Sporting Activities in the Maldives

Miles Willis
Jun 6
2 min read

The Maldives is a paradise not only for relaxation but also for a range of popular sporting activities, both in and out of the water. While the calm lagoons are perfect for beginners, the outer reefs and open ocean offer excitement for the more adventurous. Here's a guide to the most popular sports you can enjoy on holiday in the MTop 10 Sporting Activities in the Maldives

1. Snorkelling

Most popular sport in the Maldives
House reefs and lagoons are teeming with tropical fish, rays, turtles, and reef sharks
Best locations: Baa Atoll, South Ari Atoll, Lhaviyani Atoll
Most resorts offer free snorkel gear and guided excursions

2. Scuba Diving

A world-class diving destination with over 2,000 coral reefs
Known for manta rays, whale sharks, wrecks, and drift diving
Best season: December to May (calmer seas, best visibility)
Certified dive centres at most resorts offer PADI and SSI courses

3. Surfing

A magnet for experienced surfers looking for reef breaks
Best time: May to October (Southwest monsoon swell season)
Top surf zones:
- North Malé Atoll (e.g. Chickens, Cokes, Honky’s)
- Central Atolls (less crowded, boat access)
- South Atolls (remote, powerful waves)
Some resorts have direct surf access or offer boat transfers to breaks

4. Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

Great for calm lagoons and reef cruising
Often included free at resorts
Ideal for all fitness levels

5. Kayaking & Canoeing

Another tranquil, low-impact water sport
Glass-bottom kayaks are available at many resorts for viewing coral life
Sunset kayaking is especially popular for couples

6. Jet Skiing

Offered at select resorts with eco-friendly zones
More high-energy and suited for open water
Note: Restricted in some marine protected areas

7. Parasailing

Scenic and thrilling experience flying high over lagoons and reefs
Often packaged with other watersports

8. Big Game Fishing / Sports Fishing

Troll for tuna, sailfish, marlin, and wahoo
Half- or full-day charters available with experienced local crews
Catch-and-release policies are often encouraged

9. Beach Volleyball

Most resorts have a beach volleyball court
Great for socialising and sunset tournaments

10. Table Tennis, Tennis, and Badminton

Available at larger or more active resorts like Sun Siyam Olhuveli, Kuramathi, or LUX*
Indoor and outdoor courts depending on the resort

Honorable Mentions

Kitesurfing – available at some resorts like Dhigurah or Sun Siyam Iru Veli, best from May to September
Windsurfing – easier for beginners in the calm lagoons
Fitness & Gym Classes – many resorts offer yoga, pilates, and bootcamps

Best Resorts for Sporting Enthusiasts

Resort	Best for	Highlights
Kandima Maldives	Active couples/families	Surfing, tennis, gym, watersports centre
Sun Siyam Olhuveli	Value & variety	Diving, SUP, windsurfing, beach sports
LUX South Ari Atoll*	Adventurers	Diving, snorkelling with whale sharks
Six Senses Laamu	Surfing & sustainability	Access to Yin Yang surf break
Kuramathi	Sporty travellers	Full sports centre + multiple dive sites