Maldives Trip Diaries: 11 Enchanting Places to Visit in Maldives

Are you looking for a guide that suggests enchanting places to visit in the Maldives without selling off one of their travel packages? 

If yes, then you have hopped on the right page!

The Maldives is a paradisal island country situated on the southwest coast of India and Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. The archipelago consists of 26 atolls that in itself are comprised of more than 1000 coral reefs. Besides geographical details, Maldives is well known for its stunning white sand beaches, countless resorts surrounded by the pristine blue Indian ocean and its welcoming culture. 

Maldives makes up for one of the best vacation spots in the world for beach bummers, adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Thus, if you want a destination to relax and unwind with your loved ones, now is the time to visit the Maldives!

Additionally, read this article to get a backpacker’s advice on 11 must-visit tourist sites in Maldives. 

1. Addu City

If your international flight destination is Gan International Airport, and you wish to eliminate the symptoms of jet lag by doing urban activities, Addu City is the best place to start.

Addu City is the second-largest city in Maldives, with some of the best local resorts to unwind. While in the city, you can join the Addu Scuba Club or visit Addu Nature Park. 

Things to do: Scuba diving, Sightseeing, Skydiving, etc.

How to Reach: Either land at the Gan International Airport or take a domestic flight from Male.

2. Alimatha Island

Maldives boasts one of the best marine life in the world! If you are on a quest to explore one, Alimatha Island is the best place to visit in the Maldives. Surrounded by white sand and clear oceans, Alimatha is a paradise that should be explored. 

Whether you wish to witness the underwater paradise or get soaked in the sand and the sun, Alimatha Island offers it all.

Things to do: Snorkelling, sunbathing, scuba diving, visiting an Ayurvedic massage centre, etc.

How to Reach: By Air, the nearest airport to the island is around 40 miles away. Hereafter, you can opt for seaplanes or boats to reach the destination.

3. Banana Reef

As the name suggests, Banana Reef is a banana-shaped island surrounded by mesmerising marine life and spectacular views of land. Being home to one of the most popular dive sites in the world makes this destination one of the best places to visit in Maldives. 

Whether you are a professional diver or wish to get your feet wet with a magical experience for the first time, you should visit Banana Reef. The underwater clarity and the steady currents of the ocean offer convenient and deep diving experiences.

Things to do: Diving, sunbathing etc.

How to reach: Take local boats to the Banana Reef from the International Airport at Male.

4. Baros Island

If your expectation from your trip is a luxurious yet serene getaway, then Baros Island is where you should be. The island is home to luxurious water villas, breathtaking lagoons and a view to LIVE for! 

Once done with diving and sightseeing around the tourist sites in the Maldives, you should offer yourself a day to relax on this mesmerising island amidst the calm and serene ocean.

Things to do: Stargaze, dine in the middle of the lagoon, and relax and unwind in the lap of the ocean. 

How to reach: You can reach Baros Island via a speedboat ride from the International Airport in Maldives.

5. Dhigu Island

In the heart of Maldives, Dhigu Island is one of the best places for couples to visit. Whether you wish to spend hours in the infinity pools or are looking forward to a stroll on the white sand beaches, Dhigu offers both. Apart from strolling hand-in-hand, you can also relish some of the best culinary experiences of Maldives on Dhigu Island.

Things to do: Fishing, diving, snorkelling, recreational activities etc.

How to reach: From Male International Airport, you can hire a speedboat ride to Dhigu Island. 

6. Emboodhu Finolhu Island

Emboodhu Finolhu Island is another beautiful place to visit in the Maldives. Imagine getting up to a balcony view where everything from the sky to the sea looks blue. Mesmerising right? Emboodhu is the place where you can experience it all.

Whether you are an underwater explorer, a lazy lad willing to sleep through the day, or someone seeking historical exposure, Embboodhu Finolhu in Maldives is where you should be.

Things to do: get wooed by the beauty of the sun island, participate in urban activities, visit mosques and cathedrals, etc.

How to reach: From Velena International Airport, Male, you can take a 20-minute speedboat ride to reach Emboodhu Island. 

7. Grand Friday Mosque

The Grand Friday Mosque is another Maldives place you should visit during your stay in the country. Apart from holding spiritual importance to locals, the Mosque attracts tourists because of its distinct architectural appearance. 

Things to do: Observe Islamic culture

How to reach: The Grand Friday Mosque is the largest in Male, Maldives. You can take a taxi from the Male International Airport to reach the destination.

8. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Alifu Atoll

If you happen to visit Conrad Rangali Island, don’t forget to relish the cuisines at the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant! As the name suggests, the restaurant is under the sea and ensures you can have the best experience dining while watching out the marine creatures.

Moreover, the restaurant also hosts events and parties for special occasions. 

Things to do: Experience underwater dining and host underwater parties.

How to reach: You can reach the Ithaa island by taking a seaplane to Conrad Rangali Island.

9. National Museum

To dive deep into the history of Maldives, the National Museum is one of the best Maldives tourist places to start from. The national museum comprises many cultural, royal and spiritual artefacts with their tales. 

If you wish to see Maldives in the light of history, the National Museum is the first place to visit in Maldives.

Things to do: Sightseeing, photography, artefact collection, etc.

How to Reach: You can take a cab from the Velena International Airport, Male, to reach the destination. 

10. Fihalhohi Island

If you are in for an unforgettable experience with your better half between May and November, Fihalhohi Island is one of the best places to visit in Maldives. From engaging in recreational activities to providing opportunities to explore the local culture of the island country, Maldives Fihalhohi island offers everything a tourist can expect!

Things to do: Participating in underwater activities, exploring the culture, and sightseeing are a few things to do at Fihalhohi Island.

How to reach: You can take a direct ferry ride from the Male International Airport to the island.

11. Tsunami Monument

While in Maldives, you should make memories till the last! Before concluding your trip, don’t forget to pay homage to the victims of the 2004 Tsunami at the Tsunami Monument. Once at the destination, you can also get postcard-perfect pictures from the beautiful view.

Things to do: Take pictures, pay homage to the victims of the 2004 Tsunami, and relish snacks.

How to reach: You can reach the ferry terminal by taxiing from the Male International Airport. 

Secure Your Trip to Maldives with International Travel Insurance 

Maldives is one of the most happening getaways for backpackers across the world. However, one must also understand that the destination is more expensive than India. Thus, while visiting the country, you must not only plan for the foreseeable expenses but also for the undeniable emergencies that may come along! 

Therefore, while planning a trip to the Maldives, you should always include international travel insurance in your must-haves! 

Travel insurance for the Maldives would ensure you do not have to worry about undeniable emergencies such as loss of your belongings, trip interruptions, and, god forbid, emergency hospitalisations! This way, you can ensure that you can only focus on making memories while a travel plan such as Explore from Care Health Insurance looks after untoward emergencies.

Disclaimer: Plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.