Must-do water sports in the Maldives

There are several reasons why the Maldives attracts people from across the globe. The tropical weather, luxurious resorts, welcoming locals, and a chance to experience tranquility, surrounded by breath-taking panoramic views are but a few of the island nation’s allures.

While the list of attractions goes on endlessly, water sports in the Maldives are among the country’s most desirable excursions. The ocean around the islands is ripe with possibilities, activities one can partake in both under and above the water.

As expected, water plays a significant role in Maldivian daily life and that of its visiting guests. Therefore, tourists living on islands are privy to unique water-based experiences that range from underwater restaurants and spas to over-water bungalows.

Still, the thrill of being in the water is incomparable. Water sports in the Maldives caters to all ages and preferences. Whether you want to explore the unknown, have a roller-coaster-like thrilling experience, or a gentle sail in the ocean, there’s a water sports activity in the Maldives, just for you.

Paddleboarding

The islands of Maldives are blessed with beautiful weather, which results in calm waters for a significant part of the year. Paddleboarding is an unhurried water sport best enjoyed when there are no waves. It involves sitting or standing on a board and maneuvering it using an oar or your hands.

If you are a beginner, choose a board that is around 10-11 feet in length and approximately 33 inches wide. Unlike a shorter board, a wider one tends to be more stable.

Jet Skiing

You will find jet skiing being offered all around the Maldives, from resorts to inhabited islands. These fast “water bikes” provide an unmatched thrill of a ride. Top jet skis these days are made by famous motorbike companies like Kawasaki and Yamaha and are available in different models based on features and power.

It is important to take the necessary water sports precautions before renting a jet ski in the Maldives. These include wearing a life jacket and getting insurance. If you are new to the game, ride your jet ski at slow speed, even if the temptation to go fast over the clear blue water is high. If unsure, ride behind the operator, who is more likely to go flying through the sea at unbelievable speeds.

Surfing

The Maldives has gained a favorable reputation in the surfing community over the past few years. While most vacationers visit the islands to relax on the beach or explore the underwater world, surfing provides a cheap water sports alternative that is also one of the free activities to do in the Maldives.

Waiting for that perfect wave and then riding it is a refreshing activity that even first-timers can try with a little training. In case you did not bring your own surfboard, renting one is easy. While surfboards are typically included as part of your stay in the resort, hiring one while on an inhabited island won’t dent your purse.

Banana Boat

Not all water sports in the Maldives are meant to be done alone. Parasailing, jet skiing, and paddleboarding can at times be enjoyed by couples together. However, a banana boat is one where the entire family can have fun. In simple terms, you get to sit on a banana-shaped inflatable tied to a speeding boat.

You can always ask the operator to ride slow, but the real fun is going fast, so you end up bouncing on the water. Expect lots of laughter and screaming, and in all probability, you will end up in the water, so wear your life jackets.

Flyboarding

Flyboarding in the Maldives is an extreme water sports opportunity you do not want to miss. It isn’t available everywhere, so if you come across a chance to hover over the sea strapped on to a water jet, don’t miss it.

The hose pumping the water into the contraption on your feet allows you flexibility, but don’t expect to go over 5-7 feet during the first few rounds. Remember that it might seem simple, but you will need a few minutes of practice to get the hang of flyboarding.

Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

Both kitesurfing and windsurfing are often labeled as extreme water sports. You can certainly do both in the Maldives, but it’s best reserved for enthusiasts who have had prior experience. Although many say that kitesurfing is easier to learn than surfing, riding the waves using the wind to guide you requires time and patience.

Similarly, windsurfing involves using a sail on a surfboard to “float” over the sea. It is a fun water sport once you have a few hours of training under your belt.

Parasailing

Speed and wind combine to produce a scenic and exciting water sport that is parasailing. Several water sports activities in the Maldives are ideal for non-swimmers, and this is one of them. The excursion first includes riding out into the sea and being harnessed to a parachute connected to the boat using a cord.

As the boat picks up speed, the cable is extended, allowing you to fly high above in the sky. Once on top, you get the best possible aerial views of the surroundings and can feel like a bird flying high among the clouds. Parasailing is typically done when it is not too windy to avoid any mishappenings.

Tubing

Tubing is similar to a banana boat, only this time you are inside a circular tube. The tubes differ in sizes accommodating everyone from honeymooning couples to families of four.

Life jackets are essential, and there will be moments when the tube flies through the air after hitting a wave, so make sure you hold on tight. In the end, it’s all about the tummy rumbling fun you are guaranteed through this family-friendly activity.

Waterskiing

A surface water sport that involves being pulled by a boat as you glide over the water while on skis. Waterskiing shares similarities with tubing but is an individual sport and requires coaching.

Nevertheless, it’s an exciting way to be out in the water, and you can certainly pick it up quickly, even if you’ve never done it before. Wakeboarding is another version of waterskiing wherein a wakeboard replaces the skies.

Diving

The Maldives is the ultimate destination for diving. Thousands of divers arrive here every year to explore the fantastic sites around the islands. From swimming with sharks to wreck diving and blackwater diving, Maldives has it all.

Diving is undoubtedly more complex than any other water sport in the Maldives. It requires special equipment and training before you can dive deep into the waters to witness some of the most vibrant sea life anywhere.

Luckily, Maldives has world-class dive centers where you can start your training and clock in a few beginner dives. Diving excursions in the Maldives are well-organized and include equipment and transportation.

Kayaking

Like paddleboarding, kayaking is one of the water sports in the Maldives that everyone can enjoy. Almost all resorts have kayaks that guests can rent to explore the surrounding waters. Since you end up in the middle of the ocean with nothing around, it makes for a romantic excursion to take with your loved one.

True to Maldives’ exclusive nature, kayaking in the islands is a lot more exotic than you’d expect. Many hotels have transparent kayaks on offer that allow you to see below the crystal-clear water as you glide over it using paddles.

Big Game Fishing

Having strict environmental protection rules in place, big game fishing isn’t as popular in the Maldives as it is in some other parts of the world. Still, wherever possible, one can take a boat fitted with fishing rods into the ocean and try to catch some big fish such as tuna and swordfish.

Big game fishing is a specialized form of the sport and requires a lot of stamina. It isn’t ideal for novices who simply want to experience the excitement of catching a fish. Since big game fishing is done out in the open waters, the entire trip takes at least half a day.

Underwater Scooter

Driving an underwater scooter in the Maldives is an excellent option for people who cannot dive but still want to experience marine life from up close. The best part about scooters is that you do not need any certification to enjoy this ride, nor do you have to carry any equipment.

The scooter is like an underwater bike wherein the passenger sits comfortably with their head in a glass bubble. They can then go down to a depth of 5meters and use the handlebars to guide the scooter. This is not a thrill ride since the device runs at 2 km/hours maximum. And one needs to be careful and not damage any corals during the dive. Some places also have twin-seater underwater scooters so that you can explore the beauty of the ocean with a family member.

Snorkeling with Catamaran Sailing

Snorkeling is possible literally everywhere in the Maldives. Still, taking a catamaran trip to a site known to have an abundance of aquatic life is worth the money and time. Furthermore, being on a catamaran or a traditional Maldivian boat, dhoni, adds to the charm of the excursion.

Snorkel gear is usually included in the trip. If you are aiming for a budget holiday in the Maldives, bring your own equipment. Maldives is also an excellent place to learn snorkeling. Just make sure you do so with a good guide and preferably go in a group the first few times.