Travel enthusiasts find the Maldives to be their dream destination because of the luxury resorts extending over turquoise waters and the white sand beaches. Besides, there are a number of unique things to do here such as water sports, spa, romantic candlelight dinners and so on.
As per the Ministry of Tourism, the Republic of Maldives, more than 17 lakh travelers visited this island country till January 2020. Among the lot, Indians are regular visitors who faithfully travel to the Maldives on most of their occasions. Here is why it is important for Indians to have a visa to travel to the Maldives. It is vital to note that an Indian passport holder need not carry a visa while traveling to the Maldives.
15 epic things to do in the Maldives in 2022
Apart from basking in the sun, sipping cocktails, and watching beautiful sunsets, one can explore several other activities to do in this island country. Based on the trip duration and the number of islands the travelers plan to visit, here is a list of things to do in this island country.
Scuba Diving
The Maldives is famous for its beautiful marine life, making it one of the premier scuba diving destinations. Individuals can get trained from affordable Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) dive centers and sign up for various dive options to one of the reefs.
Snorkelling Trips
The Maldives reefs are so pristine that one does not have to go much deep for witnessing the beautiful marine life. This makes it a hub for water sports such as snorkeling. One can opt for a 3 point snorkeling safari and visit three different snorkeling locations. However, if travelers prefer to witness the underwater world whilst staying dry, they can do so by opting for a submarine tour.
Dolphin Watching
This island country is home to more than 20 different marine species, including whales and dolphins. Some of the best places to go for dolphin excursions in the Maldives are:
- Submarine trip from Male
- Cruise in Dhiffushi
- Cruise in Huraa
Island Hopping
It consists of more than 1200 small coral islands and sandbanks. Hence, island hopping to explore different cultures is a must for travelers. They can also buy local crafts and jewelry while visiting these islands as a memoir.
Meeting the Locals
It is evident that with so many islands here, one can witness diversity in cultures. For instance, one can visit the island Naalaafushi, a fishing village, or the Male island, also known as the airport island.
Surfing in the Maldives
Besides being a tropical paradise home to enchanting blue waters and powdery white sands, Maldives is one of the world-class surfing destinations. As Maldives’ waves are comparatively mellower than Indonesian surf, the former is ideal for surfing. Here are some of the best Maldives’ surf out one must look out for:
- Chickens, North Male Atolls
- Jailbreaks, Himafushi island, Kaafu Atoll
- Natives or Foxys, South Male Atolls
- Cokes, North Male Atolls
- Lohis, Male Atolls
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Individuals not preferring Maldives surf can also enjoy paddle boarding as the waters are shallow and clear. Several resorts rent paddleboards.
Visiting the Spa
After a long and tiring day of exploration and fun, one can desire some relaxation. To that end, couples and families can get a soothing spa treatment in the Maldives.
Sunset Romantic Dinner
Couples visiting this place in 2022 for their honeymoon might find this place to be an ideal romantic destination. They can splurge on a romantic night out and enjoy a sunset dinner on the beaches. In this way, one can get to taste the Maldivian cuisine and also up the romantic factor.
Scenic Flight over Maldives Islands
While flying over the Maldives, travellers can see different shades of water which is nothing less than magical. Individuals staying in private islands need a flight out to the rest of Maldives. However, one can also book a scenic flight over several atolls to have a mesmerising experience.
Over the Water Bungalows
Maldives’ over-the-water bungalows make it possible for travelers to swim or snorkel any time they want. An added advantage is the presence of private decks that enables them to sunbathe and relax at their own convenience.
Walks at the White Sand Beaches
Travelers loving “long walks on the beaches” might just find the Maldives to be a desirable option due to their powdery white sand beaches. These beaches are easy to walk on because of the smooth sand. Furthermore, beachgoers can enjoy the crystal clear waters and walk out along the sand bars.
Fishing
Individuals can go spearfishing with locals or a regular fishing expedition if they wish to try out some unique activities. Tuna is a common catch here.
Parasailing
A scenic flight might not be affordable for some travelers. In that case, they can go parasailing in this island country. Here are some of the best spots for parasailing:
- Reethi beach
- Cocoon beach
- Finolhu beach
Exploring Malé
Malé is the capital of Maldives and is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with a population of 252,768. While travelers plan a trip here, they must dedicate a day to this city and explore the popular sites.
Apart from this list, individuals must make a few essential entries to their checklist for a successful trip to the Maldives in 2022.
Checklist to prepare for the Maldives Trip
While planning a trip to the island country, travelers must prepare a proper checklist to avoid any last-minute mistakes. Here are certain questions to consider while preparing for a trip to the Maldives.
How to get a visa for Maldives?
The best way to get a visa for the Maldives is from the Airport as they have a visa on arrival facility for tourists. As mentioned above the importance of having a Maldives visa for Indians, here are unavoidable steps to be followed when receiving a visa on arrival at the Maldives.
Additionally, one must note that the cost of a Maldives visa on arrival for a period of 30 days is free of charge. After successfully furnishing the documents and filled-up the tourist form, there will be a round of interviews with the immigrant officer.
How to get travel insurance for Maldives?
The best way to get travel insurance for the Maldives is to use an online insurance provider. Despite having a full-fledged plan, travelers might have to deal with unexpected expenses while traveling abroad.
What are the health advisories for travel to the Maldives?
Before travelling to the Maldives, one must be aware of the health advisories. For instance, along with the COVID-19 negative report, travellers should submit a travel health declaration form one before 24 hours of arrival. Further, individuals can split stays between hotels. In case they stay over 48 hours in Greater Male, they need to get another PCR test before travelling to any other place.
Visitors opting for split stays must make an appeal to the Ministry of Tourism before 48 hours of travel. Other than this, travellers must follow the isolation protocols while visiting this place in 2022.
What vaccinations are required for Maldives?
Travellers must also consider getting vaccinations before travelling to the Maldives. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, travelling to this island country in 2022 will require individuals to get vaccinated against coronavirus. Apart from this, there is a list of other vaccinations as per the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
To conclude, one must follow restrictive measures while visiting the Maldives in 2022. Nevertheless, travellers can enjoy a number of out-of-the-box activities in the island country, as mentioned above.