Just saying the name out loud “The Maldives” conjures up images of white sandy beaches, clear skies and cobalt blue waters.

 For some reason, every time I say “Maldives” I tend to lean back – way back – in my reclining chair, which brings more vivid colour to my mind, and this includes exotic foods, tropical drinks, and tons of water sport fun. Having never visited the islands, it’s fair to say that it is right up close to the top of my bucket list, as I am sure it is for many other people and having already experienced Mauritius, the Maldives seems like a step up.

Located just 400km off the southern tip of India (that’s the same distance between Joburg and Bloemfontein), the Maldives boasts over 1,000 islands and is a haven for all types of travellers. Resorts are usually located on their own island with their own unique restaurants, bars, and even spa centres. The variety on offer is amazing and if you’re having a hard time deciding on where to go, rather speak to an expert. As for the rest, we let the pictures do all the talking!

Top 10 things I’d love to do in the Maldives

1. Swim with Manta Rays in Hanifaru Bay

Hanifaru Bay is a sea (marine) reserve in Baa Atoll under the protection of UNESCO. This is the only place where you can see up to 200 manta rays!

2. Swim with Whale Sharks

The average size of this fish in the Maldives varies from 6 to 10 meters. These sharks move very slowly so that you can easily swim as close as you want to. Don’t worry these sharks are absolutely safe because they eat plankton.

3. See glowing plankton

This is a rather rare but an extremely fascinating phenomena which you can observe in the moonlight. The bioluminescent sea will glow when it’s disturbed by a wave breaking or a splash in the water at night, and marine creatures like some fish, squid, tiny crustaceans and algae produce bioluminescence to either confuse predators, attract prey or even lure potential mates.

4. Dive with Hammerhead Sharks

You’ll find only a few spots in the Maldives where you can meet  Hammerhead Sharks. One of these places belongs to Bathala Resort, Addu Atoll. This is the kind of adventure reserved for James Bond movies.

5. Underwater massage

We’ve all seen the pictures on facebook and instagram where some resorts have built these amazing underwater rooms surrounded by glass walls that are staring into the beautiful turquoise ocean. An underwater spa experience is high on the list.

6. Seaplane Safari

Take a Seaplane Tour – A cross between a plane and helicopter, this seems like a super fun and quick way to see nearly all the 1,200 island in the Maldives plus the atolls and reefs.

7. Dive off a balcony

A must on the list is to stay in a luxury water villa, where the first thing you can do in the morning, is leap off your private balcony, straight into the Indian Ocean, and head back up for a coffee.

8. Private beach picnic

Indulge in a picnic hamper full of Maldivian delicacies and treats, couple with chilled tropical drinks on a private beach or sandbank surrounded by nothing but the warm Indian Ocean.

9. Fly boarding

What better place in the world to try out fly boarding. It’s the kind of activity reserved for pop music videos and seems like a truck load of fun.

10. Enjoy a Dhoni Sunset

A Dhoni is a Maldivian-designed boat used for fishing and transport of passengers or goods and was traditionally a sailing craft with a graceful tall curved prow. The perfect way to experience a traditional sundowner – the Island way!

By Your Adventure Guy