Sunny skies, an endless stretch of soft, white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, are just a few reasons why the beautifully exotic Maldives archipelago, tops the list of most travellers dream of holiday location. With so many luxury Maldives hotels to choose from, like the Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, for example, there’s a plethora of fun and exciting recreational activities on offer to try. The Maldives atolls are best known for the various forms of water sports available, thanks to the immense coral reefs that provide a habitat for the tropical marine life.
The reefs are home to a large variety of bright, tropical fish such as the butterfly fish, angelfish, clownfish, and the parrotfish. Hiding among the corals are moray eels, octopus and over 200 varieties of crustaceans. Snorkelling or diving is a great way to explore the extensive reefs and lagoons, while the reefs located further from the atolls, make fabulous surf breaks. Whale and dolphin watching opportunities are big here, with large pods of both commonly seen swimming off the coast.
The Maldives has several surf spots with wave sizes varied throughout the atolls. The surf breaks aren’t as big as those found elsewhere, with waves only reaching up to 6ft, but the thrill of surfing over a reef is just as exciting. The beautifully, secluded sandbanks that are found around the atolls, make ideal resting spots in between dives. The sandbanks which vary in size also make a great lunch spot, for anyone in need of a little privacy.
Away from the clear waters, the islands themselves are quite beautiful, and there’s plenty to see and experience on larger islands like the capital Male. The national museums, ancient mosques made entirely out of coral blocks and different outdoor markets are all worth a visit. Thanks to their beach side locations, most of the resorts have lounges that offer a spectacular view of the sea, creating the perfect moment for a romantic interlude, followed by an evening spent over tropical drinks and delicious cuisine. A great way to end a day on these paradise islands.
Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Kanya Mae writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media.
