Are you looking for the perfect destination to indulge in thrilling water sports? Look no further than the Maldives! With a plethora of options to choose from, you're in for an unforgettable vacation. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a curious beginner, we have compiled an extensive list of water sports activities in the Maldives just for you. Get ready to dive into an aquatic playground like no other and create memories that will last a lifetime. The only challenge you'll face is deciding which thrilling experience to try first!
Check this list of 14 incredible water sports activities in Maldives
1. Scuba Diving
Scuba diving stands as a highly sought-after water sport in the Maldives, with numerous resorts throughout the archipelago catering to this exhilarating activity. Divers are accompanied by experienced instructors who ensure their safety while exploring the captivating depths of the Indian Ocean. Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing underwater realm, where a vibrant tapestry of colorful corals, sharks, turtles, stingrays, and various species of fish gracefully glide through the waters. As scuba diving holds an esteemed status among the water sports in the Maldives, many resorts include it as part of their packages. Prepare for an awe-inspiring adventure that typically lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Best time to try: all year around
Swimming proficiency: required
Price: from USD 130 (Discover Scuba Diving)
2. Wakeboarding
Renowned as one of the most exhilarating water sports in the Maldives, wakeboarding offers an electrifying experience as you gracefully glide atop the ocean's surface on a surfboard. Concerned about your safety? Fear not. Rest assured that you will be equipped with life vests and other flotation devices, ensuring your buoyancy in the event of a spill. With zero risk of drowning, wakeboarding ranks among the safest and most thrilling activities to indulge in while visiting the Maldives. The key to mastering this sport lies in maintaining a delicate equilibrium. From April to October, you can partake in the joys of wakeboarding, an activity regarded as one of the finest aquatic pursuits available in the Maldives.
Best time to try: Nov to Apr
Swimming proficiency: preferred
Price: USD 70 per person for starter lessons (30 minutes); USD 35 per person (for 10 minutes)
3. Flyboard
Flyboarding in the Maldives is an exhilarating water sport that seamlessly merges elements of aerial and aquatic excitement. This extraordinary adventure provides a unique opportunity to transcend the boundaries of conventional water sports and experience the sensation of walking on water like a superhero. By strapping on a flyboard, which is connected to a jet ski via a hose, you will be propelled skyward, defying gravity and entering a realm of absolute exhilaration. Prepare yourself for an indelible encounter as you glide above the crystal-clear sea, gaining a panoramic perspective of the world below. Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey that will leave an indelible mark on your memories.
Best time to try: Nov to Apr
Swimming proficiency: preferred
Price: USD 170 per person for a starter lesson (30 minutes); USD 85 per person for a pro ride (15 minutes)
4. Parasailing
For an extraordinary aerial perspective of the breathtaking Maldivian archipelago, look no further than the exhilarating activity of parasailing. Prepare yourself for a truly unforgettable experience as you embark on a thrilling journey through the skies, granting you a bird's eye view of this stunning country. With the wind in your hair and the world beneath your feet, parasailing in the Maldives promises an adventure like no other. Safely harnessed to a motorboat by a reliable parachute, you'll soar above the azure ocean, immersed in the awe-inspiring beauty of the surrounding lagoons. Remember to bring your camera along to capture the enchanting vistas, ensuring lasting memories of your Maldivian escapade.
Best time to try: Nov to Apr
Swimming proficiency: not required
Price: USD 130 per person
5. Windsurfing
Partaking in a water sport such as windsurfing provides an exhilarating experience, reminiscent of the thrill of surfing amidst the refreshing gusts above the waves. It allows you to revel in the sensation of gliding across the cool winds, simultaneously navigating through the rolling waves. Numerous resorts in the Maldives present their guests with the opportunity to engage in windsurfing, a delightful adventure. For beginners, it is strongly recommended to acquire the necessary skills and techniques from a qualified instructor before venturing into the sea to partake in this invigorating water sport.
Best time to try: May to October
Swimming: preferred
Price: 60 USD for a lesson, 1 hr; 30 USD per hr equipment renting
6. Catamaran Sailing
Unleash your inner sailor and embark on a journey across the vast open waters, embracing a newfound sense of freedom in the magnificent Maldives. This tropical paradise is an absolute haven for sailing enthusiasts. Delve into the azure expanse of Maldivian waters, and let nature weave its spell, rekindling your love for the world around you. Whether you seek tranquil serenity or an exhilarating adventure, the conditions are ideal for a leisurely cruise or an adrenaline-fueled escapade. Set sail upon the wondrous ocean, where breathtaking islands gracefully emerge on the horizon, offering a mesmerizing and tranquil experience that will captivate your soul.
Best time to try: Nov to Apr
Swimming: not required
Price: USD 50 - 80 per person, for one hour, including a guide. Lessons for USD 60 per person per hour
7. Kayaking
Kayaking reigns as a beloved water sport in the captivating realm of the Maldives, granting you the freedom to venture across the shimmering waters as your heart desires. Immersing yourself in this splendid activity amidst the breathtaking blue expanse of the Maldivian ocean evokes an indescribable sense of joy. With its immense popularity, kayaking stands as one of the top adventure sports in the Maldives, and rightfully so. Whether you embark on this voyage alone or in the company of a companion, set out to explore the enchanting surroundings of your island, delighting in the presence of graceful fish gliding beneath your kayak. Let the allure of kayaking in the Maldives immerse you in an unforgettable aquatic experience.
Best time to try: Nov to Apr
Swimming: preferred
Price: 10-20 USD per person per hr
8. Snorkeling
Embarking on a snorkeling adventure in the Maldives unravels a magnificent opportunity for both swimmers and non-swimmers alike to unlock the hidden wonders of the underwater realm. With nothing more than a mask and a pair of fins, you can delve into the vibrant depths of the ocean and traverse vast distances, gracefully swaying with the gentle currents. Snorkeling stands as one of the absolute highlights among the plethora of water activities available in the Maldives, and for good reason.
Best time to try: all year around
Swimming: preferred
Price: free of charge. For snorkeling excursions from 45 USD per person
9. Fishing
Fishing is deeply ingrained in the culture of the Maldivians, who possess a profound understanding of the seas and are eager to share their expertise and tips with visitors. It is an experience that goes beyond the mere act of casting a line. The Maldives offers a variety of fishing experiences to cater to every angler's preferences. For those seeking an extraordinary adventure, night fishing provides a unique opportunity to witness the ocean under the starry sky. For the more daring and adventurous, big-game fishing is a popular option. Accompanied by skilled guides and equipped with specialized gear, you can pursue powerful and elusive species such as marlin, tuna, and sailfish.
Best time to try: all year around
Swimming: not required
Price: from 45 USD per person, depending on the type of fishing
10. Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding in the Maldives offers a delightful and unique way to explore the pristine waters surrounding these beautiful islands. Originating in Hawaii, paddleboarding has gained immense popularity worldwide, and the Maldives is an ideal destination to indulge in this exhilarating water sport. Standing atop a paddleboard, you navigate the turquoise lagoons and crystal-clear channels using a paddle to propel yourself forward. As you glide over the tranquil waters, you are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding natural wonders.
Best time to try: all year around
Swimming: preferred
Price: 15-30 USD per person
11. Surfing
Surfing in the Maldives is a dream come true for wave enthusiasts, with its warm tropical waters and world-class breaks. The archipelago boasts a wide range of surf spots, catering to surfers of all levels, from beginners to experts. The crystal-clear waves, consistent swells, and stunning surroundings create a truly remarkable surfing experience. Whether you choose to ride the waves on a remote reef break or near the bustling capital city of Male, surfing in the Maldives is an adventure that will leave you exhilarated and longing for more.
Best time to try: May-Oct
Swimming: required
Price: free of charge (if you have a board), from 100 USD for transfer to surf spots
12. Fun Tubing and Banana Boat Rides
Although riding a banana-shaped boat may not provide the nutritional benefits of its fruit namesake, it undeniably fills your heart with boundless enthusiasm and excitement as you glide across the frothy blue waters of the Maldivian Ocean. Fun tubing, as it is often called, entails hopping onto an inflatable and unpowered tube that propels you over the water at thrilling speeds, setting it apart from many other water sports in the Maldives. The true highlight lies in the exhilarating bumps and jolts you'll experience while being propelled across the water, creating a delightfully wild and memorable ride.
Best time to try: Nov to Apr
Swimming: preferred
Price: 50-70 USD per person
13. Jet Ski
Ranked among the most beloved activities in the Maldives, this exhilarating sport offers a thrilling experience and the opportunity to soar at incredible speeds while skimming over the mesmerizing oceanic waters. Prepare for an adrenaline rush unlike any other as you glide through the air, engaging in a captivating dialogue with the wind. Feel the sheer excitement as you traverse the turquoise waters, soaking in the picturesque views and reveling in the thrill of skimming across the water's surface. For added adventure, select resorts even arrange half-day jet safari trips, allowing you to explore nearby deserted islands and sandbanks, further enhancing your Maldivian escapade.
Best time to try: Nov to Apr
Swimming proficiency: not required
Price: USD 100 per person for half an hour
14. Kitesurfing
Embrace the sensation of flight as you soar above the untouched azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Kitesurfing in the Maldives delivers an exhilarating experience on par with windsurfing. This captivating water sport allows you to break free from worldly concerns and let go, as you are lifted by the wind, ascending to new heights. Prepare to be mesmerized as you enjoy a bird's eye perspective of this stunning country, reveling in the sheer joy of being suspended in the sky. Parasailing in the Maldives promises an unforgettable adventure, granting you the time of your life as you embrace the freedom of the skies.
Best time to try: May to Oct
Swimming proficiency: preferred
Price: USD 100 per lesson, 70 USD for equipment renting