Some places on this planet are just too good to be true. Ever since I saw the Maldives from the air for the first time - the small islands with their dreamy white beaches and turquoise lagoons, strung like pearls on a necklace - I fell in love. I have been very fortunate to have been to the kingdom of islands several times and would like to help you plan your own trip with my Maldives vacation experiences.

You have to imagine that: you fly halfway around the world and end up in the middle of nowhere: far and wide there is nothing but water and in the middle there is a small piece of land. And by the way, it's the most beautiful piece of land imaginable. the Maldives (travelogue) are an archipelago of over 1.000 islands in the Indian Ocean. 200 of the small islands are inhabited.

The archipelago stretches for hundreds of kilometers from north to south and is grouped into atolls that, from the air, look like turquoise pigment spots in the dark blue ocean. This is breathtaking - I was in love from the first moment and would like to share the excitement of my Maldives vacation experiences with you.

Video – Maldives vacation experiences

Below I have picked out a video for you that will give you a nice impression of the beautiful islands of the Maldives. I also made videos during my visits, but they are not as high quality as the one below.

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Stunning hotels and resorts

The Maldives are known for their beaches, blue lagoons and extensive reefs. In the middle of the islands, as a rule, there is dense jungle in which exotic animals live. There are now more than 100 of the islands (and counting) with hotels and resorts that are second to none. The resort islands with their luxurious overwater villas and beach villas are located in the atolls - sometimes far away from the main island of Malé.

Don't forget the capital Malé

And the culture of the Maldives is also unique. The capital Malé has a bustling fish market, restaurants and shops on the main thoroughfare Majeedhee Magu and the 17th-century Hukuru Miskiy (also known as the Old Friday Mosque) carved from white coral. If you are in the Maldives, you should definitely visit the capital if possible. There is a window of opportunity for this right before departure, when you are headed for the international airport anyway.

Ideal for honeymooners, beach holidaymakers, luxury fans and wellness enthusiasts

The Maldives has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, an action-packed adventure or a relaxing beach holiday. Experience the natural beauty of the Maldives while snorkeling or diving with colorful fish and turtles in the crystal clear waters, take a stroll along the white sandy beaches, go on a safari tour to see dolphins or manta rays – or indulge in spas at your resort like one traditional Maldivian massage, jacuzzis and hammam. The Maldives are the epitome of beach holidays, luxury and deep relaxation, because you are completely torn from your everyday life. You're practically so far removed from civilization and all its problems that you can arrive and let go immediately.

No matter how you want to spend your Maldives vacation at the end - the islands are perfect for many requirements. With my Maldives vacation experiences and tips for your perfect trip, I don't want to make the kingdom of the island even more palatable to you, but above all I want to give you valuable tips for your trip - so that it becomes even more beautiful and relaxed.

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Maldives vacation experiences: my reasons for visiting

There are more than enough good reasons for a trip to the Maldives. What can I say? If you are still unsure whether you should head to the island kingdom or perhaps choose another travel destination, here are my reasons based on my Maldives vacation experiences that speak for a trip in the middle of the Indian Ocean:

1. Enjoy the luxury of your own Water Villa or Beach Villa on your luxurious resort island. Do you usually stay in small hotel rooms or suites? Not in the Maldives - you get your own villa on most islands.
2. The hotels and resorts attach great importance to haute cuisine and good food. Many ingredients are grown on the islands or come straight from the sea - caught by local fishermen.
3. Enjoy a beach holiday with the finest white sand, lukewarm, turquoise water on a gorgeous lagoon.
4. Experience the natural beauty of the Maldives while snorkeling or diving in its clear blue waters - with turtles, sharks, whale sharks, manta rays and dolphins.
5. Take a stroll along the white sandy beaches. How many times a day can you make it around your resort island?
6. Go on a safari tour - either as a day flight for dolphin watching or as a liveaboard to the most beautiful dive sites in the Maldives.
7. In many resorts there is a large wellness spa with pools, hammam, sauna and of course traditional Maldivian massages. Then you float over the island.

As you can see, there are enough good reasons for a trip to the Maldives. If you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday, the Maldives is the perfect destination. With its clear blue waters and white sandy beaches, the Maldives is a true paradise. You can spend your days lounging on the beach, swimming in the crystal clear waters, or exploring the underwater world with snorkeling and diving. That alone would be enough of a reason, right?

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Does the Maldives seem too boring to you?

At first glance, the idea of ​​taking a two-week vacation on a tiny island might seem a bit boring. But the Maldives also has a lot to offer for those looking for an action-packed adventure. You can fill the day just by filling the whole day with sports activities. You go swimming or snorkeling in the lagoon after getting up in the morning, then do two dives with the local dive center, go stand up paddling around the island in the afternoon, go to the fitness center before dinner.

Afterwards there is the finest cuisine and after a nightcap at the bar you are ready for bed anyway after a day full of activity and sun. If you don't have that yet, you can go on excursions and see the local islands of the Maldives, for example. And of course, no trip to the Maldives would be complete without spending some time in the capital, Malé. With its bustling fish market and bustling restaurants and shops, Malé is a great place to experience Maldivian culture.

And if you just want to relax for a day, that's nice too - when in our hectic world do you still have time to spend a whole day under a palm tree on the beach?

And there is so much else you can do. I can imagine a typical Maldives day that unfortunately goes around too fast:

Time of day	Enterprise
7h	Wake up
7.30 h	Morning swim in the lagoon
8h	Breakfast in the restaurant
9.30 h	Relaxing on the beach
10 h	SUP tour around the island
12 h	Lunch in the restaurant
13 h	Midday nap by the private pool
14.30 h	Snorkeling tour with marine biologist and turtle
16 h	Massage appointment in the wellness area
17 h	Siesta in the villa
18.30 h	Dinner in the restaurant
20 h	Drinks in the resort bar

The top leisure activities in the Maldives at a glance

Below I have put together the most important information about leisure activities from my Maldives vacation experiences - it gives you an overview of what you can do on the islands. The Maldives are full of possibilities anyway, so boredom on vacation is certainly not an option.

1. Go diving and snorkeling or learn to dive

Probably by far the nicest pastime on one Maldives island is diving. There are several wonderful diving spots in the atolls and around the islands. And in general, the lagoons and around the resort islands are wonderful Schnorcheln. Most of the resort islands have diving centers that organize dives and excursions with the Dhoni for you.

Unfortunately, coral bleaching has also struck the Maldives. That's why a lot of corals have died and a lot is broken underwater. Unfortunately, this affects many great diving destinations around the world. The blame is climate change and the warming of the water.

But you can discover an incredible number of marine animals in the waters of the Maldives. Among the most frequently sighted living things are Hedge, Dolphins, Rays, whale Sharks and manta rays. You will of course also find tons of colorful fish and turtles roaming the waters. I could even see turtles right in front of the Beach Villa on the beach.

The sharks are definitely one of the most impressive marine animals in the Maldives. You can discover them both on the house reef while snorkeling and while diving on the outer reefs. Often the animals sighted are smaller reef sharks. But larger species such as bull sharks also occur. You have the jackpot if you come across a huge and harmless whale shark while diving. The greatest danger when diving in the Maldives is the underwater current, which can be very strong on many reefs. However, one also has to say: where there is a lot of current, the big fish usually cavort as well.

Many vacationers travel to the Maldives with the intention of diving. If you don't have a diving license yet, it may be a good idea to start diving in the Maldives. In any case, it is advisable to go snorkeling together with the local diving school. If possible, get your diving license before the trip in Europe so that you can enjoy the dives and the time on site to the maximum.

2. Explore the islands by SUP or kayak

The daily tour with the SUP board around my resort island was one of the highlights of my Maldives trips. Usually there is a water sports center on the islands where you can rent SUPs and kayaks and set off on your own. Often there are also sailboats, catamarans and jet skis - basically everything that is fun on the water.

When you set off on your board, you will find relatively quickly that each island has two sides - the side facing the wind and one facing away. Depending on whether you SUP beginners or advanced, you should choose your route accordingly. Because where the wind meets land, there are usually a lot of waves and the terrain is more demanding. I would definitely recommend a life jacket. And if in doubt, it makes sense to keep visual contact with the water sports center. For example, my paddle broke - so someone could pick me up by boat immediately.

I have always enjoyed my SUP tours in the Maldives to the full. On the one hand, I had a sports program and, at the same time, downright meditation, because you are out and about in this scenic SUP area.

3. Swim or bathe in the lagoon

After arriving in the Maldives for the first time and moving into my accommodation, I am immediately in my swimming trunks Beach stormed and into the water. The crystal clear, turquoise water in the lagoon is lukewarm and you can splash around in it for hours.

I don't want to spoil the game, but there are a few safety tips even for this harmless-looking beach: Everywhere on the beach there are sometimes very sharp shells and pieces of dead coral. So you should be careful where you step or you will quickly have a gaping, bleeding wound. I speak from experience. Bathing shoes or slippers are recommended at all times.

And the solar radiation is also extremely high. It is therefore essential that you pack plenty of sun milk at home - preferably Australian standard with a sun protection factor of 50+. Forgetting suntan lotion can be expensive: Im Shop on the resort island, 100 ml cost 15 dollars.

4. Dhoni tour with dolphins, sunset and uninhabited islands

If you want to venture out to nine shores on your Maldives trip, the best way to do it is with the traditional dhoni. On the resort islands, numerous tours for very different tastes are usually offered to holidaymakers. One of the most popular trips is the dolphin tours, where you can watch the playful marine mammals in the wild and possibly even snorkel with them. These tours are usually very exclusive and absolutely animal-friendly - not to be compared with dolphin watching at many other holiday destinations.

The trips to lonely islands, which are usually combined with a picnic on the corresponding island, are also very relaxed. You can then spend several hours relaxing on a picturesque, tropical island and enjoying life. There is usually plenty of provisions on board. And sunset tours are also very popular - especially of course for couples who are newly in love and who often spend their honeymoons in the Maldives.

As is so often the case, of course, there is one catch: when you are traveling by boat between the islands in the Maldives, the waves can be very strong and still rock hard. Even for die-hard seafarers, this is not easy to bear. Therefore, you should definitely have enough travel tablets with you in your first-aid kit. And secondly, you probably don't have to say that the trips are usually not included in the tour price and cost extra.

5. Visit to a local island

Most Maldivians live in the capital Malé. The rest reside on very small islands with villages that usually have a maximum of a few hundred people. And that's what real life in the Maldives looks like. While the vacationers linger in their luxury resorts, the Maldivians live their normal everyday life on the local islands - there are houses, sports facilities, schools and small shops. Locals tend to work in the surrounding resorts or in Malé.

If you go on a trip to the local island near your resort island, you can usually buy souvenirs there or get little things in the supermarket.

On the islands of the locals there are more and more guest houses in which travelers can also take a complete vacation. These accommodations are far cheaper than the luxury resorts on the islands and for those who want to experience the Maldives up close, they may be a better choice. Depending on the characteristics, the accommodations are very similar to holiday homes, apartments and better hostels.

Of course, there are also rules on the local islands that visitors should adhere to: On the one hand, they should dress respectfully. Bathing in a bikini is only allowed in specially designated bathing areas. And there is a strict ban on alcohol on the local islands. In some cases, however, there is an area reserved for tourists where you can drink - for example on a ship anchored off the island.

6. Chat with the marine biologist

There are on many resort islands Marine biologistswho usually oversee a wide range of projects. You go on animal observation tours with the guests and dedicate themselves to animal protection - for example the turtles and manta rays. If you are interested as a guest, the experts don't just show you Wildlife, but also how you can get actively involved in animal welfare.

On site, guests can actively participate in projects - for example, by identifying turtles by their grain while snorkeling. And of course there is always the possibility to sponsor an animal.

7. Massage applications in the wellness area

You can relax and unwind incredibly well in the Maldives - lying on the beach all day, eating and letting your mind wander. But the icing on the cake are the massages in the wellness area, which will take you to a whole new level of relaxation and ensure a lot of relaxation.

As a rule, there are a large number of treatments in the resort, which are carried out by highly professional therapists. In addition, you often have the option of going to the steam bath Sauna or go to the hot tub.

8. Enjoy culinary delicacies

The food on the resort islands is generally great. The buffets leave nothing to be desired. In the Maldives, of course, fish is particularly eaten, which is delivered freshly caught by local fishermen. So this should be your first choice for every meal. Otherwise, food has to be imported into the island nation. Everything that does not come from the sea or the gardens on the islands is imported from Dubai or India.

In addition to the buffet, in the resorts you are usually offered to eat exclusively in the à la carte restaurant. That costs usually extra and is even more exclusive. In the restaurants, several courses are often served and unusual dishes are offered. Thematically there are very different offers - from sushi to Asian, Italian and Indian everything is there. It all depends on the island you are on.

Of course, a special highlight is when dinner is moved to the beach and takes place there under the starry sky. It is precisely then that the chefs and staff really make an effort. Basically, a Maldives vacation revolves around the food. The sea air, the good weather and the exuberant atmosphere make you hungry. For this reason, you should definitely book full board or all inclusive. The day is long and a small lunch with a drink can easily cost between 30 and 150 dollars per person and meal.

9. Visit to the capital, Malé

The Maldives capital Malé is truly an unreal structure. It rises from the middle of the ocean - only surrounded by water and other islands. If you are in the Maldives, you can of course take a detour to the capital to take a closer look at it.

On Malé you will find above all magnificent mosques, parks and artificial beaches, museums, the University of the Maldives and numerous shops and restaurants - everything like a typical big city. The airport is located next to Malé on the island of Hulumale, which is connected to Malé by a bridge. A visit to Malé is a good idea on arrival or departure, as most of the resort islands are quite far from the capital.

10. Chill on the beach and enjoy the accommodation

One of the highlights of a Maldives vacation is that you can be on most of the islands and in many Hotels has its own little hideaway. It is very rare that there are multi-storey buildings with several rooms. Usually you have your own beach villa or water villa on a jetty in the lagoon - isolated from the neighbors with plenty of privacy. You often have your own access to the sea or even your own small stretch of beach for yourself.

Depending on the equipment of the villa, it will even be difficult to part with your small property. Because in many resorts and hotels you have your own pool, several terraces, a huge bed and your own coffee machine in the room - so actually everything is there to retire to.

It certainly doesn't make sense to just stay in your villa for 14 days in a row in the Maldives. But commuting between the beach and the pool for a day or two seems completely okay to me.

Swim in the crystal clear waters or snorkel and dive at magnificent reefs

Either your Beach Villa has its own small section of beach with access to the lagoon or you can jump directly into the turquoise, crystal clear and lukewarm water of the lagoon from your Water Villa. The Maldives has some of the clearest waters in the world, making it a perfect destination for bathing and swimming.

With its clear blue waters and white sandy beaches, the Maldives is a swimmer's paradise. If you feel like it, you can simply sit in the shallow water of the lagoon for hours and swim or swim around the resort island.

However, I wouldn't go in the water without a scuba mask because you don't know what you might be missing out on. Turtles and colorful fish can often be found in the lagoons of the resort islands, which you can see while snorkeling. If you snorkel at your island's house reef, you might even see sharks. And those who want to discover even more sea creatures can also go into the water with the local dive center. There is a lot to discover on the reefs.

Sea creatures in Maldives

The Maldives is home to an abundance of marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkelers and divers alike. Whether you want to see colorful fish or majestic coral reefs, the Maldives has something for everyone. So why not give it a try? You might fall in love with the underwater world of the Maldives.

Maldivian culture

The Maldives is a culturally rich country with a long history and diverse traditions. From the vibrant capital Malé to the stunning beaches and blue lagoons, the Maldives has something for everyone. If you want to experience the culture of the Maldives, there is no better place than the capital, Malé.

With its bustling fish market and lively restaurants and shops, Malé is a great place to experience Maldivian culture. Anyone who resides on a resort island can also visit the local islands in their atoll. The authentic life of the Maldives rages there too.

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Maldives vacation experiences: once in a lifetime - at least

My conclusion

I love the Maldives so much - and that probably became clear in the description of my Maldives vacation experiences. You can also find more information about games at visit maldives. The archipelago in the Indian Ocean is definitely a travel destination that you should visit once in your life - or more often. Because even if the islands may seem a bit boring at first glance - they are not. The Maldives is a truly unique destination that has something to offer for everyone.

Whether you want to lounge on the beach, explore the underwater world or get to know the culture of the Maldives. Once you have visited the archipelago, you will probably feel the same way as my Maldives holiday experiences: you will fall in love and want to return again and again.

Have you ever been to the Maldives or are you planning a trip to the paradise islands in the Indian Ocean? Share your experiences in the comments.