most resorts and many inhabited islands have a dive center, so beginner and seasoned scuba divers alike can enjoy dive trips to the most stunning "giris" (shallow submerged reefs), drop-offs, "thilas" (pinnacles), channels, caves and shipwrecks around the area. With typically a medium to strong current, most dives in the Maldives are drift dives from boats.

Try must-do water sports Try must-do water sports

Your trip to the Maldives would be incomplete if you didn't explore the glassy waters of the Indian Ocean or stick your head beneath the surface to check out the colorful world below. After all, the official territory of the Maldives is 99% water and 1% land, so if you only explore the islands, you're barely scratching the surface.

Snorkeling and diving are the top two activities in the Maldives, with wreck dives, pinnacles, reef walls and channel dives being just some of the options on offer. Swim with dozens of nurse sharks in Fulidhoo, whale sharks at Maamigili and tiger sharks in Fuvahmulah, or check out some of the incredible shipwrecks, such as Kuda Giri. You'll never get bored if you embrace the plethora of water sports available in the Maldives.

Popular Tours

2-Hour Maldives Submarine Tour From Male

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Swim with manta rays and whale sharks at Hanifaru Bay Swim with manta rays and whale sharks at Hanifaru Bay

U.S. News Insider Tip: If seeing mantas and whale sharks at Hanifaru Bay is on your bucket list, choose a resort in Baa Atoll, such as Anantara Kihavah and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru. You'll avoid a lengthy journey and expensive private charter fees. – Sarah Harvey

Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve was created in recognition of the incredible biodiversity of the underwater ecosystem, and Hanifaru Bay is the jewel in this atoll's crown. Hanifaru is a monitored snorkeling site that's renowned for attracting exceptionally high numbers of manta rays. During the southwestern monsoon (May to November), huge quantities of zooplankton become trapped in the horseshoe-shaped bay, creating a kind of zooplankton "soup," which in turn attracts remarkable numbers of zooplankton-loving "megafauna." In peak season, there could be as many as 100 mantas, plus maybe even several whale sharks feeding there. Hanifaru is one of the only places in the world where so many mantas and whale sharks aggregate in such unusually high numbers. 

Authentic cultural experiences Authentic cultural experiences

U.S. News Insider Tip: Many souvenirs are imported from China. Look for souvenirs that are actually made in the Maldives, including thundu kunaa woven mats, striped feyli sarongs, lacquerwork from Baa Atoll and wooden miniature dhonis (boats). Or, check out Authentic Maldives . – Sarah Harvey

Influenced by sailors, traders and other explorers from India, Sri Lanka, the Middle East, Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia and even further afield over a period of more than 2,500 years, the Maldives is a melting pot of cultures. Prior to the country's official conversion to Islam in A.D. 1153, the Maldives was Buddhist and Hindu. You can see evidence of the Maldives' fascinating past through a number of authentic cultural experiences.

North Malé Atoll North Malé Atoll free

This atoll, also known as Kaafu Atoll, is where you'll find the international airport, the capital city, plenty of popular dive sites, several "guesthouse islands" and more than a dozen resorts. A lot of people incorrectly refer to Velana International Airport as "Male airport" (and confusingly, it even has the airport code "MLE"), but it's actually located on an island called Hulhule, which is adjacent to Malé. Most visitors don't ever set foot in Malé, and are instead whisked from Hulhule straight to their resort or guesthouse. However, while most visitors aren't sad to skip Malé, the atoll named after the country's capital city is an extremely popular spot to visit.

Visitors who don't want to hop on another plane after a long journey to the Maldives often pick resorts or guesthouses in North Malé Atoll because they know it's a quick speedboat ride to their accommodation. The closest resorts to the airport, such as Kurumba and Bandos, are only 10 to 15 minutes by speedboat. However, the furthest away islands, which could take from 45 minutes to an hour to reach by speedboat, do have the benefit of not being under flight paths and not having the capital city and other urban developments on the horizon, which guests sometimes complain about. What's more, speedboat transfers are also cheaper than seaplane transfers.

Banana Reef Banana Reef

This vibrant site in North Malé Atoll is popular with divers and snorkelers alike. Its name comes from the curved shape of the reef when seen from above. You can admire a wide variety of marine life, including schools of jacks as well as Napoleon wrasse, moray eels, barracudas, snapper, groupers, reef sharks and, if you're lucky and it's the right season, maybe even mantas too.

Divers who visited the site recently raved about the excellent visibility and abundance of aquatic life, while snorkelers liked how easy it was to see the reef, as the shallowest parts are at only about 4 feet.

Maafushi Maafushi free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're looking for an island where you can hang out with other travelers, this one is a great option, although those wanting a more idyllic escape might prefer a less built-up island, such as Fulidhoo or Dhigurah. – Sarah Harvey

Maafushi is the most developed inhabited island in the Maldives when it comes to guesthouse tourism. When guesthouses were first legalized, it was on Maafushi that the first one opened in 2010. Prior to that, it was difficult for visitors to mingle with the average Maldivian and get a sense of what island life was like in the "real" Maldives. Today, Maafushi is home to dozens of guesthouses ranging in size and budget, from simple lodgings to stylish hotels. There are also plenty of cafes, watersports centers and dive centers to keep you entertained.

Maafushi: Airport Transfer By Speedboat

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3 Hour Male' City Tour with Local Guide

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Maldives Full Fun Adventure Trip

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Hulhumalé Hulhumalé free

Hulhumalé is an entirely artificial island built over a shallow lagoon adjacent to Malé. Construction began in 1997, and the rapidly expanding island is currently well on its way to doubling in size from the original 1.5-square-mile plot. The main purpose of creating Hulhumalé was to provide more housing for the overflowing capital city, and it remains a largely residential island. However, Hulhumalé also attracts travelers thanks to its dozens of guesthouses (which mostly line the long sandy beach), as well as several watersports centers and dive centers, a skate park and its very own Central Park. You will also find a variety of cafes and restaurants, ranging from Maldivian cuisine at The Maldive Kitchen to international options like Korean Food Zone.

The main reason visitors choose to stay in Hulhumalé is because it's close to the airport. If they arrive to the Maldives at night, it means they can't hop on a seaplane (which only operate during day), so Hulhumalé is a handy pit stop for many. While it's quieter and greener than Malé, it is becoming busier every year, and some parts of it are beginning to look in need of repair. However, the beach strip, which most tourists stick to, is fairly well looked after. The second phase of this land reclamation project is newer, and the buildings and streets are in better condition there. It is separated from the rest of the island by a series of bridges over a small channel of water. 

Huraa Island Huraa Island free

Huraa is a relaxing, friendly and uncrowded island village best known to tourists for guesthouses, snorkeling and surfing opportunities. There are several surf points in the vicinity, but surfing in the Maldives is best suited to intermediate to advanced-level surfers because all of the breaks are coral breaks. There are souvenir shops, cafes, small grocery shops, two dive centers and a football field, but the white sand beaches fringing the island are probably the biggest draw, along with the unique insights you'll get into how Maldivians really live. Guesthouses on the island can also organize day trips and activities, such as sandbank trips and fishing excursions.

Past travelers love the fact that there are only electric vehicles on the island, but say it's still being developed for tourism. Some were disappointed to find that there is no "bikini beach" anymore (a tourist beach where you can wear a bikini, as it's illegal to wear skimpy swimwear on any island that isn't a resort island). However, many said the island was beautiful and they enjoyed exploring the mangrove area too.

Maldives Victory Maldives Victory

The Maldives Victory, a 262-foot-long cargo ship, sunk in 1981 after hitting a reef in North Malé Atoll . Now, the dive site attracts scuba aficionados thanks to the beautiful corals that have covered it, as well as the rich sea life that has made the wreck a sight to behold, including turtles, trevallies, grouper, batfish, pufferfish and lionfish. For macrolife-lovers, there are also nudibranchs on the stern.

The Maldives Victory rests upright off the coast of Hulhule Island, not too far from the southern end of the Velana International Airport runway. Experts say this site is best seen between late May and July. Recent reviewers recommended a penetration dive so you don't miss the marine life inside the wreck and touted it as one of the most thrilling dive sites in the country.

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Home » Travel Guides » Maldives » 15 Best Places to Visit in Maldives

15 Best Places to Visit in Maldives

Left to the mercy of the soft and lapping Indian Ocean, the islands of the Maldives have been sculpted and formed into unquestionably one of the most quintessentially beautiful tropical places on the globe.

Ranging from the powdered beaches of the northern atolls to the earthy sea shacks and fishing hamlets of the southern isles, the whole nation can be found strewn across the turquoise waters some way from the Indian subcontinent.

Most visitors will land in the throbbing, pulsing city of Male, packed onto its own pinprick of an isle and boasting spice-scented markets and great mosques.

Most also don’t linger long before they hit the seaplanes or boats and make for the shimmering private bays of their chosen resort, where infinity pools and over-water cabanas are the norm.

More recently, new local guesthouses and the discovery of rolling waves have begun transforming the Maldives from honeymoon hotspot to surfing, adventure and backpacking destination – paradise is now open to all, it seems.

Lets explore the best places to visit in the Maldives :

Thrumming with scooters and cars and Indian bazaars stacked with coconuts and spice, the city of Male – the capital of the Maldives atolls – has the frenetic feel of a place crammed into a slot that’s too small for it.

And that’s because it is.

Although rarely visited (most travelers bypass the city on seaplanes heading straight for their resort), the town is crammed onto a pint-sized islet in the North Male Atoll.

It manages to fit some fascinating sights between its streets though, like the 17th-century Friday Mosque and the gold-tipped Islamic Centre.

Male Market is another must – just be sure get your haggling skills up to scratch.

2. Hulhumale Island

Sat just across the sparkling waters from the capital of Male, the island of Hulhumale is forever growing and growing as more and more land is reclaimed to house the sprawling urban tendrils of the city.

It’s also the home of the Velana International Airport, which is the main gateway to these paradisiacal islands for most.

However, don’t be put off by how all that sounds – Hulhumale is actually a charming place.

It’s got a gorgeous – if artificial – beach on its eastern haunch, a clutch of leafy neighborhoods, a glass-topped mosque, and planned promenade walkways above the Indian Ocean.

3. Maafushi

Maafushi might not have the sprawling luxury resorts and opulent 5-star hotels that many of its nearby brothers do, but it’s got plenty of charm.

Sadly ravaged in the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, the place has been busy rebuilding its salt-washed fishing jetties and industrious sailor huts in the last decade.

Something that’s helped is the opening up of rights to local guesthouses, which is transforming Maafushi into one of the top off-beat island getaways for budget travelers.

Of course, you can expect gorgeous beaches backed with palms, lapping waves, and a clutch of homey little coffee shops on the shore.

Sat on the far northern reaches of the Haa Alif Atoll, itself the northernmost of all the Maldivian island chains, the beautiful site of Utheemu holds a special place in the history of this archipelago nation.

That’s because it was once the home of the revered Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu – the leader who’s credited with driving out Portuguese invaders from the isles in the late 16th century.

Of course, there are the usual sparkling white sands and lapping Indian Ocean waves, but these are punctuated by heritage sites like the Utheemu Ganduvaru, which is the gorgeous timber-built palace where the respected leader grew up.

Feydhoo’s story is a curious one.

In the 19th century, the people now living between the leafy streets and tight-knit housing blocks here were the inhabitants of nearby Gan island (more on that one later). When the British came in the run up to WWII, Gan was transformed into an airbase, and the locals were shipped out to live on the next island along in the Seenu Atoll.

That was Feydhoo, which is today a pretty picture of lived-in Maldivian life.

Come and stroll the winding walkways and sample seafood curries with the locals – the welcome is always warm.

6. Maradhoo

Joined at the hip to aforementioned Feydhoo by a seaside causeway that runs just above the coral-fringed shores of the Seenu Atoll, Maradhoo is a major link in the island chain that starts with Gan to the east.

Long and thin, it juts out into the Indian Ocean like a finger fringed with narrow beachfronts and swaying groves of coconut palms.

As in Feydhoo, the locals are laid-back and lovely, and the cuisine is spicy and rich in seafood.

Be sure to take a walk down Link Road and flit between the coffee shops and sandwich vendors that meet between the palm trees there.

7. Veligandu Island

Romantic sunsets glow red and yellow over the lapping waters of the Indian Ocean; cocktails clink in the resort’s luxurious bar; sea kayaks bob on the turquoise shoreline, and crystal-clear waves roll in softly from the inland lagoon.

Welcome to uber-beautiful Veligandu Island, which has long been championed as one of the top destinations in the Maldives for couples.

Honeymooners and newly-weds are a common site on this long, thin finger of land on the western edge of the North Ari Atoll, and there are plenty of opulent seaside villas and suites to match.

8. Banana Reef

Many travelers heading to the islands of the Maldives will be coming for one thing and one thing only: diving.

And there’s hardly a single better place to don the SCUBA gear and wetsuits in the country than at the Banana Reef.

This fruit-shaped dash of multi-colored corals and seaweed-clad sandbanks lies underwater between the isles of the North Male Atoll.

It’s served by countless outfitters, who lead excursions to uncover the striped snappers and bulbous sponges, the reef sharks and the barracudas that all coalesce here.

9. Thulusdhoo Island

It’s the spirit of the salt-washed Caribbean that seems to drive Thulusdhoo Island.

Largely undiscovered, this speck in the Male Atolls is ringed by wide spaces of sand from which bulbous coconut trunks sprout by the hundred.

The beaches are – naturally – great, and the locals love to draw in their fading fishing boats to flint up a good sizzling seafood barbeque now and then.

That all fits perfectly with the other pastime of travelers on Thulusdhoo: surfing.

Look for the fun left-hand rollers that turn into barrels off of Villingilimathi Huraa close by.

10. Fuvahmulah

Fuvahmulah promises something a little different to the rest of the Maldivian atolls.

For starters, this speck on the map of the Indian Ocean doesn’t really have any near neighbors, and it occupies an atoll all of its own.

It’s also peppered with the occasional inland lake, which is a rare sight to see in this flat-lying country.

Meanwhile the sandbanks that ring popular Banging Beach make for some crashing rollers and refreshing salt-spray (a break from the usual relaxing lapping lagoons), and the proximity to the Earth’s equator means steamy weather throughout the year.

11. Alimatha Island

Perched on the eastern edge of the Maldives, in the famous Felidhe Atoll, Alimatha is a great tourist island that offers luxury cabanas, untouched stretches of pristine sandy beach, and – most importantly – some of the most celebrated SCUBA diving spots around.

The resort that covers the island can often be seen packed with eager divers, who all come to seek out the pretty coral groves and sea walls that surround the shores.

These are packed with jackfish, morays and eels, and are known for their high visibility and popular night diving packages.

12. Hithadhoo

Large (at least for a Maldivian island) and highly-populated (again, at least for a Maldivian island), this sub-section of Addu City in the old Seenu Atoll can be reached on the same causeways that connect Gan to Maradhoo.

On its southern edge, the place is given away to mangroves and marshes and shrub land, while the north side of the island is packed with cafes and bakeries and the occasional set of looming minarets that rise from the local mosques.

More than anything, Hithadhoo oozes a charming lived-in vibe; one that’s difficult to discover elsewhere in the resort-heavy country.

Kuredu is the self-proclaimed jewel of the Lhaviyani Atoll, which makes its home in the central-north reaches of the Maldivian archipelago.

A boomerang-shaped isle, it’s entirely covered by a single resort, which offers rustic bamboo shacks and rows of those ubiquitous over-water bungalows with verandahs above the waves.

The whole place is completely surrounded by its own private fringing of powdery sand, and is considered one of the most advanced SCUBA and snorkeling destinations in the country – strong currents and high waves often make it difficult to see the manta rays and tropical schools.

Unusually, Kuredu also plays host to a full 9-hole golf course.

Gan is primarily known for its airport, which is the second-largest airport in the entire Maldives and a famous former airbase for the British Royal Air Force during WWII. Today, the island has shed its old military importance in favor of tourism, and it’s slowly rising to become one of the most popular spots in the Addu Atoll.

It’s not just the accessibility (thanks to the airport) that draws the crowds either, because Gan has earthy little fishing restaurants and small stretches of shimmering sand that are usually totally empty of visitors. Nice.

15. Kunfunadhoo Island

If you’re after the fabled luxury and romance of the Maldives, then it’s likely that the opulent resort on Kunfunadhoo Island won’t disappoint – it’s continually hailed as the most indulgent place to stay in the country.

Visitors enter through a thatched timber great hall that hides between groves of coconut palms.

From there, it’s onto the cocktail decks that soar on stilts above the jungle, or out to the beaches where candles flicker in the sultry sea breeze.

Add in a couple of infinity pools, swim-up bars, and the chance to dine on a private little sandbank with only the Indian Ocean waves as a backing track, and it’s easy to see why this one’s so popular!

15 Best Places to Visit in Maldives:

• Hulhumale Island
• Veligandu Island
• Banana Reef
• Thulusdhoo Island
• Alimatha Island
• Kunfunadhoo Island

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How to Plan the Perfect Maldives Vacation at the Best Hotels

Here's everything you need to know to plan the perfect Maldives vacation.

The world's lowest-lying nation rises barely three feet above sea level (at its highest point, a mere 10 feet) and fans over the Indian Ocean in wide, flat circles of blindingly white sand. The Maldives are nestled halfway between Indonesia and Africa and attract travelers seriously committed to communing with the sparkling turquoise tides.

Made up of 26 atolls spanning 1,190 different islands (of these, less than a third are inhabited), the Maldives are like one giant jigsaw puzzle of sandbars and lagoons. An impressive number of marine species have made their homes in the surrounding reefs and, as a result, a Maldives vacation is particularly popular among scuba divers.

The Maldives are where people come to experience island life at its most relaxed — and most beautiful. Whether you're criss-crossing coral reefs in a glass-bottomed boat or dozing off in your private overwater bungalow, the chances of returning home disappointed are slim to none. Here's everything you need to know to plan the perfect Maldives vacation.

How to Get Around on Your Maldives Vacation

Within each of the island chain's ring-shaped atolls — North Ari Atoll, South Ari Atoll, Laamu Atoll, and so on — is a group of different islands typically anchored by a small airport. The Kaafu Atoll is home to Velana International Airport, which is the main entry point for all travelers. This main airport, near the capital island of Malé, is where you'll likely start your Maldives vacation. From here, you'll need to arrange a separate flight or speedboat transfer to get to your individual hotel — and if you're resort hopping, you may need to take more than one seaplane or boat to get around the Maldives. Often the luxury hotels can help you organize a seaplane or boat transport to your final destination. You can also hire your own speedboat transfer through companies like Atoll Transfer or take a public ferry between islands.

When to Plan Your Maldives Vacation

December through April is the dry season and the most popular time to visit the Maldives. This can make hotels slightly more expensive, but it's also when you can enjoy a near-guaranteed streak of gorgeous, storm-free days. Moreover, dry season makes for better visibility (think: crystal-clear snorkeling and underwater diving). No matter what time of year, travelers can expect balmy temperatures in the mid-80s.

How to Visit Multiple Islands in the Maldives

The Maldives are full of dreamy, relatively untouched islands, and one of the joys of vacationing here is venturing beyond your hotel. A typical excursion might include fishing at sunset in a 60-foot dhoni (a traditional Maldivian wooden boat). Another favorite is island hopping, when resort guests are taken to a handful of nearby islands and properties to snorkel and explore on land (a packed or barbecue lunch is almost always included). Some hotels even offer intimate escapes for couples. Just imagine being taken out to a deserted beach in a dinghy, where you're left to enjoy the company of your significant other for the entire afternoon, equipped with only a fully stocked picnic basket and a mobile phone in case of emergencies.

Best Hotels in the Maldives

Patina Maldives, Fari Islands was perhaps the biggest news coming out of the Maldives in 2021. This icon-in-the-making hotel debuted in May 2021, and it's the inaugural Patina Hotels & Resorts property (a new brand by Capella Hotel Group). The 90 one- to three-bedroom beach and pool villas feature exquisite architectural elements. Guests will love spending time at the Fari Marina Village and Fari Beach Club, all of which are part of the Patina experience.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi launched a new private island at the beginning of 2021 that's available only for exclusive rental. Not only that, but the iconic luxury property debuted new villas and the country's first Aqua Wellness Center for travelers who want to maintain their healthy lifestyle while enjoying the natural beauty of the Maldives.

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives debuted in June 2021 in the North Malé Atoll. Located near Chickens Break, a must-visit surfing spot, it's the perfect hotel for travelers looking to take advantage of water sports on their Maldives vacation. The property also boasts a spa overlooking the beach and a Singaporean-style street food market.

Another great stay in the Maldives is Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa — a luxe experience by Marriott. In the Lhaviyani Atoll, this resort is all about beachfront cafes, lagoon-access overwater villas, and an embrace of midcentury Maldivian design.

Must-try Activities in the Maldives

Scuba diving in the Maldives is second to none — the nutrient-rich waters, fed by currents from the Indian Ocean, are like a Whole Foods for marine life. Brightly colored tropical fish, manta rays, reef sharks, whale sharks, eels, sea turtles, and more are attracted to the waters of the Maldives. Start at the South Ari Atoll, where you'll find popular dive sites like Broken Rock (split in half by a deep canyon) and Kudarah Thila.

In 2005, Ithaa became the world's first all-glass, undersea restaurant. Though the trend has spread, travelers can still enjoy a seafood feast at the intimate, 14-seat restaurant. Everything on the menu is sustainably caught. To eat here, however, you'll need to plan ahead: Reservations are required well in advance, and guests of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island , where the restaurant is located, get first dibs.

Dolphin watching in the Maldives is also fairly popular, though it of course requires patience. One of the best spots to see the gorgeous creatures is Muli Channel. Work with your hotel or a local dive center to snorkel these waters on a clear day, when you'll have the best chance of seeing a dolphin.

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• 50 Pristine Places To Visit In Maldives For An Amazing Vacay In 2024!

23 Mar 2023

Unbeatable beaches, unmatched luxury and a very happening underwater world makes Maldives worth it all! Endowed with incredible beauty and splendor of nature. With 1200 islands and 26 atolls, this island country holds a great allure for tourists across the globe for its exotic islands, enthralling blue seas, shiny-sandy beaches, magnificent reefs, and a variety of water sports . Being an island country dominated by water sports, the tourism here is strictly relative to the dry weather conditions and hence the span of December to April is the best time to visit Maldives . Maldives has also undergone drastic change in the last 10 years and the inhabited islands have been made better and tourist friendly. Studded with luxurious water villas and endless palm groves swaying rhythmically, this postcard-perfect amalgamation of blue, white, and green is a true paradise on Earth! Check out the best places to visit in Maldives on your vacations:

50 Best Tourist Places To Visit In Maldives

Heading to Maldives and can’t decide where to head to? Fret not!  Let us help you to know about some of the best ones! And if choosing from so many attractions gets tough, keep our quick list of 50 most beautiful places to visit in Maldives handy. Though not exhaustive, the list of the best places to visit in Maldives helps you tick of all major tourist spots in the country.

• Malé Atoll – For Urban Vibes
• Sun Island – For Sparkling Beaches
• Banana Reef – For A Great Diving Experience
• Alimatha Island – For Canoeing In Calm Waters
• Artificial Beach – For Action-Packed Watersports
• HP Reef – For Corals And Caves
• Fihalhohi Island – For A Thriving Marine Life
• Utheemu Ganduvaru – For Exploring A Wooden Palace
• Biyadhoo Island – For Fresh Organic Produce
• Veligandu Island Beach – For Boundless Green Landscapes
• Baros Island – For Sun-Kissed Beaches
• Emboodhu Finolhu Island – For Romantic Water Villas
• Mirihi Island – For A Digital Detox
• COMO Cocoa Island – For 5-Star Services
• Huvahendhoo Island – For Soft White Sandy Beaches
• Maafushi Island – For A Stunning Mix Of Blue & White
• Kanuhura Island – For Kid-Friendly Villas
• Rangali Island – For That Perfect Family Vacation
• Whale Submarine – For An Exciting Underwater Tour
• Halaveli Islands – For Scenic Beauty And Relaxation
• Dhigu Island – For A Luxurious Getaway
• Majeedhee Magu – For Street Shopping
• National Museum – For Bizarre Historic Artifacts
• Bioluminescent Beach – For Star-Gazing With Bae
• Kudadoo Island – For Total Privacy And Seclusion
• Hulhumale – Mesmerizing Beauty
• Maldive Victory – Best Diving Spot
• Fulhadhoo – Serene Island
• Vaadhoo Island – Stunning & Spectacular
• Gan Island – Gorgeous Yet Secluded
• Thulusdhoo – Adventure Seekers Delight
• Fuvahmulah – Painted Out Of A Storybook
• Hanifaru Bay – For Breathtaking Underwater Sights
• Kudahuvadhoo Island – For Aesthetic Architecture Sights
• Ukulhas Island – For A Calming Scenic Beauty 
• Huraa Island – For Basking In The Sun
• Guraidhoo Island – Secluded Yet Beautiful
• Kurumba Beach – Mesmerizing Beauty
• Grand Friday Mosque – Biggest Mosque In Maldives
• Presidential Palace – Royal Infrastructure
• Male Friday Mosque – Intricate Carvings & Unique Architecture
• China Maldives Friendship Bridge –  A Great Initiative
• Tsunami Monument – Witness The Tranquility
• National Art Gallery – An Artistic Site
• Dhadimagi Kilhi – Second Largest Freshwater Lake
• Bikini Beach – Exotic Attraction
• Addu Atoll – Discover Stunning Islands
• Addu City – A Beautiful Destination
• Male City – Explore The Capital Of Maldives
• The Muraka – Conrad – Have A Lavish Stay

1. Malé Atoll – For Urban Vibes

Image Source Located on the southern edge of Kaafu Atoll, the North Malé Atoll is the largest city and the most popular destination among the best places to visit in Maldives. It is among the top Maldives tourism places. It used to be called Mahal for being the abode of the Royal Dynasties and is now famous as the Kings Island. Male has a tropical monsoon climate with rains occurring through most months in the year. The best thing about Male is its consistently moderate temperature, round the year.

Major attractions at Male: The Grand Friday Mosque, Scuba diving, and snorkeling, Male Fish Market, Malé's National Museum, Tsunami Monument, Dive Club Maldives, Underwater Scooters Best places to stay in Male: Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa , Hotel Octave , The Beehive Best time to visit: November to April

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2. Sun Island – For Sparkling Beaches

Image Source

Also famous as the Sun Island, Nalaguraidhoo Island in South Ari Atoll is among the top Maldives points of interest. It is adorned with some stunning beaches, beautiful tropical flowers, and lavish greenery that pulls a great number of tourists wanting to bask in the lap of nature. With its extremely charming blue waters, sparkling beaches and fabulous resorts, the island guarantees immense joy to its guests. Given its serenity and beauty, it is among the most perfect places to visit in Maldives for couples and honeymooners.

Best time to visit Sun Island: March to April the summer season, suitable for water sports.

Major attractions at Sun Island: Diving, windsurfing and snorkeling, relaxation at sauna and spa, Island Divers

Best places to stay: Sun Island Resort & Spa, Holiday Island Resort & Spa, LUX* South Ari Atoll etc. Best time to visit: November to April

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3. Banana Reef – For A Great Diving Experience

Image Source Located in North Mal- Atoll, Banana Reef is globally renowned for being one of the best diving sites in the world which adds it to the list of top Maldives points of interest. It was, in fact, the very first diving spot in Maldives to get recognition for licensed diving and training. Shaped like a banana, the reef is choc-a-block with exuberant marine life, fantastic corals, amazing cliffs, overhangs, and caves. And thanks to the myriad adventure activities here, it is one of the favorite places to visit in Maldives for the adventure junkies.

Major attractions at Banana Reef: Underwater activities like Scuba, snorkeling, Jet skiing in the reef; places like Maldive Victory, Hulhumal-, Alimatha Island, Biyadhoo Island, Manta Point Best places to stay: Coco Bodhu Hithi, Paradise Island Resort & Spa , Adaaran Prestige Ocean Villas are the luxury accommodations that will keep you happy and comfy Best time to visit: May to July (for diving)

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4. Alimatha Island – For Canoeing In Calm Waters

Image Source Sitting on the eastern edge of Maldives, Alimatha Island is located in Vaavu Atoll. With its azure, crystal clear waters — apt for diving, snorkeling and boating, the island is a perfect spot for a family vacation and for honeymoon too, since it is considered one of the best places to visit in Maldives for couples. Volleyball matches in the sun-kissed beaches and the dazzling sand, here, are great fun. The Ayurvedic massage center, spa, bars, and restaurants make it a revitalizing option among the popular tourist places in Maldives.

Major attractions at Alimatha Island: Diving, snorkeling, and canoeing at Miyaru Kandu, Fotte Kandu (Govt. sanctioned protected sites); Alimatha Aquatic Resort

Best places to stay: VOI Dhiggiri Resort, Rihiveli by Castaway Hotels & Escapes, Fun Island Resort, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, are some of the places that promise you a great stay. Best time to visit: March to April

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5. Artificial Beach – For Action-Packed Watersports

Image Source Situated in North Mal- Atoll, this beach is what its name tells you – artificial. It is the favorite haunt of the swimming enthusiasts among the top places to visit in Maldives. The Artificial Beach is an open area and has certain restrictions for clothing as per the local law. The beach also hosts several carnivals, water sports, and peaceful walks, making this the best place to go in Maldives for youngsters. The evenings here turn beautiful as music groups gather to jam and perform.

Major attractions at Artificial Beach: Shark Point, Manta Point, Nassimo Thila, Kani Corner

Best places to stay: Isola Guest House, Huraa East Inn, Ocean Cottage, Eriyadu Island Resort & Spa. Best time to visit: November to April

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6. HP Reef – For Corals And Caves

Image Source Stationed in North Mal- Atoll, HP Reef is among the top-rated tourist attractions in Maldives. It is a protected marine location that witnesses the widespread presence of a variety of marine creatures. From small, harmful and colorful fishes to multi-hued corals, caves and overhangs — the sea here is bustling with the vivacity of marine life. With utmost care, the marine beings are protected here while making sure that ardent swimmers and divers only spring into waters when it is completely secure, something that makes it one of the finest places to visit in Male Maldives.

Major attractions at HP Reef: Marine life for those who love photography and diving

Best places to stay: Lily Beach Resort & Spa, SeaHouse TopDeck, The Somerset Hotel, Hotel Jen Mal- Maldives nearby hotels.

Best time to visit: December to April

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7. Fihalhohi Island – For A Thriving Marine Life

Image Source Fihalhohi Island, situated at the South Kaafu Atoll in Mal-, is one of the most attractive and gorgeous places in Maldives to spend your hard earned holidays. The island is beautifully surrounded with shady coconut palm trees, pristine beaches, and clear waters. You must visit this island if you are looking for a romantic getaway or planning your honeymoon. The island offers warm weather, making it an ideal place for water activities that visitors thrive for and the most charming addition to the list of best places to visit in Maldives for honeymoon. One of the best things about Fihalhohi Island is the reef that surrounds the island that houses an abundance of marine life. With the availability of scuba diving, one can experience the marine life among the reef and make memories that will last for a lifetime. This island is also known to offer the best tropical with Balinese and other international treatments.

Major attractions at Fihalhohi Island: Fihalhohi Island Resort, Rannalhi and Rihiveli beaches in close proximity

Best Places to stay: Fihalhohi Island Resort, Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, Meeru Island Resort & Spa, Eriyadu Island Resort- easil accessible from the Island.

Best time to visit: December to June

8. Utheemu Ganduvaru – For Exploring A Wooden Palace

Image Source Located in the Northern part of Maldives, Utheemu is one of the best places to visit in Maldives. It is a small island that resembles a small green jellyfish. One of the historical significant tourist places in Maldives, it is the birthplace of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu — revered in Maldivian history for chasing away Portuguese intruders. The place has got a monument in its name — Utheemu Ganduvaru, a heritage building that you must see. Home of the Sultan Mohamed, this palace is made of wood and a major tourist attraction in Maldives.

Major attractions at Utheemu Ganduvaru : The home of Sultan Mohamed, Ancient Cemetery, New Mosque, Beach North shore etc Best places to stay in Utheemu Ganduvaru: Amra Palace Laamu , J Resort Alidhoo, JA Manafaru, The Barefoot Eco Hotel Best time to visit: May to November (for Manta-Ray viewing)

9. Biyadhoo Island – For Fresh Organic Produce

Image Source Another popular island among the best places to visit in Maldives, Biyadhoo Island is stationed in South Mal- Atoll. Spread over ten acres of land, it is around 18 miles away from South Mal- International Airport and has Makunufushi Island in close proximity. The island has abundant vegetation of bananas, coconuts, and mangoes along with cucumbers, cabbage, and tomatoes. It is popular for its sparkling waters and adventurous water sports and hence got the name — the Scuba-diving Island.

Major attractions at Biyadhoo Island: Biyadhoo Island Resort, snorkeling, scuba diving, canoe-paddling

Best places to stay: Cocoa Island by COMO, Arena Beach Hotel, Crystal Sands, Beachwood Hotel, Island cottage, etc. are some of the near-by, luxurious hotels for your comfortable stay. Best time to visit: November to February

10. Veligandu Island Beach – For Boundless Green Landscapes

Image Source Located in North Ari Atoll, Veligandu Island is a reasonably small island. But in spite of being small, it has its own glory for vacationers. The island is filled with astonishing greenery that provides immense serenity in this land of shimmering waters. Also, the lagoons here provide great opportunities for diving and snorkeling. Being in close proximity to a fishing village, the island also promises to serve you delicious food.

Major attractions at Veligandu Island Beach: Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, snorkeling, diving, fishing, village tours Best places to stay: Rasdhoo View Inn, Rasdhoo Dive Lodge, Ras Reef Guest House, Kuramathi Island Resort Best time to visit: November to March

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11. Baros Island – For Sun-Kissed Beaches

An ideal place that will keep the crowd at bay is the Baros Island , which happens to be among the top-rated islands in the Maldives. Mostly known for its natural elegance, the luxurious boutique resort, and the sun-kissed beaches is something to die for. With a number of water villas, the Baros Island is exclusively sought after, for its services and the privacy guests get to enjoy during their stay. With a few restaurants and bars in the precinct of the villas, it makes for an ideal vacation for honeymooners and vacationing with friends. What is to die for is the cyan blue water which is a treat to the eyes and the soul.

Major attractions: Snorkelling, Scuba diving, Coral reef and relaxation in the resort spas

Best places to stay: Baros Maldives, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Angsana Ihuru, and Grand Park Kodhipparu

Best time to visit: November to March

12. Emboodhu Finolhu Island – For Romantic Water Villas

The arrangement of water villas in the Emboodhu Island is a major attraction in itself. The water villas are arranged in the shape of a flower giving this island a jewel to add to the crown. If on a seaplane, the view is as beautiful as the stay here. Featuring about fifty-five water villas along with the luxe Taj Exotica Resort, the five-star accommodation and hospitality services that guests enjoy here is remarkable and has always received positive feedback. For those looking to relax can opt for the revitalizing spa retreat.

Major attractions: Scuba diving, Cruising, and relaxation at the best spas

Best places to stay: Embudu Village, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Adaaran Prestige Vadoo and Nasandhura Palace Hotel

Best time to visit: November to April

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13. Mirihi Island – For A Digital Detox

Vacationers looking for a complete detox stay at the Maldives should head to the Mihiri Island. With no television to watch, one is absolutely detached from the outside world if they keep their cell phones at bay. With no distraction from the outside world, ones stay at the beautiful island of Mirihi, honeymooners thrive here. they can also avail to the Adam & Eve spa treatment, which is romantically sinful. With around 30 water villas and restaurants that dish out lip-smacking delicacies, the Mirihi Island is a must-visit with your loved one.

Major attractions: Scuba diving, Snorkelling, romantic dinner setups and relaxation at the luxe spas

Best places to stay: Mirihi Island Resort

Best time to visit: July to October

14. COMO Cocoa Island – For 5-Star Services

A country like the Maldives is proud of its sandy beaches and gorgeous islands, but among the many, the COMO Cocoa Island stands out as it is the most sought-after islands in all of Maldives. It is a slice of tropical heaven for relaxation and rejuvenation. The island is home to a large number of resorts and water villas with around 33 of them. Each of these villas provides five-star accommodation and the best hospitality services in all of the surrounding islands. The white powdery beaches that are softer than your skin is something to live for, along with the crystal blue water that surrounds the place with pride.

Major attractions: Snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming pools, infinity edge bathtubs, and relaxation at the spa

Best places to stay: COMO Cocoa Island hotel, Holiday Inn Resort

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15. Huvahendhoo Island – For Soft White Sandy Beaches

The calm water and the lustrous greenery that makes up the Huvahendhoo Island is where you should be for an undisturbed stay for rejuvenation. Whether you are traveling with family or your pack of friends, this island is where you can relax and detox yourself off of the hustle and bustle of daily city life. Known for a family oriented place, kids can have their share of fun at the Kids Club while the adults can enjoy their time walking down the soft white sandy beaches. With restaurants serving top-notch delicacies, both foreign and local, the Huvahendhoo island has a lot of perks to it, making it one of the best places to visit in Maldives with family.

Major attractions: Swimming pool, tennis courts, beach volleyball, billiards and spa at the Lily Beach Resort & Spa

Best places to stay: Lily Beach Resort & Spa and Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat

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16. Maafushi Island – For A Stunning Mix Of Blue & White

Also known as Maldives paradise, the Maafushi Beach is among the best beaches in the country, that is sought after for fun activities. This place stands in top amongst the famous places in Maldives . With a wide range of water sports that keep the tourists hooked, the food served here is lip-smacking and will leave you licking your fingers. Apart from the amazing things to do on Maafushi Island , one can indulge in, one should treat their eyes to the scenic beauty that graces this island. The mix of blue and white is perfectly blended to relax your mind by the sight of it.

Major attractions: Bikini beach, Vihamanafushi Island, Island hopping, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, and Shark Diving

Best places to stay: White Sand Lodge, Crystal Sands, Beachwood Hotel and Spa

Best time to visit: January and February

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17. Kanuhura Island – For Kid-Friendly Villas

The Kanuhura Island boasts of an elaborate villa setting and the five-star luxurious amenities and services that it provides to its guests. Known for a kid-friendly place, this place sees a lot of kids and packs of friends vacationing here apart from the regular honeymooners. Every villa at the island resort, Kanuhura, provide a private host that will take care of all your needs. While you enjoy the pampering the island provides you, away from the desk work back at home, the kids get to have a good time at the Kids Club. One aspect about the villas that make it worth the stay is the d-cor that leaves the guests amazed. This is an amazing places to see in Maldives .

Major attractions: Surfing, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Beach volleyball, Tennis, and rejuvenation at the resort spa

Best places to stay: Kanuhura Maldives

Best time to visit: October to December

18. Rangali Island – For That Perfect Family Vacation

The Conrad Maldives in Rangali Island is where you would want to take your family for a long vacation amongst the sandy beaches and crystal clear cyan blue water. Owned by the Hilton Hotels group, Conrad offers the best hospitality services along with many fun activities both kids and adults can tend to during their stay. With a range of indoor and outdoor activities to choose from, one can enjoy a day at the spa and relax. Also, for those who love fishing, the Conrad Maldives in the island offers fishing activities in the vicinity. This is also one of the most popular Maldives tourist attractions.

Major attractions: Infinity swimming pool, Dolphin sighting, Island hopping, spa, and indoor sports

Best places to stay: Conrad Maldives and Rangali Island Resort

Best time to visit: December to February

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19. Whale Submarine – For An Exciting Underwater Tour

The Whale Submarine is obviously not a place, but the 45 minute underwater tour of the Indian Ocean falls nothing short of an excitingly new and elaborate experience of the underwater life. Cruising through the underwater can be compared to the touring of a garden. The only difference is, you are in a cage and the underwater world is your spectator while your cruise past the marine life. This is one of the most preferred Maldives tourist spots .

Major attractions: Common Lionfish sighting, Yellow Boxfish and a school of yellow and blue snappers

Best places to stay at: Hotel Jen Male, Maagiri Hotel and the Beehive

Best time to visit: November to April (9 AM to 8 PM)

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20. Halaveli Islands – For Scenic Beauty And Relaxation

Isolation can sometimes be good for your health and this is where Halaveli Islands come into the picture. Surrounded by water in every direction, the Halaveli Islands are a perfect spot to detach yourself from the real world with nothing but enormous scenic beauty and relaxation. Well, not at all nothing, for the island is the best place to spend quality time with your friends and family. The Halaveli Island is also home to the Constance Halaveli Resort. Known for its elaborate hospitality services that ease every stay. This is one of the best places to see in Maldives . With 57 water villas for a romantic getaway, the rooms are equipped with televisions and iMac entertainment system.

Major attractions: Paddle boating, Jahaz Restaurant & Bar, Swimming pools, Scuba diving, and Snorkelling

Best places to stay: Constance Halaveli and Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon

Best time to visit: December to March

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21. Dhigu Island – For A Luxurious Getaway

One of the best places to visit in Maldives ,  island of Dhigu is more about the blue than the green, for everywhere you look you find the blue skies and the crystal clear water that calms your sight. The island resort in Dhigu Island has a range of 36 water villas with top-notch facilities and five-star accommodation along with infinity edge bathtub and an enormous view of the vast sea. Your stay at the Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa is everything one can ask for when it comes to vacationing luxuriously. The food served at the four restaurants of the resort is known to be the best in the region with local and foreign cuisines to fill your palate.

Major attractions: Island hopping, Ferry rides, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, and other water sports

Best places to stay: Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, and the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa

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22. Majeedhee Magu – For Street Shopping

Another popular attraction of Maldives sightseeing is Majeedhee Magu. Street shopping is an activity that everyone enjoys, from children to adults, people like to engage in street shopping. When in the Maldives, you ought to visit the Majeedhee Magu, which is just a walk down the main road of the capital city of Male. Here, you will find the latest fashion wear to a wide range of local delicacies that you can savor upon. The best things here that you should take home is the locally handcrafted items, that make way for gifting and self-possession as a souvenir. You can come down here any time between 9 am and 11 pm to shop some goodies to take back home.

Major attractions: The Market

Best places to stay at: The Somerset Hotel, Nalahiya Residence, Coastline Hotels, and Resorts Pvt. Ltd.

Best time to visit: November to April (the market closes at 11 PM)

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23. National Museum – For Bizarre Historic Artifacts

Located in Male stands the quaint building known as the National Museum . It is always a good practice to visit museums during a vacation to learn a little about the history of the place you are staying in. the National Museum of Maldives holds a large collection of artifacts. The components of which traces all the way back to the founding (history) of the Maldives Islands. The building is a part of the 17th century Maldivian Royal Palace and also houses a public park known as the Sultan Park. The well-conserved colonnades and historic artifacts tell a lot about the country. The museum witnesses a large number of visitors and art connoisseurs. Don't miss out on this beautiful palace while Maldives sightseeing on your vacation.

Major attractions: 13th-century wooden plank, Coral stone head of Lord Buddha and the 11th-century piece from Alifu Todd

Best places to stay nearby: Hotel Octave Maldives, Novena Hotel and Hotel Jen Maldives

Best time to visit: Year-round

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24. Bioluminescent Beach – For Star-Gazing With Bae

Image Source You and your partner have surely spotted numerous stars in the skies during your romantic strolls. But have you spotted any under your feet- No, were not crazy! This virgin beach on the Vaadhoo Island in Maldives is popular for a rare and quite exciting phenomenon that absolutely thrills anyone who visits. Attracting visitors with its glowing phytoplanktons that the waves keep tossing over the sands at night, its the perfect spot for honeymooners and couples who are sure to remember the mesmerizing sights for a lifetime! Other than this surreal and romantic feat at night, this beach is also known for the various hip cafes lining the shores. One of the best places to visit in Maldives for honeymoon, it provides endless options for eating in this area. And its relatively easy to get to from Hulhumale by ferry. The place looks stunning if you are traveling in the best month to visit Maldives .

Major attractions: Glowing sands at night, beautiful cafes

Best places to stay nearby: Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, Serene Blue Bowls Inn

Best time to visit: June to October (to spot phytoplanktons)

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25. Kudadoo Island – For Total Privacy And Seclusion

Image Source The Kudadoo Maldives Private Island has just recently joined the tourism bandwagon owing to the new and shiny Kudadoo Maldives Island Resort that has opened up on its shores…and over its waters! Its the perfect place for your fancy staycation owing to the fact that its still unexplored and pristine. Other than lazing on the perfect white beaches and enjoying scuba diving in the crystal clear waters amid dolphins, you can spoil yourselves with the ultra-luxurious services of the resort like swimming in the private pools, spa treatments, yoga sessions, bar and lounge, and an in-house restaurant offering multiple cuisines. All in all, its definitely the best place to go in Maldives for indisputable serenity and seclusion, topped with a hearty volume of luxury! Reaching it is also quite easy since its a just a 40-minute seaplane ride away from Males International Airport. This is one of the best Maldives tourist places .

Major attractions: Swimming with dolphins, the pristine beach, scuba diving, resort facilities

Best places to stay nearby: Kudadoo Maldives Island Resort

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26. Hulhumale – Mesmerizing Beauty

Hulhumale is located in the south of the North Male Atoll and is well-connected to airport and is one of the famous places to go in Maldives . Hulhumale island is spread over an area of 188 hectares comprising palm trees and stunning beaches. The place is a follower of green architecture and promotes the same. The most unique feature about Hulhumale is that it is an artificial beach created by ingenious minds. If you are visiting here during the best time to visit Maldives then you will surely create the lifetime memories here! 

Major attractions in Hulhumale : Water sports adventure Best places to stay nearby: Mo Hotel, Reveries Diving Village, Amra Palace Best time to visit: November to January

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27. Maldive Victory – Best Diving Spot

Maldive Victory is amongst the best tourist places in Maldives and lures travelers with its stunning diving spot that is surrounded by numerous luxuriating resorts. The place is situated between Male and Hulhule and is frequently visited by travelers hopping between the two islands. If you are looking for a perfect diving experience while holidaying in Maldives then do head to this attraction which is one of the best places to visit in Maldives .  

Major attractions: Bright coloured coral reef, watersports adventures Best places to stay nearby: LUX South Ari Atoll, Paradise Island Resort Best time to visit: January to April

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28. Fulhadhoo – Serene Island

Fulhadhoo is a serene island that is located in the southern Maalhosmadulu Atoll and is one of the best places to explore in Maldives . It is located merely 2 hours away from the capital city of male and exhibits the stunning vistas of the Indian Ocean. The population of Fulhadhoo island is even less than 250 persons, making it one of the most secluded islands in Maldives. 

Major attractions: White sandy beaches, crystal clear lagoons, serene ambiance Best places to stay nearby: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Finolhu Best time to visit: July to October

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29. Vaadhoo Island – Stunning & Spectacular

Raa Atoll in Maldives is one of the most well known atolls around the world and one of the best places in Maldives  if you are a beach person! Home to some of the most beautiful beach resorts and stunning sites, Vadhoo Island is spectacular! A natural phenomenon named ‘Sea of Stars’ occurs here which captures everyone’s attention and is a sight to behold.

Major attractions: White sandy beaches, glow in the dark sea shoreline, serene ambiance Best places to stay nearby: Ungoofaaru Inn, You & Me Maldives Best time to visit: July to November

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30. Gan Island – Gorgeous Yet Secluded

One of the must visit places in Maldives is the southernmost atoll in Maldives, the Gan Island! Forming a part of the Addu atoll this island is a gem and here you can try some amazing water activities.  Be it snorkeling, diving or anything else that you wish to try, this island in Maldiuves is perfect to go for it! You can also have some cultural and heritage experiences here or maybe plan for a resort stay.

Major attractions: White sandy beaches, crystal blue lagoons, great ambiance Best places to stay nearby: Addu Stay, Equator Village Resort Best time to visit: July to October

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31. Thulusdhoo – Adventure Seekers Delight

Image Source One of the best places in Maldives that you must explore is Thulusdhoo which is nestled in the Kaafu Atoll. The place is considered to be the best in the Indian Ocean for adventure activities like surfing and snorkeling. Due to the popularity of these activities, Thulusdhoo is known as the ‘surf land’. Another amazing part about this place is the colorful coral reef that you get to witness here. If you are looking for less-crowded places to see in Maldives then there cannot be a better option than Thulusdhoo.

Major attractions: Huraa, Kuda Huraa, and Hudhuranfushi Best places to stay: Canopus Retreat, Dream Inn Maldives, Reef Edge Best time to visit: January – March

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32. Fuvahmulah – Painted Out Of A Storybook

Image Source You will find Fuvahmulah located at the southernmost tip of Maldives which is a place oozing with natural beauty. A look at this place will make you wonder if it has been painted out of a storybook. With golden sand against the blue waters, this place will take your heart away. Want more? Well, Fuvahmulah gives you more like adventure activities and lip-smacking food. There is no doubt in the fact that it is one of the best places to visit in Maldives .

Major attractions: Thoondu, Fua Mulaku Island, and Bandaara Kilhi Best places to stay: Veyli Residence, Cottage 316, and Fuvahmulah Inn Best time to visit: January – March

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33. Hanifaru Bay – For Breathtaking Underwater Sights

Image Credits Locally known as ‘Vandumaafaru Adi’, Hanifaru Bay is identified as a marine protected area. It is located in a vast UNESCO Biosphere Reserve called Baa Atoll. With its aesthetic view of white sand beaches, pristine blue lagoons and its serene navy blue ocean waters, the keyhole shaped bay guarantees immense joy and calmness to the eyes of visitors. This tourist spot in Maldives is best known for the largest feeding station for the manta rays in the word and underwater adventures such as scuba diving and snorkeling.

Best places to stay: Biosphere Inn, Aveyla Manta Village, Hanifaru Stay Best time to visit: May – December

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34. Kudahuvadhoo Island – For Aesthetic Architecture Sights

Image Source Kudahuvadoo is the capital island of Dhaalu Atoll, best known for its architecture significance due to the presence of mysterious mounds called ‘hawattis’. These mounds are believed to be prehistoric which dates back to the islamic period are actually preserved sites of ruins of excavated Buddhist temples. With the remains of an ancient mosque carved with coral stone craving offers an immense sight to an excellent ancient masonry, that makes it an ideal place for the family vacation. The clear blue waters of the island make it an apt place for diving. The venture will help the visitors to discover true Maldives heritage and culture. If you are looking for top Maldives tourist attractions , here Kudahuvadhoo island awaits your visit.

Best places to stay: Riu Atoll, Dhaal Atoll Meedhufuhi, Riu Hotel, Kudahuvadoo Hotel Best time to visit: November – February

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35. Ukulhas Island – For A Calming Scenic Beauty

Image Source Located on the Alif Alif Atoll of the Maldives 70 km east from Male, the island is surrounded by the coral reefs and blue lagoons. It is the first environment-friendly and sparsely populated isle of the island nation. It is famous for its cleanliness and waste management system. It is a favourite spot for the family and kid who wants to enjoy spotting the rays turtles giant mantas, zebra sharks and reef sharks. The enticing site of the island is its bikini beach, lined with sun beds and dotted umbrellas guarantees the calmness and stillness to the visitor from the hustle of city life. Make sure that you include it in your itinerary as it is one best places to go in Maldives .

Major attractions: Veligandu, Rasdhoo, Kuramathi, Velidhoo Best places to stay: Paguro Beach Inn, Holiday Heaven Ukulhas, Athiri Inn Best time to visit: March – May

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36. Huraa Island – For Basking In The Sun

Image Source Another one on the list of Maldives tourist places is Huraa Island which is located on the Kaafu Atoll. With the less no of population, it is a perfect place for those who are seeking an authentic Malidivian holiday. Therefore an island becomes an amazing space to mingle with locals. You must visit this place if one wants to get a taste for Maldivian traditional culture. Diving with manta rays, several fishes and turtles, snorkeling, and dolphin spotting tours are the other highlighted amazing things that pull the attention of the tourists.

Major attractions: Kanuhuraa, Himmafushi, and Kuda Huraa Best places to stay: Beach Heaven, Paradise Island Resort, Maakoalhi Lodge Best time to visit: November and April

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37. Guraidhoo Island – Secluded Yet Beautiful

Image Source The island in the kafu Atoll is a paradise for the ones who are escaping the crowd and want to be bathed in the lap of the nature.Its colourful houses and the coral chunks makes it a blissful place to be at. The picaresque island is known for its water activities, mainly surfing followed by the turtle, dolphin snorkelling and diving. While walking in the sandy streets of the island, one can find a fantastic semibikini beach and an adventurous seasonal burf beach.With its amazing sights,the island promises the moving experience to the visitors.

Major attractions: Maadhoo, Maafushi, and South Male Atoll Best places to stay: Equity Beach Inn, Coco Cottage, Ithaa Beach Best time to visit: April – June

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38. Kurumba Beach – Mesmerizing Beauty

Image Source Among the best places in Maldives comes the Kurumba beach which is located 7kms from Male and approachable via short boat ride.It is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of life.The beach allows you to explore the laze on white sand, coral reefs and here you can indulge in a relaxing Maldivian spa. Its beauty and seclusion makes it an ideal place for couples. The dive in the crystal clear lagoon makes an addition to the joy and pleasure of the visitor.If you want to connect with the beauty of nature spend some time with yourself then it’s a perfect place to set your feet into it.

Major attractions: Lee Point Beach, East Point Reserve, and Darwin Waterfront Precinct Best places to stay: Kurumba Island Resort, Bandos Maldives, Hulhule Island Hotel, Lonuveli, SamannGrand

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39. Grand Friday Mosque – Biggest Mosque In Maldives

The Grand Friday Mosque is one of the most popular mosques in Maldives and lures travelers from across the world. It is a part of the Islamic Center and is located in proximity to the main jetty of Male. It was established in the year 1984 and is named after Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu-Al-Auzam, who commissioned this magnificent infrastructure. The mosque can accommodate nearly 5000 worshippers which makes it the biggest mosque in the Maldives. 

Timings:  Open 24 hours Location:  Orchid Magu, Malé, Maldives

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30. Presidential Palace – Royal Infrastructure

Presidential Palace in Maldives is the residence of the President and is located in front of the Hukuru Miskiiy. The Presidential Palace has been resided by 4 presidents till now. It represents the unique colonial architecture and was built by Sultan Md Shamsuddeen III for his family. You can glance the outer beauty of this marvelous building here which also comes to the list of one of the best tourist spots in Maldives . 

Timings:  Open 24 hours Location:  Medhuziyaaraiy Magu, Male’ City 20115, Maldives

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41. Male Friday Mosque – Intricate Carvings & Unique Architecture

One of the oldest surviving mosques in Maldives, the Male Friday Mosque is one of the most well known tourist spots in Maldives. Also known as the Male Hukuru Miskiy, the mosque was built in the year 1658 and its distinct architecture and detailed carvings on the walls are gorgeous and which also contributed to the mosque being listed as one of the tentative UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Sites in 2008.

Timings:  9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Location:  Hukuru Miskiy, Maldives

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42. China Maldives Friendship Bridge – A Great Initiative

Your sightseeing in Maldives  can’t be complete if you don’t witness this 2 kilometer long bridge that connects Maldives’ ncapital city, Male to Hulhule, an airport island. The bridge was made as a part of the Belt & Road Initiave and was funded by China and is believed to have strengthened the ties between bothe the nations. It is also known as the Sinamale Bridge and is one of the best places to visit in Maldives .

Timings:  Open 24 hours Location:  Sinamale Bridge, Maldives

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43. Tsunami Monument – Witness The Tranquility

Image Source As the name indicates,the Tsunami monument is a memorial to the victims of the devastating 2004 tsunami, located in Boduthakurufaanu Magu in southeast Male. It stands as a memorial to the victims of the devastating 2004 tsunami which claimed the lives of 74 Maldivians, and the tsunami monument stands as aThe beacon of hope after tragedy.Therefore, it becomes an apt tranquil space to reflect upon the events of the fateful day.The beach nearby is a popular surfing spot too. You must visit the place if you are looking to know certain facts of history. The 20 steel spheres encircling the monuments symbolize the atolls of the country,while the rising pillars stand for the waves of tsunami. This is one of the ideal tourist places in Maldives which must be visited.

Best places to stay: Kurumba Maldives,, Hathaa Beach Holidays, Season Holidays , Point Inn

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44. National Art Gallery – An Artistic Site

Image Credit : National Art Gallery

Established in 1999, the art gallery is located in Male and considered as the best place to visit in Maldives . It is a platform for showcasing some breathtaking and amazing local and international artworks. Apart from that, gallery conducts regular exhibitions and promotional events for artistic niche. It has amazing collections of islamic items, local, royal and traditional Maldivian dresses. It is an enticing worth dropping site for the art lovers and artists. If you want to delve into the artistic colour, this is an apt place to drop in.

Location: Machangolhi, Maldives

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45. Dhadimagi Kilhi – Second Largest Freshwater Lake

Image Credit: Ibrahim Asad for Wikimedia

Knwon for its beauty, Dhadimagi Kilhi is one of the best places to visit in Maldives. It is also the second largest freshwater lake of the country. Surrounded by greenery on all sides, it is an ideal place to visit in Maldives. You can enjoy exciting activities like fishing, swimming and boating here.

Location: Dhadimagi Kilhi is located on the Fuvahmulah Atoll of the Maldives.

Best time to visit: July to September

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46. Bikini Beach – Exotic Attraction

Image Credit: Pixabay

Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.

Bikini Beach is not only among the top places to visit in Maldives but also a beautiful place to see. Dotted with palm trees, the place is an exotic attraction that draws the attention of so many tourists around the world. Soak in the warm sun rays and enjoy activities at the beach like snorkeling, swimming and more.

Location: Rasdhoo Island, Maldives

47. Addu Atoll – Discover Stunning Islands

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.

Addu Atoll is considered to be one of the most popular and spectacular islands in the southernmost atoll of Maldives. The Gan Island is a must-visit when you are visiting Addu Atoll. You must also visit Meedhoo Island, Hulhudhoo Island, Maradhoo Island and Feydhoo Islands. Discover Maldives in March to enhance your traveling experience.

Major Attractions in Addu Atoll: Diving, snorkeling, and fishing Best Places To Stay In Addu Atoll: Green Wing Guest House, Lodger Guest House, Pebbles Inn Best Time To Visit: July to September

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48. Addu City – A Beautiful Destination

Addu city is one of the beautiful destinations in Maldives which you must add in your itinerary when you are planning to visit Maldives. Addu is known as the second largest city and is in the shape of a heart where you will see tall coconut trees and fascinating views.

Major Attractions In Addu City: The Mosque of the Judge Best Places To Stay In Addu City: South Palms Resort Maldives Best Time To Visit: November to April

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49. Male City – Explore The Capital Of Maldives

Planning for your honeymoon? One of the Maldives places to visit with your loved ones is Male city which is indeed a beautiful place for water sports lovers. Male city is considered to be a natural paradise and is perfect destination for capturing beautiful memories and mesmerizing experiences. You must check out some of the Maldives travel tips which will help you in planning your trip.

Major Attractions In Male City: Swimming, fishing, and witnessing carnivals and parades Best Places To Stay In Male City: Samann Grand, Maagiri Hotel, Hotel Octave Maldives Best Time To Visit: October to April

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50. The Muraka – Conrad – Have A Lavish Stay

The Muraka is housed in the Conrad Maldives resort which is an undersea villa and is a 2 level lavish setting. You will get to experience an exquisite style of dining, living and sleep under the crystal clear water of the Indian Ocean. The Muraka is one of the best Maldives tourist places if you are looking out for a lavish stay.

Major Attractions In Male City: Water sports include snorkeling, and diving, jet skiing. Best Places To Stay In Male City: Samann Grand, Maagiri Hotel, Hotel Octave Maldives Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year

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So what is your pick among the best places to visit in Maldives – calm & serene islands or adventurous water sports center? Indulgent island resorts or a walk down the history? Oh wait! It can be all of it too, isn’t it? If all these things already excite you and has set your adrrenaline rushing, then plan and plan your trip to Maldives and experience a blissful vacation amidst the beaches! Happy Vacay!

Disclaimer : TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Maldives

Is it safe to travel internationally in the upcoming weeks or months?

The tourism industry is slowly reopening, and you can visit most of the above-mentioned places and more if travelling in a small group while following all the guidelines released. But don’t take our word for it: check up on the latest travel advisory, Covid-19 measures, and the number of cases before your departure.

What are the best places to visit in the Maldives with family?

The best places to visit in the Maldives with family are Veligandu Island Beach, Alimatha Island, and Hulhumale Mosque. The Maldives is an excellent choice for a family vacation as you can stay at a luxurious resort, get pampered and have fun with your kids.

What are the things to do on Male island?

Visit the Old Friday Mosque, National Museum, and Newport, all of which happen to be the best places to visit in Male Maldives.

What should I pack for the Maldives?

Men should pack shorts or lightweight pants and short-sleeved upper garments. Women should pack a bikini, summer dresses, skirts, and airy cotton shrugs. Flip-flops are a must.

Is visiting the Maldives very expensive?

The cost of visiting the Maldives depends on how you plan your trip. The prices of resorts vary from low to high, with rooms that cost Rs 7000/night to a lakh/night.

How many days should I plan a Maldives trip for?

Unless you wish to indulge in specific activities only, Maldives is perfect for a short stay. A week of holidaying in the Maldives is enough for a single trip.

Is drinking in Maldives legal?

Yes, drinking in the Maldives is legal if you are of the legal age. Since the Maldives is an Islamic country, alcohol is banned for locals. However, the resorts and bars are licensed to purchase and sell alcohol, but at a steep markup price.

What is the legal age of drinking in the Maldives?

The legal age of drinking in the Maldives is 18. If you are of legal age, you can purchase and drink alcohol only if you are not a citizen of the country.

Should I go to the Maldives for my honeymoon?

Yes, Maldives is a great destination for your honeymoon. The Maldives is one of the most ideal places for honeymooning in the world, with the privacy and peace that the scenic beaches provide.

Which country is the Maldives in?

The Maldives is actually a chain of around 1192 islands which is located in the southwest of Sri Lanka and India at the Indian Ocean.

Is the Maldives cheap for Indians?

Visiting the Maldives can be cheaper from India because of its closeness. On the other hand, the accommodations can be costly depending on the location and facilities

Which are some of the best resorts in the Maldives?

The best resorts in the Maldives for a lavish yet comfortable stay are listed below! 1. Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort 2. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa 3. Paradise Island Resort 4. W Maldives 5. Sun Island Resort

Which are some of the most famous restaurants in the Maldives?

Some of the most famous restaurants in the Maldives where you can enjoy a scrumptious meal are: 1. Citron by Lemongrass 2. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant 3. Symphony Restaurant 4. Sea House Café 5. Belle Amie Bistro

Which are the best things to do in the Maldives?

If you are up for an adventurous vacation, then the Maldives is the perfect location for you. You can try various activities like Snorkeling, Fun Tubing, Parasailing, Water Skiing, and Kitesurfing. You can also try the local food and relax on the picturesque beaches.

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Here is the list of 42 places to visit in maldives.

One of the world's smallest national capital, Male is known for its ancient mosque and colourful buildings. It is a casual town best for wandering without pre-planned itineraries. With heritage buildings on the one hand and trees and waters with welcoming shades on the other, Male is a must-visit.

Best Time: November to April

1 Male Attractions

2. Vaadhoo Island

The Vadhoo Island is a spectacular island in Maldives which is famous for its bioluminescent phenomenon known as the Sea of Stars. It is located in the Raa Atoll. The Sea of Stars phenomenon is the name given to the mesmerising waters of Vaadhoo Island when they glow a brilliant blue under the moonlight. The best time to see the Sea of Stars is June and October. You can also swim in the glowing water.

3. Maafushi Island

Nestled in the Kaafu Atoll, the Maafushi Island is located at a distance from 26km from Male. It is a large island when compared to the rest of the islands situated in the atoll. It is dotted with cosy guesthouses and hostels which are not only affordable but are also extremely comfortable. From historical monuments to sandbars, from diving agencies to restaurants, the island invites you to embark on a smorgasbord of activities.

4. Hulhumale

Hulhumale is an artificial island in Maldives located south of the North Male Atoll and connected to the airport by a causeway. It spreads across 188 hectares and is a perfect fusion of urban life with the delights of island life. It houses the popular Hulhumale Beach located on the sunrise side of the island. The beachfront road is ideal for a walk and houses some resorts and cafes. Other attractions here are Central Park, Fruit & Vegetable Market, and some mosques.

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Artificial Beach, Male is one of the most beautiful and only man-made beaches in the Maldives. With breathtaking views and a pleasant climate, this beach, shaped like a crescent, has earned its spot as one of the most popular and liked tourist destinations. It is a famed swimming spot for the locals and visitors alike. Also, the view of the China Maldives Friendship bridge from the beach is magnificent.

6. Addu City

The second-largest urban area of Maldives, the city consists of inhabited islands and is situated in the southernmost atoll of the archipelago. Apart from Male- the capital, only Addu city holds the urban ‘city’ title in the country.

7. Bioluminescent Beach

The bioluminescent beach on Vaadhoo Island of Maldives is a tropical paradise in Raa Atoll, famous for its glow-in-the-dark waves. A biological phenomenon causes the water to emit a bright blue light at night, giving the beach an ethereal look. This makes Vadhoo a worthy destination for honeymooners and adventure seekers.

8. Tsunami Monument

The Tsunami Moment is a freestanding memorial to the victims of the devastating 2004 tsunami, located in Boduthakurufaanu Magu in southeast Malé. The tranquil location is perfect to reflect upon the events of the fateful day, and is frequented by history enthusiasts and kin of the victims. The beach nearby is a popular surfing spot too.

9. Grand Friday Mosque

The Grand Friday Mosque in Male is one attraction that, with its towering golden dome, gathers the attention of all visitors. The mosque is part of the Islamic Centre which is at the Male's centre and is located right next to the main jetty of Male, thus making it easy to spot, even from the sea.

10. Gan Island

Gan Island is the southernmost island that forms a part of the Addu Atoll, making it the southernmost island of Maldives. It is popular for water sports, snorkelling and diving and is home to some of the best luxury resorts in Maldives.

11. Huraa Island

Just 35 minutes away from Male, Huraa Island is located on the Kaafu Atoll of the Maldives. With a population of around 600 people, this island is perfect for those looking for an authentic Maldivian beach holiday. Bikini Beach where tourists are allowed to wear bikinis and more revealing swimwear, is also found on Huraa Island.

12. Guraidhoo Island

Guraidhoo Island in the Kafu Atoll is a bliss for the ones escaping the crowd into the serenity of nature. Inhabited only since 1970, the island, its colourful houses occupying around 1700 people and coral chunks make it a beautiful place to be at. Walking the sandy streets of the island one can find a fantastical semi-bikini beach and an adventurous seasonal surf beach.

13. Isdhoo Island

Home to a 300-year-old mosque, Isdhoo Island is situated on the northern tip of Laamu Atoll. Apart from being an epitome of natural beauty, the island also bears historical importance as it houses important ruins from Maldivian Buddhist era.

14. Nilandhoo Island

Taking the lead among the five islands of Faafu Atoll, Nilandhoo Island is the capital of the former. The isle remains high in importance for it has Foah'mathi, a historical place, which is believed to have a Buddhist temple beneath it.

15. National Museum

The National Museum of Maldives is an ancient building containing a well-maintained collection of artefacts that help in tracing unusual historical events of this archipelago. It aims at instilling patriotic feelings in the citizens of Maldives. The museum has a massive assemblage of royal antiquities ranging from the Buddhist and Islamic era making it a paradise for the lovers of history and crafts.

16. Landhoo Island

Having the largest Mangrove vegetation, Landhoo island finds itself on the Southern Miladhunmadulhu Atoll. It is yet another island which boasts of being a centre of Buddhist History in the Maldives. Landhoo Island is a blend of interesting stories and a bundle full of cultural knowledge.

17. Mulee'age Palace

Mulee'age or the Presidential Palace is the residence of the President of the Maldivian republic. Situated right opposite to the Hukuru Miskiiy Male, Muleeage has been home to 4 presidents till now. The architecture of Muleeage is representative of architecture during the colonial era. It was built by Sultan Md Shamsuddeen III for his son. It can only be viewed externally, visitors are not allowed inside.

18. National Art Gallery of Maldives

The National Gallery of the Maldives, located in Male, is a platform for showcasing the local and international artworks. From conceptual works to paintings, the gallery conducts regular exhibitions and promotional events for the people of artistic niche. It is an attraction worth dropping for the artists and art lovers visiting this side of Maldives.

19. Maradhoo Island

Located in the beautiful Addu Atoll of Maldives, Maradhoo Island is best described as an authentic Maldivian experience merged with a mindblowing diving getaway. A holiday in this southern tip means plunging into the most serene and untouched parts of Maldives.

20. Male Local Market

One of the most happening and renowned shopping destinations in the Maldives is the Male Local Market. Famous for souvenirs that are authentic and exclusive to this island, the market has the hearts of both the locals and the tourists.

21. Bandaara Kilhi

Translating to ‘State Lake’, Bandaara Kilhi is one of two fresh water lakes in Fuvahmulah Island. With an average depth of 12 feet and an area of around 0.5 square kilometres, the lake is actually one of the largest in the Maldives. Not only are the waters here crystal clear, but the bottom of the lake is formed by decayed corals that are enticing to see. Completing the perfect scenery are beautiful vegetation like banana trees, coconut palms, mango trees, and fern surrounding the lake.

22. China-Maldives Friendship Bridge

The China Maldives Friendship Bridge or the Sinamale Bridge is a 2-kilometre long bridge connecting Male to the airport island of Hulhule and by extension, Hulhumale Island. The bridge was made as a part of the Belt and Road Initiative and is largely funded by China, strengthening the ties between both the nations.

23. Thoondu Beach

Thoondu Beach in north Fuvahmalah Island is a hugely popular beach destination in the Maldives. Hundreds of people visit it every day and the number doubles during peak travel season. The strong currents may it a dangerous place to swim, but the appeal of the beach lies in its beauty and surfing opportunities.

24. Male Friday Mosque

One of the oldest surviving mosques of Male in Kaafu Atoll is the Male Friday Mosque, also known as the Malé Hukuru Miskiy. With every corner ornate from inside out, the mosque dates back to the year 1658. Its unique architecture and intricate carvings on the walls became the reason for why it was listed in UNESCO tentative World Heritage Cultural List 2008.

25. Mathiveri Island

Mathiveri Island is one of the eight inhabited islands in Alif Alif Atoll in the western Maldives. It is popular for its three beaches and water sports opportunities like wakeboarding, diving, snorkelling, and dolphin and manta ray watching. It has a gorgeous reef that’s ideal for fishing as well. Just 84 kilometres from Male, it is connected via ferry, speedboat, and even seaplane.

26. Sultan Park

Sultan Park is a famous public park in Maldives located opposite the Islamic Centre in Male. Also known as Rasrani Bageecha, it was formed after transforming the palace's royal gardens built in the 16th century. Sultan Park is known for its lush greenery and quiet surroundings which makes it ideal for picnics and walking. Best time to visit is early morning or late evening.

27. Nalaguraidhoo Beach

The Nalaguraidhoo Beach located on the South Ari Atoll happens to be one of the most popular beaches across the Maldivian islands. The island, also similarly named, is about 62 kilometres away from the International Airport at Male.

28. Ukulhas Island

A uniquely featured, environmentally friendly and sparsely populated island, Ukulhas finds itself on the Alif Alif Atoll of the Maldives. Like a pearl surrounded by coral reefs and blue lagoons, it is located 70 km east from Male. One of the best islands, when one talks about natural beauty, Ukulhas Island is the very first eco-friendly isle of the island nation. It houses one of the best bikini beaches among the local islands.

29. Islamic Centre

The Islamic Center in Male is one of the country's most famous and beautiful marvels of architecture. Situated in the northern fringes of the capital city, close to the Hulhule ferry point and neighbouring the Republic Square (Jumhooree Maidan), the grand building is the perfect example of Islamic architecture.

30. Hanimaadhoo Island

Located in the Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Hanimadhoo is one of the largest inhabited islands of Maldives. It stretches over a length of 7 km, with the broadest part of the land being only 750 metres. One side of Hanimadhoo is surrounded by a beach along the periphery, while the other side has house reefs. Hanimadhoo is famous for snorkelling, scuba diving, night fishing, dolphin spotting and kayaking.

31. Fuvahmulah

Situated at the southernmost tip of the Maldivian archipelago is the largest island of the nation, Fuvahmulah. The scenic, natural beauty of this place is bound to take your breath away. With lush green mingling with the yellow of the dried leaves and the brown of the barks blending with the golden sand, Fuvamulah appears to be a place out of a picture that one painted in their imagination.

32. Utheemu Island

A place steeped in rich historical significance, the Utheemu Island in the Haa Alif Atoll is a slice of paradise for the nature lovers and history buffs. With a pleasant climate dominating the island for a major portion of the year, it is an ideal place for a vacation for solo and group travellers alike. The natural beauty of Utheemu Island is unmatchable.

33. Majeedhee Magu

Maldives busiest street and a paradise for shopaholics, Majeedhee Magu, is the most famous street markets in the Male. Crossing the city from the east to the west, it has shops providing everything from cosmetics, handlooms, and jewellery to electronic items. Within the cluster of local crafts and Islamic perfumes is the textile, which is the star product of this Maldivian market.

34. Utheemu Ganduvaru

Utheemu Ganduvaru is the birthplace and historic house of Sultan Mohmed Thakrufaanu. He was one of the rulers of the Utheemu Dynasty who is remembered for the massive resistance he unleashed against the Portuguese colonisers during the 16th Century. Utheemu Ganduvaru is located in the Haa Alif Atoll in the northern Maldives.

35. Feeboa Valhugandu

A prime destination in the Upper North Province of Maldives that attracts loads of tourists. Located in Kanditheemu which is an inhabited island, the location stands to be a major tourist spot in the country.

36. Medhu Ziyaaraiy Shrine

Situated near the great Hukuru Miskiiy in Maldives, Medhu Ziyaaraiy is the tomb of the famous Morocco scholar Abdul Barakat Yoosuf Al Barbary who is credited for the advent of Islam in the Maldives during 1153 AD. The tomb is a symbol of peace which prevails among the Maldivian population.

37. Isdhoo Buddhist Stupas

At the northernmost tip of the Atoll, Isdhoo Buddhist Stupas is the ideal location for tracing the history of the Buddhist in the Maldives. The place is filled with ruins of Buddhist Stupas as a lot of them were destroyed and replaced with mosques after the country’s conversion to Islam.

38. Thoddoo Buddhist Temple

This place again lays evidence of Buddhism as a culture that once flourished in the Maldives. The site was discovered in the 1950s, and retains ruins of Buddhist artefacts. Presently the area holds temple wrecks, roman coins and some silver relics from the ancient times.

39. Aasaari Miskiiy

On the island of Nilandho stands second oldest mosque of the Maldives, which is rumoured to have been constructed by the founders of the country. The mosque was built from the ruins of the Hindu Temples in the 12th Century and has Arabic scriptures chiselled on the walls. An excellent place for history enthusiasts and for people who have an eye for architecture.

40. Bodufolhudhoo

Located in the heart of Alif Atol in the north. The eccentric location of the island paves the way for a beautiful marine life for the tourists. The island is perfect to explore the coral reefs and the equatorial fishes. The place is far from the capital Male and hence still holds the rustic Maldivian touch for tourists to experience.

41. Kudahuvadhoo Island

Kudahavadhoo Island is the capital island of Dhaalu Atoll. There isn’t much to do on the island but it is best known for its architectural importance due to the presence of mysterious mounds called ‘hawittas’. These mounds are believed to pre-date the Islamic period and are actually ruins of unexcavated Buddhist temples. There are also the preserved remains of an ancient mosque with coral-stone carvings and signs of excellent ancient masonry.

42. Dhadimagi Kilhi

One of the two freshwater lakes, the Dhadimagi Kilhi finds itself in the Fuvahmulah Atoll of Maldives. Covering an area of 6.37 hectares, the pictureque lake is the island nation's second largest lake in terms of volume. Surrounded by lush green vegetation of ferns and reeds, Dhadimagi Kilhi is the most visited lake for swimming because of the calm water. Time Required : 1-2 hours

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Top 10 Incredible Places To Visit In Maldives

Maldives is an incredible destination endowed with inexpressible beauty and splendor of nature. This island attracts many tourists every year. This island country holds a great charm which attacts the travellers around the globe. Here are 10 incredible places to visit in Maldives which you should visit if you are planning a trip to Maldives. 1. Malé :- It is one of the livelist city in Maldives. It is among the top places to visit in Maldives. Malé has a tropical monsoon climate with rains occurring through most months in the year. The best thing about Male is its consistently moderate temperature, round the year. 2. Sun Island :- Also famous as the Sun Island, Nalaguraidhoo Island in South Ari Atoll is among the top Maldives points of interest. It is a place which has some beautiful beaches, lavish tropical flowers and stunning greenery. It is known for its marine azure water, sparkling beaches, amazing resorts and this island offers the best enjoyment to its guests. 3. Banana Reef :- It is one of the best diving sites in the world. Major attractions at Banana Reef are Underwater activities like Scuba, snorkelling, Jet skiing in the reef; places like Maldive Victory, Hulhumalé, Alimatha Island, Biyadhoo Island, Manta Point. Book you package today to Maldives and enjoy some great time at this extraordinary place. 4. Alimatha Island :- Alimatha Island is located in Vaavu Atoll. It is known for its azure and marine waters which is suitable for diving, snorkeling and boating. This island is apt for the family vacation and honeymoon too. The Ayurvedic massage centre, spa, bars, and restaurants make it a revitalising option among the popular tourist places in Maldives. 5. Artificial Beach :- It is the favorite spot for the swimming enthusiasts among the top places to visit in Maldives. Major attractions at Artificial Beach are Shark Point, Manta Point, Nassimo Thila, Kani Corner.Contact your nearest tour operator today and book a package to Maldives. 6. HP Reef :- HP Reef is one of the top-rated tourist attractions in Maldives. With utmost care, the marine beings are protected here while making sure that ardent swimmers and divers only spring into waters when it is completely secure. It is the favourite place for people who love photography and diving. 7. Fihalhohi Island :- Fihalhohi Island is one of the most attractive and stunning places in Maldives to spend your hard earned holidays. The island is beautifully surrounded with shady coconut palm trees, pristine beaches, and clear waters. You must visit this island if you are looking for a romantic getaway or planning your honeymoon. 8. Utheemu Ganduvaru :- Utheemu is one of the best places to visit in Maldives. It is a small island that resembles a small green jellyfish. Book a family tour package to Maldives and 9. Biyadhoo Island :- It is popular for its sparkling waters and adventurous water sports and hence got the name — the Scuba-diving Island. 10. Veligandu Island Beach :- This island is a reasonably small island. The island is filled with amazing greenery that provides great serenity in this land of shining waters. Contact the nearest tour operator, pack you bags and have a great vacation in Maldives.

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10 The Best Places to Visit in the Maldives

December, 2023

A trip to the Maldives may be just what you need if you're in search of some sun, sand and relaxation. The Maldives has long been a luxury travel destination, but the country does not calm down in its role on the world tourism scene, it still offers a world-class experience that has no equal. Looking to get away to the white sand beaches of the Maldives but you’re still not sure about the best places to visit?

If you want to tick off the 'what not to miss in the Maldives' to make the most of your trip check these 10 best places to visit in Maldives that are too good to be missed. Whether you’re looking for a private romantic getaway or a budget-friendly destination, we’ll help you decide where to go in the Maldives . Start your adventure here to enjoy the perfect vacation full of unique experiences: follow the guide!

• Adaaran Prestige Vadoo
• OBLU SELECT Lobigili
• Siyam World Maldives
• Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives
• Reethi Faru Resort
• Hard Rock Hotel Maldives
• Anantara Veli Maldives
• Atmosphere Kanifushi
• Ayada Maldives
• OZEN Reserve Bolifushi
• Scubaspa Yang, Maldives
• Emperor Serenity, Maldives
• Maldives Aggressor II, Maldives
• Carpe Novo, Maldives
• Scubaspa Ying, Maldives
• Azalea Liveaboard, Maldives
• Blue Force One, Maldives
• Blue Voyager, Maldives
• Ocean Divine, Maldives
• Emperor Leo, Maldives

1 Sea Underwater restaurant in the Maldives

The signature Sea underwater restaurant at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas , perhaps one of the only underwater restaurants in the world with an award-winning wine cellar for an unforgettable Maldives dining experience in the most unique of settings. The Anantara believes in one-of-a-kind experiences, and is now taking epicurean adventure to a whole new level with themed dining event that marries the art of storytelling, the magic of illusion, and the marvels of cutting-edge 3D technology including new underwater-aged wine tasting experience, surrounded by near 360-degree views of the local marine life, unveiling the breath-taking beauty and rich biodiversity of the island’s renowned house reef .

2 CROSSROADS Maldives: The Unique and Largest Tourist Destination in the Maldives

CROSSROADS Maldives, the country’s first world-class, multi-island leisure destination of luxury resorts and dining to leisure, fashion, and entertainment is the leading lifestyle hub for travellers across the Island nation. The only 'one-stop, non-stop' lifestyle destination in the Maldives invites adventurous travellers from the four corners of the globe to cross paths and explore a treasure trove of iconic oceanfront resorts, upscale lifestyle outlets and endless entertainment offerings, as well as the stunning natural, cultural and nautical attractions that have lured maritime travellers to the Maldives for centuries. The beating heart of the place and the centre of all the action The Marina @ CROSSROADS is with in a convenient 15-minutes speedboat ride from Malé and Velana international airport.

3 Malé: the capital of the Maldives

The capital of the Maldives, Malé, founded in the XV century is the main city of the island nation is located on the same name island in the southern corner of North Male Atoll. Malé is not only in the country's heart, but has always been the capital of the Maldives, from century to century from the Sultan's palace, and then from the president's office. Exploring the capital is like taking a step through the looking glass, ànd more than 120,000 people on two square kilometers make Malé one of the most densely populated cities on the planet that almost seems to be floating, some 800 kilometres from the next nearest metropolis.

4 Hanifaru Bay: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Hanifaru bay is a manta feeding hotspot in Baa Atoll and best place to swim and snorkel with manta rays in the Maldives . The site is a protected marine park and the whole Baa Atoll, where Hanifaru bay is, has been declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve. This northern atoll is known for having some of the richest coral reef systems in the world. The best time to visit Hanifaru bay from May to November to see hundreds of 'filter feeders' accompanied by a dozen whale sharks.

5 The Muraka: Underwater Hotel Maldives

Visit to the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort to discover THE MURAKA, a first-of-its-kind, luxury two-level residence with a master bedroom submerged over 16 feet below sea level in the Indian Ocean. Make your way down the spiral staircase or elevator to your private underwater hotel Maldives, aquarium and architectural masterpiece with master bedroom with 180-degree curved acrylic dome, floor-to-ceiling windows in the bathroom and walk-in closet, and dedicated tunnel viewing theater.

6 Fuvahmulah: Diving with sharks in the Maldives and more

Best place to dive with sharks in Asia, Fuvahmulah is an island-atoll and Biosphere reserve in the Maldives located on the equator. A relatively unknown dive scene, unique location, the most diverse coral ecosystems in the country and isolation make Fuvahmulah an ideal destination for exhilarating diving in the Maldives. The reef systems are home to significant populations of sharks mainly tiger, thresher, and whale sharks. Besides diving, there are many things to do on the island that can make your holiday full of fun. Nicknamed the Maldivian Galapagos Fuvahmulah boasts with magnificent beaches, freshwater lakes, surfing, snorkeling, fishing and jungle trekking.

7 Maafushi: How to Visit the Maldives On a Budget

Maafushi is one of the most popular local islands for a perfect cheap holidays in the Maldives. With bikini beach, incredible scuba diving, a wide range of affordable hotels with rooftop infinity pools , dining options, excursions and activities, Maafushi is the capital of budget tourism in the Maldives. Located just 35 minutes by speedboat from Male, the island is an ideal place to feel the local lifestyle and traditions while enjoying thrilling adventures in the Maldives.

8 Addu Atoll: the 'second city' of the Maldives

Addu Atoll, also known as Addu City or Seenu Atoll is south of the equator being the southernmost atoll and an exclusive Maldivian getaway. Addu Atoll, is steeped in history and culture, home to remnants of the British colonial endeavour, a unique dialect and some of the country’s most esteemed scholars and businessmen. The second international airport in the Maldives located on Gan Island, South Palm Resort and Canareef Resort play an important role in the development of the tourism industry of the Maldives.

9 Dhigurah: a beautiful island to swim with Whale Sharks

The best place in the Maldives to spot whale sharks Dhigurah is a local island in South Ari Atoll, with long stretch of white sandy beaches. Heaven for adventures, the island is considered to be one of the longest in the Maldives. Besides the long beaches, Dhigurah's main attractions are below sea level. Scuba divers and snorkelers who seek contact with whale sharks, manta rays and world-class corals find this place one of the best diving in the Maldives.

10 Vaadhoo Island: Sea of Stars Maldives

A nature miracle, the gorgeous glowing beach is on the Mudhdhoo Island, also known as the Vaadhoo Island on Raa Atoll . Famous for its phenomenal fluorescent, glowing waves this natural phenomenon occurs due to the presence of millions of marine microbes known as phytoplankton in the water. This phytoplankton is bioluminescent and as the skies get darker after sunset, these microscopic planktons emit a bright vibrant blue light in the water which creates an ethereal effect. This phenomenon makes the waves glow as they gently splash over the bioluminescent beach and is the ideal place to spend your time after dark in the Maldives. The best time to visit the glowing beach is between June and October.  Faarufushi ,  Cora-Cora resort  and  You & Me Maldives  are nearest hotels to see Sea of Stars Maldives

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36 Stunning Hotels and Resorts in the Maldives

By Lee Cobaj and Lauren Burvill

To create a definitive guide to the best hotels in the Maldives in no easy feat. The archipelagic country sets the standard when it comes to superior island living. It’s where overwater stays come as standard, privacy is a given, and natural beauty is all around. The caliber is sky high. Boutique stays and lo-fi boltholes are a rarity; instead, world-class hotels are spread out on their own private islands, nestling state-of-the-art spas and multiple restaurants amongst lush jungles, pristine beaches, and house reefs.

The new generation of Maldives hotels are taking this formula one step further. It’s not enough for just villas to be overwater anymore. Spas dangle above lagoons now too, with glass floors allowing guests to spy turtles as they enjoy a massage. The classic pool bar has been outdone by a beachside treehouse bar, and restaurants have relocated underwater. Steps towards sustainability are also commonplace too: Most hotels have their own conservation projects and coral programs. One is even completely solar powered.

How we choose the best hotels in the Maldives

Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has stayed at that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider both luxury properties and boutique and lesser-known boltholes that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We’re always looking for beautiful design, a great location, and warm service—as well as serious sustainability credentials. We update this list regularly as new hotels open and existing ones evolve.

Which Maldives hotel is best for couples?

As the stuff of honeymoon legends, the Maldives has plenty to offer couples. For the truly standout spots, we love Cheval Blanc Randheli (as do the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge), and the Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru . See our pick of the best Maldives honeymoons for more recommendations.

Which Maldives hotel is best for families?

The Maldives might be best known for honeymoons, but its private island resorts will fulfill family holiday dreams too. Spacious villas mean there’s plenty of room for everyone, while kids clubs, restaurants, and pools are all at your fingertips. Some of our favorite hotels for families include JW Marriott Maldives Resort and Spa and Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi .

Which Maldives hotels are leading the way in terms of sustainability?

When it comes to nurturing this precious ecosystem, the Four Seasons resorts have been setting the bar for more than two decades with their full-time resident marine biologists and reef restoration programs. From the Marine Discovery Centres at  Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru  and  Four Seasons Kuda Huraa , their work with Reefscapers, along with the Maldivian Ministries, they’ve been coral-frame planting, rehabilitating marine life, and carrying out vital research.  Six Senses Laamu  is a member of the respected conservation collective, The Long Run, and the only luxury resort in the southern Maldives’ Laamu Atoll, and their endeavors include next-level protection of seagrass meadows—one of the most effective carbon-storage marine vegetation systems. Soneva has always been sensitive to hospitality’s delicate relationship with nature, on land and in water, since 1995. Their NGO, Soneva Namoona, was set up recently to roll out their holistic sustainability strategy as modeled at their Eco Centers at  Soneva Jani  and  Soneva Fushi , and it’s changing the way waste is understood by local communities and handled in the Maldives. A tour of the back-of-house might not be your typical holiday activity, but it’s actually very inspiring. Soneva’s Waste-To-Wealth initiative sees the hotels recycle 90 percent of the solid waste and alchemize trash into bricks, food matter becomes compost, cans are compacted, and glass bottles are reused. As with all paradise-island destinations, fossil-fuel-run generators powering these dreamy escapes will always be one of the biggest sustainability hurdles. Recognizing the fragility of their ocean home, too,  Kudadoo  deserves praise for their solar energy innovations since a remarkably extensive surface area of photovoltaic panels is required to generate even a little electricity in this context. Few blue, watery landscapes rival the drama of this romantic-as-can-be location—which means all the more reason to celebrate the hotels that show a genuine passion for protecting this unrivaled setting. — Juliet Kinsman, sustainability editor

More stand-out properties:

• For an all-inclusive stay: Kudadoo
• For an underwater restaurant: Hurawalhi Island Resort
• For a focus on wellness: COMO Cocoa Island
• For rooms with retractable roofs: Soneva Jani
• For an independently Maldivian owned stay : The Nautilus
• For your own private island: Coco Prive Kuda Hithi

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Six Senses Kanuhura Arrow

As you swoop into the Lhaviyani Atoll by seaplane, it's easy to see why Six Senses were so keen to bring this trifecta of natural coral islands ringed by turquoise seas and aquamarine lagoons into the fold. The second Six Senses property in the Maldives (the other being Six Senses Laamu) is a beauty, with great sweeps of broad white beach, a flourishing house reef, and a jungly heart overflowing with soaring coconut palms, twisty screw pines, and fragrant sea almonds, which you can explore on complimentary bicycles. Dotted around the island are 91 beachfront and overwater villas, including 12 sprawling retreats, all decked out in a pulse-slowing palette of warm woods, peach, and teal, with big beds hung with billowing nets. Seven superb bars and restaurants include Drift, a little clapboard and thatch cafe on sister island Jehunuhura, and The Point, a circular building set on the sunset side of the island housing a Spanish restaurant and a round rooftop infinity pool. Alongside stacks of complimentary daily activities—core training, yoga, meditation, sound healing—and a tip-top spa, a stay here can be as lively or as sleepy as you like. — Lee Cobaj

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort Arrow

Despite opening in September 2019, this blissful resort flew under the radar due to the pandemic. But the delayed opening celebrations ended up being a blessing in disguise—the resort had ample time to smooth out any newbie crinkles and ensure that everything was functioning as perfectly as possible. And while the hotel is now getting its fair share of industry buzz, the private lagoon, white-sand beaches, and nature offerings still feel like a well-kept secret. Guests can choose between three different room categories, from beach villas that fringe the shoreline and lagoon villas bordering the shallow waters to overwater bungalows hovering over lapping waves.

The resort is home to six restaurants and bars—The Lighthouse is our favorite, with 360-degree views of the Indian Ocean and spectacular Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The spa is also noteworthy, with a rotating schedule of visiting practitioners and floating treatment rooms over the water. But the most impressive aspect of the resort is the partnership with the Manta Trust and Ocean Conservation Program. The hotel hosts marine biologists from the trust to conduct research and take guests on safe and responsible excursions to see them in their natural habitat. As both reef and Oceanic mantas are listed as vulnerable and endangered on the IUCN Red List, the work of this organization is critical, and it was a magical experience to swim with these graceful giants alongside scientists who have dedicated their career to helping protect them. Seeing a luxury resort taking ocean conservation and sustainability is seriously is a joy. — Olivia Morelli

Renowned Istanbul -based design studio Autoban (behind London’s Duck + Rice, the extraordinary airport in Baku, and numerous hotels in their hometown such as the House Hotels and the Witt Suites) were commissioned to come up with something fresh and different at Joali. The design details in the overwater and beach villas are beautifully curated. Locally hand-carved wood panels and bamboo-slatted headboards are counterbalanced with rose gold bathroom taps resembling giant pebbles. In the dressing rooms you’ll find heron-and-palm-leaf printed robes by Ardmore and slippers like chubby clouds.

Joali is a hybrid of the best that the Maldives has to offer. Turn up barefoot at Mura Bar for a sunset martini, a buttermilk-chicken slider, and a shisha pipe. Or get dolled up for dinner at Japanese restaurant Saoke. It’s this deep-rooted, solid luxury, without the slightest hint of dictating who guests should be, what they should wear, and how they should relax, that immediately aligns Joali with the frontrunners. For Maldivophiles, here is a worthy winter-sun detour that is every bit as high-achieving as some of the beloved old-timers and big-name brands. — Alice B.B.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

Design in the Maldives has been slowly dismantling its thatched- roof image, and The Ritz-Carlton continues the trend thanks to the studio of the late architect Kerry Hill. Its 100 contemporary circular villas are scattered above the water and up and down a stretch of beach. Each is polished, pared back, and pulse-slowing, with glass doors that open onto half-moon decks, teardrop-shaped plunge pools, and the high-definition blue of the ocean. The rest of the resort, by contrast, feels a little conservative, if still beautiful. Most of the action is confined to the island’s southern tip, where there’s a gym and photography studio, plus a water sports center (with the usual kayaks , SUPs, and windsurfing) and a large kids’ club with dancing fountains hidden in a Teletubbies -style mound of grass. This is also where you’ll find Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program, the only one in the Maldives, staffed by marine biologists who are monitoring sea life with underwater robots and airborne drones, in addition to guiding guests.

Head out snorkeling with them at night for spooky encounters with nurse sharks, unfurling feather stars and bioluminescent squid. At the showpiece restaurant Iwau, knife-juggling chefs prepare pretty nigiri rolls and just-caught lobster, but there are six more restaurants to choose from, including one in a Bedouin tent and a food truck in the Fari marina. One of the island’s luxuries is its space (which is why Ritz-Carlton ended up opting for this man-made spot), giving guests with less tolerance for lazing about plenty of opportunity to cycle around on bicycles. Another is the timber-clad spa in the middle of the lagoon—look out for stingrays hovering below on your walk to a treatment—offering therapies by British brand Bamford. Ritz-Carlton is known for its classic, old-school luxury, but here is an exciting forward-looking update. — Lee Cobaj

Jillian Dara

Charlie Hobbs

Alexandra Hall

Meaghan Kenny

Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, Baa Atoll Arrow

Wide-brimmed straw hats off to the Four Seasons. With this five-acre, seven-bedroom, profoundly private island it has raised the proverbial bar. How much or how little you make of Voavah is likely to be your main—and only—concern. There's no shortage of possibilities. You've got the splendors of the Baa Atoll lapping at your shores and your own yacht on which to explore it. You've got your own dive center and every beach toy known to man. Not to mention your own spa, the immaculate Ocean of Consciousness (surely missing an ‘un’), and 28 staff dedicated to making your life as agreeable as possible. There may be no better circumstances in which to simply retreat to a shady spot with a book and give everyone the day off.

The place looks great and feels great too. The juxtaposition of smooth and rough textures, and traditional and contemporary materials, is brilliantly managed. Voavah is where woven seagrass met diamond-polished concrete and fell hopelessly in love. The muted palette of the interiors may at first appear unduly subdued—until you realize that what seems like conservatism is really a form of reverence. It serves to draw your eye outwards, back into the sublime, saturated color and endless space of sea and sky beyond. — Sophie Knight

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives Arrow

Situated on a lush, natural private island with pool villas and wonderfully friendly and professional staff, this is easily one of the most charming hotels in the Maldives. About 45 minutes north of Malé International Airport by seaplane, in the Raa Atoll on a natural island known as Kothaifaru, the setting here is blessed with long white beaches and endless palm trees. Throughout the 27.6 acres, there is also thick jungle vegetation that gives the new space an already settled-in feel. The 80 villas—all with pools—are split between overwater villas (with bathrooms that open up to the sea) and beach villas (with sunrise and sunset options). There are two restaurants and two bars to choose from, as well as a spa tucked away deep within the jungle vegetation. But the service here is what makes this resort stand out in the crowd of smart hotels in the Maldives. After a few days, it will start to feel like home with staff remembering your preference for still or sparkling water, the names of your children, and where your favorite table is—so much so that there is an urge to book a repeat trip before you have finished the first one. — Mary Lussiana

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort Arrow

This is an island that attracts a fashionable globetrotting crowd, and loyal St Regis fans—arguably one in the same. During the day it’s less barefoot luxury and more Chanel heels on the beach. At sunset its Amina Muaddi slingbacks, when honeymooners head to the bar to make the most of the martini shots while a could-be-a-model DJ plays cool and breezy beats in a midriff-bearing top. It’s a scene that wouldn’t look out of place in Manhattan , and yet this bar couldn’t be further from New York, sitting over the Indian Ocean and shaped to resemble a whale shark.

The American hotel brand landed a prime spot of tropical paradise when it opened in 2016 on the previously uninhabited natural island of Vommuli. This lush environment has played a key role in the hotel's nature-inspired design—overwater villas are shaped like manta rays and made from predominantly cross laminated wood, while the impressively large library swirls into the sky like a cone shell. Morning yoga classes are held at the overwater Iridium Spa, with mats placed over the open-air lounge’s glass floor portholes, so you can watch trumpetfish paddle past in-between poses. Follow it up with a glass of crystal-infused water and a dip in the Blue Hole Pool, one of the largest hydrotherapy pools in the country. The seven restaurants scattered across the island are all undeniably decadent, with Maldivian lobster plucked straight from the sea and served at every turn—even in the omelettes at breakfast. At the Pan Asian restaurant, the lobster comes to the beachside tables looking like plump scoops of ice cream. Don’t sleep on the intriguing looking Maldivian section at the morning breakfast spread either—its a delicious adventure you won't forget.

The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives Arrow

Born from star-studded Hollywood roots and having conquered cities like New York, Miami, and London , The Standard brings a rare sense of irreverent cool to the Maldives. Instead of the typical cream-covered and thatched roof signatures of the region, villas here are brightly colored, with disco balls in the bathroom and neon pink pool floats on the walls. Such playful touches attract an international mix of not just couples and families but also groups of friends.

Mornings start with freshly prepared eggs and proper coffee topped with fish foam art in the breezy beachside all-day restaurant, Kula. Or you can order in to your villa, or more specifically to your villa’s plunge pool, with a full breakfast spread served on a floating tray . During the day, the house reef is just steps away from the overwater villas, while dolphin cruises and swimming with manta rays can also be arranged. Supper is served either on the beach at BBQ Shack, or at overwater restaurant Gudagudaguda—cheekily named after the sound that shisha makes. It's here that you can enjoy a traditional Maldivian experience with cushion floor seating, tuna sambal, and authentic curries with just the right spice level. Keep the party going at the overwater nightclub Beru Bar, where the largest disco ball in the Maldives shines bright above a see-through dance floor.

If anyone understands what discerning visitors to the Maldives want, it’s Lars Petre, the Swedish entrepreneur who not only developed the country’s first sea plane company but co-manages nine other island resorts. On Kudadoo, he has created the country’s first solar-powered hotel and its first all-inclusive luxury hotel—all off a tiny coconut-forested sandbank. Arranged around a circular wooden walkway out at sea, its 15 rooms conjure spacious Japanese ryokans—designed by New York–based architect Yuji Yamazaki from soothing wood, stone, and reed-thatch, and fronted by a wide deck, plunge pool, and ladder into the swirling blue sea. When Petre says ‘all-inclusive’, he means it: whether that’s two-hour Healing Earth treatments in the airy spa, a butler 24/7, Jet-Skiing and deep-sea fishing, or feasts involving fine wines (80 from Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list) and impeccably presented dishes, from light Japanese teppanyaki to Maldivian seafood curry, concocted by French chef Antoine Lievaux, who has worked for Joël Robuchon and Alain Ducasse. Unusually, thanks to the 989 solar panels that roof the airy living area, there is not a single generator to be heard; just a gentle lap of waves on the beach, and the occasional thud of a coconut.  — Lisa Grainger

Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa

Looking for a Robinson Crusoe-style getaway? Powder-puff sands and jungly green on the inside, with a turquoise lagoon teeming with rainbow-colored parrotfish, blacktip reef sharks, and cow tail stingrays, this hotel is a dazzling addition to the Maldives. It’s small (around 17 acres) with 80 villas split between overwater and beach. There’s no bad room here—they all overlook that twinkling, breath-stealing Indian Ocean, where water and sky merge seamlessly. You’ll be assigned a personal butler, who’ll organize spa treatments, book you in for a game of tennis, or dig a heart-shaped seat for two in the sand. Food is a winner with five restaurants to choose from. Don’t sleep on teriyaki chicken and locally-caught miso reef fish at Teppanyaki Grill. Then there’s the spellbindingly romantic overwater restaurant Mediterraneo, where you can feast on homemade tortellini and decadent tiramisu with stars overhead and lapping waves below, all washed down with as much house Champagne as you wish (this might be the smartest all-inclusive resort in the Maldives). Book a Balinese massage in the spa, nestled among the trees with chattering terns for company. Snorkel, learn to dive, book a wine tasting on a private sandbank, or simply sit on your villa’s deck and watch pods of dolphins diving in the distance. — A.S.

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives

When this spot in the North Malé atoll came into existence just over 20 years ago (originally under sustainability hero Soneva’s wing), Malé’s international airport was barely more than a tin shed, postcards were the main mode of communication, and most islands were without regular electricity. The pancakes of sand surrounding the capital were about as isolated a destination as travelers could get to. Now, Gili Lankanfushi is considered within easy reach (just a 20-minute speedboat transfer), yachts and seaplanes criss-cross the ocean and sky from morning until night, and the neighboring islands have street lights and a Coca-Cola factory. But relax, some things never change.

This hotel is still set in one of the most eye-catchingly beautiful lagoons in the country, a vision of broad white beaches, shape-shifting sandbanks, and waters that dance from peacock green to sapphire blue. All the villas here are stilted over the water, keeping the island wild and the beaches on full dazzling display. When fire ravaged the resort in 2019, it was an opportunity for renewal. Interiors were redesigned, with handmade wooden furniture and woven lampshades sourced from sustainable suppliers in Bali; bathrooms are stocked with organic potions and reef-safe sunscreen. For the ultimate Do Not Disturb energy, maroon yourself in one of the clapboard Robinson Crusoe villas, cast out on the edges of the lagoon reached by a little pontoon, where you can lie on your rooftop deck tracing the spine of Scorpio across the night sky.

Putter back to the island and there’s sunrise yoga; beach and jungle restaurants where ingredients come fresh off the boat or pulled from organic gardens; and expert therapists from Thailand, Bali, and India at the Meera Spa. Baby coral being grown on ropes in the house reef will eventually be replanted in the sea in a bid to create reefs that are more resistant to climate-change bleaching (they also work as an underwater hammock for a big green turtle that stops by most days). Gili Lankanfushi has been working on its coral program for seven years—it was championing sustainability long before it became a literal hot topic. And it’s for that reason, as much as the dreamy location and impeccable service, that it still stands head and shoulders above the crowd. — L.C.

Emerald Resort & Spa

A thrilling 45-minute seaplane ride from Malé, over uninhabited jungly islands and twinkling turquoise lagoons, Emerald Resort and Spa feels like you’re landing into your own Bounty advert. Set on Fasmendhoo Island in Raa Atoll, with miles of endless cotton-white beaches, perfect for snorkeling and diving, gin-clear waters with reef fish bursting all around like confetti—manta rays, black-tip tiger sharks and dolphins—it’s  Finding Nemo  on acid. There are 120 jaw-dropping villas here, split between overwater and beach, designed by American architect Edward David Poole and built using bamboo, natural stone and langhi langhi leaves so they blend seamlessly with the tropical setting. The look is minimalist and modern—contemporary furniture and lots of sea-breezy colors. Overwater pool villas have sprawling marble bathrooms with sunken bathtubs made for gazing out at the ocean and the beach stretching in both directions. The good life comes easily here with your own butler to take care of your every whim—from ferrying you around in a buggy like a personal chauffeur to booking tables and organizing a private movie under the stars with homemade popcorn and cocktails to boot, they’re on it. The retreat operates a deluxe all-inclusive package. There’s Asiatique, where you’ll feast on extraordinary Asian grub (sticky wings, seafood gyoza) and Amazonica for mouth-tingling South American food (red snapper ceviche in tiger’s milk and Peruvian quinoa salads). Sprogs can go feral without anyone lifting an eyebrow thanks to the largest kids’ club in the Maldives—perfect while you nest down at the Balinese-style spa. After dark, lie back on your deck and make a wish on a shooting star—there’s not a glimmer of light pollution. —A.S.

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

So far south its skimming the equator—the delicious remoteness is well worth the longer transfer time—this tiny island resort takes all the charm of its older Singapore sibling and fuses it with clotted-cream sands, raspberry sunsets, and a coconut version of its famous Sling. Complimentary neck massages are doled out while you wait for breakfast (French boulangerie, Sri Lankan egg hoppers, detox juices) with your feet in the sand. Lunch could be catch of the day—smoked tuna, say, grilled with lemon oil. At the overwater spa, Balinese therapists perform signature massages that start with the hum of a Tibetan singing bowl and end with warm coconut oil being poured onto your third eye. And the marine life is so profuse you can spot an aqua-menagerie without even getting your feet wet (20 hawksbill turtles have been recorded as living around the island).

Jumeirah Maldives

A lively speedboat ride from the airport, on the edges of the tranquil North Malé Atoll, is where Jumeirah have chosen to make their return to the Maldives (having pulled out of the country in late 2020). The island of Olhuhali was formerly inhabited by Lux* North Malé and the Dubai-based hospitality group has stuck with the original's sleek South Beach Miami design while adding their own distinctly glitzy touch, from monogrammed bathrobes to new restaurants and live bands you really want to listen to. The 67 villas are some of the largest entry-level villas in the Maldives and come in overwater and beach flavor. The former have knee-trembling sunset views; the latter are more private; all have masses of outdoor space, big private pools, and splendid rooftop decks for stargazing and outdoor movie nights. Bathrooms are decidedly modern and concrete, and have tubs that sink down deep in that way only hotel bathtubs ever do.

The sapphire-blue pool has pops of red and an ice cream cart straight out of South Beach, while the Barium private dining room has aquariums for walls. And then, well, there is Inti restaurant where the fresh ceviche blows the typical menu of grilled fish out of these turquoise waters. The surrounding corals aren't in great shape due to climate change (something that's becoming more and more of a problem across the Maldives) but you can hire a Jet Ski in the morning and hang out with 100-strong pods of bottlenose dolphins catching breakfast just outside of the lagoon. This is a place where the children of families who used to come to the Maldives every year are now choosing to return to themselves as grown-ups.

Conrad Maldives

Having staked its claim on the beautiful all-natural twin islands of Rangali and Rangali Finolhu over a quarter of a century ago, the Conrad's location remains one of the best of any resort in the Maldives—with long, broad stretches of sand wrapped around both jungly islands and manta rays pirouetting in the channel between. But there have been changes afoot: the installation of The Muraka (the world's first underwater hotel suite ) in 2018 was followed by a revamp of the cathedral-like beach villas in 2019, while the water villas got their turn this year. New chef Christian Pedersen has breathed new life into all 12 restaurants. From the sand-between-your-toes breakfast to the healthy seared scallop and asparagus salads to the tasting menus at underwater restaurant Ithaa, his food never fails to impress. Resistance is futile, but you can work off any excesses by paddleboarding around the lagoon staring at shimmering parrotfish and sashaying reef sharks through a mesmeric turquoise lens.

JW Marriott Maldives Resort and Spa

There isn’t a hibiscus out of place or a palm that hasn’t been preened at this Indian Ocean version of the white-picket perfection of the Hamptons. It’s set in the far-northern Shaviyani atoll—where the neighboring islands are mostly undeveloped—so the seaplane transfer, at around an hour, takes a little longer than most, but the payoff comes in the form of never-ending horizons, uninterrupted expanses of sea, and crystal-clear night skies. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from one end of the island to the other, which makes it medium-sized by Maldivian standards.

Offshore there’s a large house reef—although the corals aren’t in the best shape (a jarring reminder of global warming)—but you can still see large white-tip reef sharks, moray eels and clouds of shoaling fish. For bigger marine thrills, the dolphin cruise yields sightings of thousands rather than the usual handful in less remote waters, or join a fishing expedition in search of sailfish the size of schoolchildren. The Shaviyani atoll is mega-fauna central. Back on dry land, there are two main swimming pools, a glass-encased spa, a gigantic kids’ club, and 60 pool villas, shaped like upturned galleons. Skip the tightly packed overwater variety and plump for one on the sand instead, where each sits on its own spacious bougainvillea-veiled plot, just feet from the ocean, and the duplexes, with their upstairs dens, are excellent for families.

Inside, the decor strays from the traditional Maldivian teak-chic, favoring muted shades of blue textiles and amethyst-topped tables. Among the five superb restaurants, lunchtime-only treetop Kaashi is a standout for authentic Thai, and there are three bars: one by the Missoni-striped swimming pool and another serving 98 types of rum inside a treehouse overlooking the beach. While there aren’t many surprises, this is an ultra-slick take on the tropical paradise blueprint. — L.C.

Hurawalhi Island Resort

It has the biggest underwater restaurant in the Maldives—and there are wonders on both sides of the glass. Hurawalhi is surrounded by no fewer than 50 outstanding dive sites, including one of the most reliable manta ray hotspots in the archipelago, where you can marvel at the spectacle of these creatures lining up to be fussed over by lesser marine life. The 90 villas are compact and uncomplicated, differentiated only by their position and the presence or absence of a private pool. The two main restaurants and bar are airy spaces with soaring ceilings. Discreet touches—tabletops in a mosaic of petrified wood, transparent panels in the floor to allow fish-spotting—perk up the unpretentious design. Both the views and the menu (tuna carpaccio with pickled daikon, yuzu gel, and shiso) at underwater restaurant 5.8 are deeply impressive. Another temptation is the small but splendidly stocked wine cellar, curated by managing partner Lars Petre, a pioneering hotelier and entrepreneur in the Maldives whose love of the islands is written all over his craggy Swedish face. But at Hurawalhi, it's what's below the surface that really counts. There's an inspiring young dive team—all of whom appear to speak half a dozen languages and hold higher degrees in easy-going charm—to help you into your mask and fins. — S.K.

Patina Maldives

This is an island for aesthetes. One of the coolest, cleverest resorts to open in 2021—even more of an achievement during a pandemic—and the first of a progressive new brand of hotels from Capella, which counts the Sir Norman Foster –designed Capella Singapore and Bill Bensley’s Capella Ubud among its show-stopping properties. (Patina Ubud is in the works.) Here, Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan has been handed the reins, designing his first hotel, and has come up with something that feels truly special, transplanting his take on tropical modernism to the Indian Ocean. In keeping with the movement, the architecture encourages interaction with nature. Long, linear wooden structures are open to the elements, and cooled by swirling fans and perforated screens, all chiaroscuro light and shadow. Custom-made furniture from Dedon and Paola Lenti sits beneath triangular sun shades strung between towering palms. Then there’s the art collection, like a treasure hunt for grown-ups, with James Turrell’s Skyspace light gallery the star attraction.

Yoga gurus from Rishikesh hold classes inside the installation in the soft morning glow. In the evening, when it’s illuminated violet, the skylight frames the moon. The 90 pool villas aren’t the largest in the Maldives but they impress in other ways, with glass walls that fully retract on three sides. In the bathrooms, there are exfoliating seaweed soaps from Haeckels and 3D-printed vitamins appear on pillows instead of chocolates at bedtime. The Flow Spa is original too, with treatment rooms that look like sugar cubes tossed into the long grass. High-tech therapies—flotation pods, LED-light therapy, Iris sound immersions—are offered alongside deep-reaching rituals that might include an out-of-body experience in the watsu pool with Balinese healer Purnomo Diretno.

But the best part might be the eight bars and restaurants, each one exceptional. Patina, as well as the new Ritz-Carlton, are the first hotels built in the manmade Fari Islands in the North Malé atoll. With space at a premium, artificial isles aren’t new in the Maldives—the Waldorf Astoria, Hard Rock Hotel, and local Hulhumalé island are all also fresh arrivals. But at both resorts currently open in the Faris, serious sustainability efforts and conservation projects try to go a long way to mitigate any environmental impact of the construction. This is next generation Maldives, smart and thoughtful. —L.C.

COMO Cocoa Island

Over its 20-year history, bigger, flashier resorts have tried to upstage little Cocoa. All-singing hotels with submerged spas, snow rooms, and ice-skating rinks. But this living coral island, still in a plum, not-too-hectic spot in the often-busy South Malé atoll, 40 minutes from the airport by speedboat, has remained in the limelight precisely because of its gimmick-free simplicity. The newly refreshed overwater villas (34 in total, some shaped like Maldivian dhoni boats) are the epitome of less is more, with dark teak, crisp white walls and deep bathtubs. Compared to its Bali sibling, the sandy-floored COMO Shambhala spa here is less comprehensive, which feels like a bit of a missed opportunity, but the therapists are still top of their game and soothe, stroke, and crush out every molecule of tension in the signature massage.

There’s a new Pilates studio, where head-to-toe alignment programs straighten out even the most WFH-weary postures and new COMO wellness retreats are promised by the end of the year. For now, extra reinvigoration comes during an hour being pummeled by a dozen jets in the free hydrotherapy pool. But, of course, it’s the Indian Ocean that’s the main watery attraction and unlike a lot of the reefs that surround Malé, Cocoa Island’s are colorful, varied, and recovering well from the 2016 worldwide bleaching event. You’ll also spot octopus, lobster, lionfish, reef sharks, and amber-eyed hawksbill turtles—take a trip with Aminath Angeela (a rarely spotted Maldivian female marine conservationist) to learn more about rising sea temperatures and coral regeneration. In keeping with the low-key vibe, there’s only one restaurant, but the food is always enticing. There are coconut smoothie bowls for breakfast; proper pizzas and lobster rolls for lunch; and an Indonesian feast or a surf ’n’ turf barbecue come evening. Plus, the same thoughtful, delicious wellness menus you find at every COMO hotel. Peaceful, pampering, smart but unpretentious: this is the essence of what a Maldives hotel should be. — L.C.

Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives

Not all Maldivian islands are made equal; some only have natural beaches along one shore, the other eroded away by the sea. Not here. From above, Finolhu looks like a comet shooting across the heavens, its tail formed by a 1.2-mile platinum sandbank. If resorts here were ranked solely on their beaches, Finolhu would be on the medal table (along with Kanuhura and The Residence at Dhigurah) purely because there’s so much sand. And the marine life is just as magnificent. There are dozens of exceptional dive sites within the hotel’s orbit, including caves haunted by barracuda, kaleidoscopic gardens of hard-tree coral, and Hanifaru cleaning station, where hundreds of manta rays come to be preened by little blue wrasse (visit between May and November for the best chance to swim with them).

Almost as exuberant is the hotel itself, which emerged in November 2020 under new management and with a fresh look. Out went the ’70s design in favor of a mood board of color, with 125 villas kitted out in electric blue, sherbet yellow, or lime green. What remains, however, is the Ibiza-in-the-Indian-Ocean vibe; for the full effect book a Rock Star Villa with its giant disco ball and cocktail bar (and a golf buggy decked out like a mini Rolls-Royce). Food at the five restaurants is good, if less dazzling than the rest of the place; the premium all-inclusive option is especially good value, covering everything from wagyu steak in Japanese restaurant Kanusan to post-workout protein drinks at the Milk Lab cafe and Taittinger Champagne from the bar. And the weekly list of activities runs from the standard yoga and beach volleyball to acrobatic shows and mermaids in the swimming pool. Many hotels have tried to bring the party to the Maldives—Finolhu hits the sweet spot between indulgent fun and carefree affordability. — L.C.

Lux South Ari Atoll

Fresh from a total overhaul, this revamped island has 193 villas, both on the beach and on two jetties (one of which is adults-only), with vaulted white ceilings, gray wood–effect ceramic floors, and tree-trunk furniture. Many of the overwater villas are brand new, the spa is bigger, and the interiors have been smartened up. There's a mellow beach club vibe throughout, with bicycles to nip between the two bars at opposite ends of the two-mile-long island: one more chilled beside the pool, and the other, livelier, with colorful reclaimed wooden tables, a reggae soundtrack, surfboards propped against the wall, and inflatable swans standing by to drift about on the sea. There's coffee—roasted on-site—in reception, an ice-cream parlor with 32 homemade flavors such as bubblegum and pistachio, and live DJs at Beach Rouge, one of the six restaurants, including Allegria for Italian dishes and Senses for Indian.

The expanded spa offers yoga in a grove of palms, or on stand-up paddleboards, as well as a tennis coach for private lessons and a marine biologist to take guests swimming with whale sharks in a protected area. Frequent pop-ups include a mixologist making Aperol cocktails at East Point, an open-air movie theater on the beach, and the sudden appearance of a rack of Panama hats guests can borrow. It's impossible to miss home, but just in case, there's a red telephone box by reception for free old-school phone calls. This hideaway, above all, is incredibly fun. — Emma Love

Soneva Jani

The pioneering Soneva team, the first to introduce overwater villas to the Maldives as well as a strong environmental code and a determination to disconnect from the noisy outside world, brings us its third property. What sets Soneva Jani apart is that it is actually made up of five little islets in the Noonu Atoll. Snaking off the biggest is a 1.1-mile jetty with 24 overwater villas, each one bigger than some hotels (the largest can fit a family of 10). And later this year there will be an equal number of beach villas hidden in the forests of screw pine, banyan trees, and sea trumpet. A second island is home to the cute-as-pie tented restaurant hub, serving everything from grilled seafood to freshly baked pizzas. But the other three will remain undeveloped, so there will always be somewhere to play castaway.

The scale of the villas is extraordinary: built using wood from sustainable plantations and crafted in great sweeping curves, they are a charming jumble of pitched roofs and rondavels with fairytale turrets, ladders leading into the Indian Ocean, and portholes in floors to reveal marine life below. Retractable ceilings above beds unveil a starry night sky. There's a bar and wine-tasting space, spa, gym, yoga studio, and a phenomenal kids' club, which takes an inclusive approach, helping families holiday together. You'll also find an observatory with a telescope and live monitors that share the view through the eyepiece. Cycle across the island to the open-air, floating movie theater, where guests wear Bluetooth headphones to avoid disturbing the turtles. Of all the openings in the Maldives, this is the drop-dead gorgeous one, with the best villas, best service, best green credentials, and best vision. — Michelle Jana Chan

Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat

On one side of this island retreat—a circular two-and-a-half-acres bisected by a sandy path lined with banana trees and bougainvillea—is an open-air thatched bar, restaurant, and water sports; on the other are the villas and a tiny but brilliant spa. The 10 beach and 20 overwater villas are simple and rustic, with apple green wood-paneled exteriors, coconut-leaf-thatched roofs, and wicker sun loungers on the terraces (but no televisions, as the point here is to unplug). An early riser can practice hatha yoga with Rasmika Sahan before a snorkeling trip nearby (the house reef is a treat too, with angelfish and baby blacktip sharks). Serious foodies might find the nightly buffet a tad repetitive, but it is, nevertheless, delightfully laidback, carefree, and barefoot. There are also beach barbecues and Sri Lankan feasts under the eye of chef Chaminda Udabage, who cooks up his homeland favorites of fish curries and dhal. This is a small, unhurried, good-value island aimed at those who spend their days drifting between sun beds and the ocean. —E.L.

The Nautilus

If city living is all about the lean-in, the Maldives is for the recline. Named after Nemo’s submarine, the Nautilus private-island retreat of 26 overwater and beach houses has maxed out on relaxed luxe. Sitting above the indigo Baa Atoll and its eddying UNESCO biosphere reserve of pale sandbars and just visible coral gardens, it’s a place where schedules are decidedly lacking and guests duck in via seaplane or yacht to zone out. The USP here is that everything is fluid: unscripted dining means scallop carpaccio or oyster ice cream at 5 a.m. if you wish. Waterborne adventures are impromptu, too, with watches and iPhones swapped out for snorkels and paddleboards at any time. This is very much a barefoot-and-board-shorts hideaway, crisscrossed with polished hardwood walkways and lofty palms beside walls of fragrant clerodendrum. Only the arrival of whale sharks and manta rays on their May to December migration provides a discernible sign of time passing. Unusually for hotels in the region, the Nautilus is independently Maldivian owned, and is designed for the next generation of smart travelers who are seeking out the latest go-with-the-flow modern boho experience.

Milaidhoo Island Maldives

A wonderful reminder of the joys of getting back to basics. Milaidhoo gives classic Maldivian island style a refreshing contemporary twist. Understated, refined, and properly spoiling. The 50 villas are enlivened with deft decorative flourishes—the vivid blue-on-blue accents and curvaceous lines of the Beach Pool villas, in particular, display great charm and panache. The island is small enough to get around without a buggy, so you can put a little of the barefoot work back into the enjoyment of barefoot luxury. Milaidhoo's location in Baa Atoll—a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with the world's highest concentration of manta rays—is a huge plus. Nearby Hanifaru Bay is to ray fanciers what La Scala is to opera buffs. A snorkeling, diving, or sailing expedition, especially in the company of the resident marine biologist, is likely to be as instructive as it is beautiful—the sort of experience that could alter a person's entire attitude towards the oceans. The signature restaurant, Ba'theli, serving Maldivian and trade-route-inspired dishes in three cleverly interlinked dhonis, is a show-stopper. No less intriguing is the Deep Sleep Mood Menu. Four courses contrived for maximum soporific effect (passion-fruit-and-green-tea soup—who knew?) are served on your candlelit terrace. Ideally, it will be preceded by a spa treatment and followed by a meditation session and herb-infused bath. A bedtime story and glass of warm milk, though surely unnecessary by this point, could no doubt also be arranged. — S.K.

At 12 acres, Ayada, on the southern rim of the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll and just 19 miles north of the equator, is big enough to get lost on, and the more walking or cycling about you do, the more surprises keep popping up. Take a stroll after dinner (there are six restaurants) and... hello, what's this? A wine-and-cheese station for a glass of rouge and a sliver of brie while sitting on a bench fashioned from a fishing boat. As you head off to Zuzuu (the kids' club), you might stumble across The White Room, a part-colonial, part-tropical folly (pillars and a thatched roof) of such kitschness, you half expect the ghost of Elvis to emerge in a white tuxedo. Or you could stop in at the Ottoman Lounge (a nod to Ayada's Turkish ownership) and settle in for a coffee with a squidge of Turkish delight and a shisha pipe. The Middle Eastern mood shimmies through the villas: a filigree lampshade here, a joss-stick there, a flounce of Turkish fabric over the bed. And there's a full-on Turkish bath in the spa. This far from Malé, there's not a hint of light pollution in the inky night skies; by day there are dive sites, snorkeling with whale sharks and (unusually for the Maldives) surf breaks.

Six Senses Laamu

The Maldives is more famous for romantic sunsets than right-handers, but Six Senses—the only resort in the southern Laamu Atoll—sets itself apart from the fly-and-flop brigade with its Yin Yang surf break. There's also paddleboarding and catamaran sailing, alongside the usual dive boats and house-reef snorkeling. Its eco-agenda means that Six Senses does the at-times-clichéd Robinson Crusoe rustic look with feeling: to discourage the use of air conditioning, the beds are draped in gauzy white canopies and there are wooden slats in the walls to open at night and catch the breeze; the thatched roofs are also low-slung to keep things shady and cool. Even the twig pencils on the desk are responsibly sourced. Of course, there's no shortage of comforts—a 100-plus cocktail menu at the bar, a cheese-and-wine tower, a sensational sushi restaurant—but the vibe is very laidback compared to some of the Maldives' more flashy resorts. And nowhere more so than in the spa, where it's all too easy to hole up in one of the thatched, nest-like pods for hours on end.

Cheval Blanc Randheli

Beautiful Randheli in the Maldives was designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, who also created One&Only Reethi Rah. Here he's used the same large-scale, cathedral-roofed template for the beach villas, and the detailing is superb. Those insouciant little armless sofas; that Vincent Beaurin lemon-yellow sand-disc artwork, which slowly turns as the weight of perpetually falling grains of sand rotate it; the square, slate-lined pool; the de Havilland seaplane bobbing in the water; the white bicycles for getting around; the taupe espadrilles in the villas' dressing rooms. It's all so chic. In the Guerlain spa, reached by dhoni, even a glance upwards from the massage bed prompts a smile in appreciation of the exquisitely woven rattan ceiling. Some bits grate: having to press a switch to open the villa front door from the inside, for instance. But from breakfast on the terrace—molten-centered brownies, celestial with a cappuccino—to the doll-sized mouthfuls on the tasting menu at Le 1947 restaurant, named after Cheval Blanc's most famous vintage, every element confirms this as the most sensational new resort in the Maldives.

Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru

Something to keep in mind when planning a holiday in the Maldives is that the remoteness once guaranteed by these faraway atolls can no longer be taken for granted. Resorts too close to the capital, Malé, may have views across to its high-rise skyline; others may have a neighboring hotel within earshot or clear sight. But the gloriously isolated Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, a former coconut plantation, has no such problems. The villas are also big and well spaced for privacy, the food couldn't be healthier (catch of the day at Fuego Grill; Lebanese mezze at Al Barakat and the spa is truly outstanding. Our 2020 Spa Guide winner for most meaningful experience, as well as overwater treatment rooms, it has a shady Ayurvedic area in a clearing, where prayerful therapists from a Tantric Ayurvedic centre in Indonesia administer rituals lasting hours. The island's Marine Discovery Center, run by a team of biologists whose main focus is manta ray research, could get anyone hooked on the wondrous world revealed as one sinks below the ocean surface with a snorkel or tank. — Anna Pasternak

One&Only Reethi Rah

When you spot a woman in Prada getting off one of the seaplanes arriving at Malé airport, there's a good chance she'll have been staying at Reethi Rah. The hotel is deeply glamorous: guests dress up for dinner in its dimly lit, gently gleaming environs, and sometimes for breakfast, lunch, and dive school, too. Super-smart, with its stone baths designed for two, often with a royal in residence (never seen but identifiable by uniformed bodyguards sitting outside the villa), this is an immense and hugely successful hotel, with 12 private beaches. There's a very zen spa where you can fully detox, and an amazing teen zone with ping-pong tables and all kinds of water sports. Since it opened, a cooking school has been added and its overwater villas now have pools, but the beach pool villas are still the best: thrillingly big and impressive, they have wardrobes and shoe space to match.

Velaa Private Island

One of the most expensive resorts in the Maldives is owned by 42-year-old Czech billionaire Jiri Smejc, who asked his villa butler at Huvafen Fushi, Maldives, to find him an island. He then hired a hot-shot general manager, Hans Cauchi from the Corinthia in London, installed his former butler front-of-house, and brought in 500 Czech builders for six months. The result? State-of-the-art toys (not even glossy rivals Cheval Blanc or One&Only Reethi Rah have a Seabob or semi-submarine); a spa with expert therapists, an ocean-view sauna, snow room and snooze pod; a nine-hole golf course; tennis and squash courts; an extraordinary three-story wine tower with a 6,000-bottle, $1.2 million inventory (including a 1978 Romanée-Conti for $46,000); and Aragu, an overwater, open-kitchen restaurant and Champagne lounge with a Sri Lankan chef. Some design elements are a little retro: suede-effect giant-weave cushions; patchwork carpets; the hanging chair and three massive vases you have to dodge to get to the bath. But the outdoor bathrooms are quite wonderful, and four-bedroom villas plus top-notch security are great for those who need it.

This understated, elegant resort has a loyal following. Among its most notable attractions are the cuisine (seafood at Cayenne Grill, Mediterranean at white-tented Lighthouse, informal meals at Lime) and the diving. Baros is home to one of the archipelago's original dive centers, as well as the first EcoDive Centre in the Maldives to be certified by International Reef Check.

Coco Prive Kuda Hithi

The ludicrously pretty and impossibly slick Coco Prive Kuda Hithi is only available for private hire. Previously a boutique hotel, the island's main building has an enormous primary suite, and there are five other villas to fill. The architecture is stunning, with massive expanses of glass to draw the outside in, and natural materials and organic shapes to echo the surroundings. Every light, heat source, and sound setting can be zapped from your personal iPad, and the attention to detail is phenomenal (the place is repainted between every stay). The kitchen is yours to use, but the chef is brilliant and will prepare anything you want (stories include a specific variety of apple being flown in at a guest's request), such as baked red snapper in aromatic herbs, and banana fritters with sweet crêpes in caramel. Sun-bleached decking around the island leads to mini jungle paths where pretty wicker baubles dangle, red flowers burst, and the resident fruit bat swings from palm to palm. As a bonus, the reef is monitored by a team of experts who know each turn and turtle intimately.

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

When this hotel landed in the Baa atoll in 2011, it was a sleeker, clubbier Anantara outpost than family-friendly Dhigu, honeymooners ’ Veli, and quiet Naladhu that the brand already had in these waters. And there were plenty of head-turning attractions: the glass-bottomed baths in the overwater villas, the underwater restaurant, reportedly the country’s longest swimming pool. Plenty more splashier arrivals have since played their cards, but Anantara’s latest update puts it back on the board, with knockout new multi-bedroom beach and pool residences, each with their own kitchen, gym, spa treatment room, and pool deck.

The rest of the island is lush (no trees were felled during construction) and its central sandy path provides peekaboo pops of turquoise water while leading to diversions including an art studio, kids’ club, and outdoor movie theater beneath a celestial sky. At the overwater spa, there are new vitamin-drip therapies, part of the region’s only Cocoon Medical Spa, and an updated relaxation platform with saunas and plunge pools. That underwater restaurant is part of Sea Fire Spice Sky, a quartet of dining spaces varying from teppanyaki to grills from an authentic tandoori oven. The overwater observatory, the only one in the Maldives, has the country’s most powerful telescope (a research-grade 16" Meade LX200). Here, astronomer Ali Shameem, who grew up fascinated by the stars on the island of Maalhos, guides guests through the cosmos—the bonus of being almost on the equator means you can see constellations in both hemispheres. For all the slick hotel tricks, it’s always the hypnotic sea and sky that are the real knockouts. — Ramsey Qubein

Arrival by seaplane from Malé sets the tone; and from white-tented spa to swim-up pool bar, this resort encapsulates jet-set glamour. The 77 villas offer all the mod cons you could possibly want plus plunge pool, sun deck, wine fridge, and barbecue station. The overwater accommodation features glass floors and beach villas are equipped with muslin-draped daybeds that—cleverly—can be cantilevered over the pool. The resort is also big on action, with diving, kitesurfing, and SeaBobs (which zoom underwater like dolphins), and scheduled DJs spinning tracks in the evening.

This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK . It has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

How to choose the best Maldives island for your travel style

Mar 4, 2024 • 7 min read

There are thousands of sun-drenched islands in the Maldives, and finding the right one is all part of the fun ©seanscott/Getty Images

Let’s get one thing straight: Not all atolls were created equal. But on the plus side, the  Maldives  has thousands of sun-drenched islands, and discovering the perfect one for your trip is all part of the fun.

Every resort in Maldives is its own private island but choosing the right one for you can be difficult. Want to kick off your Indian Ocean holiday in style? Our guide will help you know what to look for in the hunt for your ideal island, whether you’re searching for affordable options or five-star resorts with brilliant dive schools. 

The distance dilemma

Yes, your sun-kissed island resort might be wonderfully secluded with no other atoll in sight, but remote locations inevitably crank up the price – not simply because there are higher costs to cover (like getting supplies to the resort in question) but because it’s likely you’ll need to pay for a short domestic flight or a seaplane flight to get there. Seaplane transfers are the most expensive option (expect to pay anywhere from US$300 to US$900 for a round trip), while domestic flights to one of the Maldives’ smaller airports (followed by a boat transfer) will be slightly cheaper.

The good news? Some of the best Maldives resorts are just a boat ride from Male’s Velana International Airport, so don’t write off properties simply because of their close proximity.

We recommend: Patina Maldives, the Fari Islands

Located on the Fari Islands development, Patina Maldives, the Fari Islands is only a 45-minute speedboat transfer from the international airport. Fancy a spot of island-hopping? Traveling between islands in the Maldives can be expensive, but Patina Maldives is just a short shuttle-boat service from the Fari Islands’ Ritz-Carlton resort, so there’s no chance of claustrophobia setting in. The Capella Maldives , which will be the third and final Fari Islands resort, is due to open in 2025.

Where to stay for the best food

It may sound self-indulgent, but trust us – knowing your culinary criteria can make or break a holiday. That tiny, exclusive island you’ve got your eye on might well have a Michelin-starred chef, but even the most delicious dishes can look rather plain after you’ve eaten your way through the restaurant’s menu in the space of two days. In summary, bigger is often better if food is a priority. Our top tip? Don’t miss Maldivian Night – most resorts will offer these culinary extravaganzas, typically held in the main buffet restaurant. Chefs will go all out to champion local cuisine, and they’re great opportunities to try local seafood like the Maldivian snapper.

We recommend: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

You’ll never go hungry at the South Male Atoll’s Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi resort, which has a staggering 11 restaurants, including ones specializing in Levantine and garden-to-table cuisine. There are regular food-themed events, too – our favorites include Arabian Night and the Twilight Seafood Barbecue, held on the beach.

Where to go for downtime

Why are you going on holiday to the Maldives? If you’re dreaming of lazy sunbathing sessions on the country’s best beaches, your priorities will be different than those of the adrenaline-fueled traveler keen to try every high-octane activity available, whether it’s swimming with manta rays or skydiving (as of 2023, the Maldives now has a skydiving school, which you’ll find on Ifuru Island ). As a rule, smaller resorts are great for crowd-free downtime, while larger ones are best suited to families and active types.

We recommend: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu

For the best of both worlds, consider Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu  on Baa Atoll – regarded as one of the best spots in the Maldives . There’s a wide range of activities and experiences on offer, but where you can also escape your fellow vacationers by signing up for a night on a nearby deserted island.

Money talks

It’s a myth that you have to be a millionaire to holiday in the Maldives, although without a little research, costs can easily spiral out of control. Travelers keen to make the most of their hard-earned cash should familiarize themselves with the packages on offer to make sure they’re getting the best value for money. Options can range from bed-and-breakfast-only packages to to ones that include all meals and drinks, along with certain activities.

We recommend: Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

A private island in North Male Atoll considered one of the best spots in the Maldives for honeymoons, the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa  has a huge range of room categories and offers a brilliant selection of packages, including Island Romance packages that feature fantastic extras designed with couples in mind. Planning on tying the knot? You can get married here, too.

And if you have more questions about budget-planning for a Maldives adventure, take a look at our top 8 ways to save money in the Maldives .

What to look for in sustainability

Taking a second to consider your destination’s sustainability credentials won’t just benefit Mother Nature, it could also save you serious amounts of cash. If an island is producing its own drinking water, growing its own vegetables and transporting guests by boat rather than gas-guzzling seaplane, there will be lower outgoings, which means less costs to cover – all of which translates into lower room rates.

We recommend: Fairmont Maldives - Sirru Fen Fushi

There are numerous reasons to visit the Shaviyani Atoll’s Fairmont Maldives - Sirru Fen Fushi resort, including the fact that it’s tucked inside one of the Maldives’ largest lagoons. But it’s also a great place to learn about sustainability, whether it’s at the Sustainability Lab, where guests can turn discarded plastic bottles into jewelry (waste plastic has also been transformed into various pieces of furniture you’ll see throughout the resort) or during excursions with marine biologists from the Olive Ridley Project , a charity created to protect sea turtles that has a partnership with the property. There’s also the fantastic Coralarium, a semi-submerged structure just off the beach designed by British sculptor Jason de Caires Taylor, who specializes in underwater installations. It doubles as a coral propagation project, and guests can snorkel inside it to admire the tropical fish and brightly-colored corals.

Where to get a culture fix

A growing number of resorts are honoring the region by offering experiences that provide a deeper insight into the Maldives and prove that there are endless reasons to venture beyond your villa. Many now offer trips to local community islands, for example, and in recent years several have opened small museums. At Cora Cora resort’s Dutch Onion Museum (named after the onion-shaped vessels found on the island, several of which are on display), visitors can check out over 400 ancient artifacts found on nearby islands.

We recommend: Heritance Aarah

Heritance Aarah , a beautiful resort on the stunning Raa Atoll, recently unveiled its Live Maldivian Village Museum, which focuses on 4,000 years of Maldivian history. Guests can sample local delicacies at a traditional open kitchen, learn about the art of coral stone carving and find out why locals are known as some of the world’s best boat builders.

Timing is everything

Let’s get one thing straight: there’s no such thing as a bad time to visit the Maldives . But considering the season is important if you’ve got your heart set on certain activities. If you’re planning on swimming with mantas, for example, a stay on a Baa Atoll resort between May and November is your best bet, although July to October is a great time for manta sightings elsewhere. If you’re planning on a surf session, you’ll need to visit between April and October.

We recommend: frequent holidays

To ensure you experience the Maldives’ best bits, schedule a holiday every month without fail. We’re joking, but you get the point: think what you want to see and do, and brush up on the different areas’ seasonal selling points.

Planning a trip to Maldives? Here’s more of our expert advice to help you plan.

Know these things before you visit

Getting around can be tricky, check out our tips here 

Get out of your villa with these 8 things to do in Maldives

This article was first published Oct 21, 2021 and updated Mar 4, 2024.

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Passing Thru Travel

The Best 10 Places for Snorkeling in 2024

Posted: March 23, 2024 | Last updated: March 23, 2024

Snorkeling offers an accessible and magical way to explore the underwater realms that cover much of our planet. This guide, crafted with the discerning traveler in mind, explores the world’s premier snorkeling destinations. Each location is selected for its vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters and its commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism practices. From the kaleidoscopic coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef to the serene, turtle-filled waters of the Gili Islands, these destinations offer unparalleled opportunities to immerse yourself in the beauty of the underwater world.

1. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Debra James

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, comprising over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching over 2,300 kilometers. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to an extraordinary diversity of marine life, including over 1,500 species of fish, 400 species of coral, and a myriad of other marine creatures.

The reef’s vast size means snorkeling spots are suitable for all experience levels, from shallow, calm waters for beginners to more challenging sites with strong currents for experienced snorkelers.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the outer reef for the clearest water and most vibrant coral formations. Many operators offer eco-friendly tours that contribute to reef conservation efforts.

When to Travel: The best time to visit is from June to October, during the Australian winter, when the water is clearest and snorkeling conditions are optimal.

How to Get There: Fly into Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, with international connections through major Australian cities. From Cairns, numerous tour operators offer snorkeling trips to various parts of the reef.

2. The Maldives

Image Credit: Shutterstock / MaszaS

The Maldives, a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life. The archipelago’s atolls offer some of the best snorkeling in the world, with easy access to the reefs right from the islands’ shores. Snorkelers can expect to encounter a wide array of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, rays, and even whale sharks in certain areas.

Insider’s Tip: For a unique experience, choose a resort that offers night snorkeling tours to see the reef’s nocturnal creatures come to life.

When to Travel: The dry season from November to April offers the best snorkeling conditions, with calm seas and excellent visibility.

How to Get There: International flights arrive at Malé International Airport. From there, seaplanes or boats are typically used to reach the various islands and resorts.

3. The Silfra Fissure, Iceland

Image credit: Shutterstock / VicPhotoria

The Silfra Fissure offers a unique snorkeling experience in the crystal-clear glacial waters between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The visibility in Silfra is unparalleled, often exceeding 100 meters, allowing snorkelers to see the stunning underwater topography and vivid blue colors of the fissure. The water temperature is cold year-round, but dry suits provided by tour operators ensure a comfortable experience.

Insider’s Tip: Book your snorkeling tour early in the morning for a more serene experience before the site gets busy with other tourists.

When to Travel: Snorkeling in Silfra is possible year-round, but the summer months of June to August offer more daylight and slightly warmer water temperatures.

How to Get There: Silfra is located in Þingvellir National Park, about an hour’s drive from Reykjavik. Guided tours can be arranged from the city.

4. Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ditras Family

Raja Ampat, located off the northwest tip of Bird’s Head Peninsula in West Papua, Indonesia, is considered one of Earth’s most biodiverse marine habitats. The archipelago’s clear, warm waters are home to over 1,000 species of coral-inhabiting fish, 700 species of mollusk, and more than 500 types of coral. The shallow reefs offer easy access for snorkelers, providing up-close encounters with the vibrant underwater life.

Insider’s Tip: Stay at an eco-resort to support sustainable tourism practices and gain access to exclusive snorkeling sites.

When to Travel: The best time to visit is from October to April when the seas are calmest, and visibility is best.

How to Get There: Fly to Sorong via Jakarta or Bali, then take a boat to your chosen island within the Raja Ampat archipelago.

5. The Bay of Donsol, Philippines

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dudarev Mikhail

The Bay of Donsol is renowned for allowing snorkelers to swim with whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea. These gentle giants frequent the waters of Donsol from November to June, attracted by the abundance of plankton.

Snorkeling with whale sharks in Donsol is regulated to ensure the safety of both the animals and snorkelers, providing a responsible wildlife encounter that is both thrilling and respectful.

Insider’s Tip: Opt for a morning snorkeling session when whale shark sightings are most frequent and the water conditions are ideal.

When to Travel: Visit between November and June for the best chance to snorkel with whale sharks, with peak sightings from February to May.

How to Get There: Fly to Legazpi City from Manila, then travel by road to Donsol, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.

6. The Belize Barrier Reef, Belize

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Globe Guide Media Inc

The Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest coral reef system in the world, offering an incredible diversity of snorkeling sites, including the famous Great Blue Hole. The reef is home to a vast array of marine life, including endangered species such as the West Indian manatee and the green turtle. The clear, warm waters and the reef’s proximity to the coast make it an ideal snorkeling destination for all skill levels.

Insider’s Tip: Include a visit to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where the shallow waters are teeming with fish, rays, and occasionally, nurse sharks.

When to Travel: The dry season from November to May provides the best snorkeling conditions, with calm seas and excellent visibility.

How to Get There: Fly into Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City. Take a domestic flight or boat to your chosen destination along the reef from there.

7. The Red Sea, Egypt

The Red Sea is famed for its clear, warm waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life. The extensive fringing reef system offers easy shore access for snorkelers, making it possible to explore the underwater wonders just steps from the beach. The Red Sea’s reefs are well-preserved, with strict conservation measures in place to protect the delicate marine ecosystem.

Insider’s Tip: For an off-the-beaten-path experience, visit the reefs around Marsa Alam, where there are fewer crowds and abundant marine life.

When to Travel: The best time for snorkeling in the Red Sea is from March to May and from September to November when the water temperatures are comfortable and the weather is pleasant.

How to Get There: International flights arrive at several airports along the Red Sea coast, including Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh. Numerous resorts and snorkeling sites are easily accessible from these cities.

8. The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Image Credit: Shutterstock / npavlov

The Galapagos Islands offer a unique snorkeling experience, with the chance to encounter an array of endemic species above and below the water. The nutrient-rich currents attract diverse marine life, including sea lions, marine iguanas, and countless fish species. The islands’ remote location has helped preserve their pristine condition, offering a once-in-a-lifetime snorkeling adventure.

Insider’s Tip: Consider a liveaboard snorkeling cruise to visit the islands’ most remote and unspoiled snorkeling sites.

When to Travel: From December to May, the warm season offers the best snorkeling conditions, with warmer water and calmer seas.

How to Get There: Fly to Quito or Guayaquil in Ecuador, then take a domestic flight to the Galápagos Islands. Snorkeling tours are available from both Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal islands.

9. The Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

Image Credit: Shutterstock / huang jenhung

The Yucatán Peninsula is home to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and a unique system of freshwater cenotes offering diverse snorkeling experiences. The reef provides a habitat for various marine species, while the cenotes offer a glimpse into an otherworldly underwater landscape of crystal-clear waters and dramatic rock formations. Snorkeling in the cenotes is an unforgettable experience, with the sunlight filtering through the water, creating a magical atmosphere.

Insider’s Tip: For a truly unique experience, snorkel in the cenotes early in the morning before the crowds arrive, when the light and visibility are at their best.

When to Travel: The best time to snorkel in the Yucatán Peninsula is from November to March, during the dry season, when sea conditions are calm and visibility is high.

How to Get There: Fly into Cancún International Airport, a gateway to the Yucatán Peninsula’s snorkeling destinations. The reef and cenotes are accessible by car or tour from Cancún and the Riviera Maya.

10. The Seychelles

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Iryna Shpulak

The Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. The islands offer a variety of snorkeling experiences, from the shallow, sheltered reefs ideal for beginners to more adventurous sites with stronger currents. The Seychelles’ commitment to environmental conservation ensures that its marine ecosystems remain healthy and vibrant.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the Sainte Anne Marine National Park, where you can snorkel among hundreds of fish species and pristine coral gardens within a protected reserve.

When to Travel: The best snorkeling conditions in the Seychelles are from April to May and from October to November when the water is calmest and visibility is at its peak.

How to Get There: International flights arrive at Seychelles International Airport on Mahé, the largest island. From Mahé, inter-island ferries and domestic flights provide access to the other islands.

The Bottom Line

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Patryk Kosmider

As you embark on your snorkeling adventures, remember that the beauty of the underwater world is a treasure to be cherished and protected. By choosing destinations committed to conservation and practicing responsible snorkeling, you contribute to preserving these ecosystems for future generations. Snorkeling allows you to experience the incredible diversity of life beneath the waves, a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things, and the importance of our role in safeguarding the planet’s natural wonders.

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The post The Best 10 Places for Snorkeling in 2024 republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Daniel Torobekov.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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