10 Excursions You Must Take Your Kids at Waldorf Astoria Maldives

One of the unique characteristics about Maldives as a holiday destination is that dolphins can be spotted on most days of the year.

This is because Maldives falls within migratory paths that cut across warm waters in the Indian Ocean.

There is therefore an abundance of dolphins that thrive naturally around the atolls and deep ocean channels.

Over 20 different species of whales and dolphins have been documented in the Maldives.

Spinner dolphins stand out as the most common species when tourists take boat trips to islands and cruises at sundown.

In fact, there is no single place where spotting dolphins becomes impossible in Maldives.

Dolphins love moving between lagoons, channels, and outer reefs when hunting fish carried in ocean currents.

Activities & Experiences

There are many ocean activities and experiences related to spotting dolphins when visiting the Maldives.

Some popular options include:

Another amazing thing about Maldivian spinner dolphins is their daily movement pattern.

Typically, these spinner dolphins rest within the calm water of lagoons during the daytime.

At sunset time, they move further into the deep sea for hunting squids and small fish and return at dawn.

Predictable dolphin movements make sunset boat excursions in the Maldives particularly effective.

Contrary to dolphins in captivity, Maldivian spinner dolphins are always attracted by boats just for fun reasons.

Spinner dolphins swim around boat waves, spin around the surface of water and even accompany the moving ships in a curious manner.

Maldivian spinner dolphins prefer areas near Ari Atoll and Baa Atoll because deep channels near the atoll provide sufficient opportunities for feeding marine animals.

In addition to its tourist attractiveness, the Maldives serves as an essential marine conservation research area.

Scientists observe dolphins in order to investigate the migration patterns and prevent any negative effects of the environment.

A traditional excursion to watch Maldivian spinner dolphins is usually done in a local traditional fishing vessel called 'dhoni' or a more modern type of boat like a speedboat.

Finally, the beautiful Maldives sunset accompanied by jumping dolphins is a perfect ending of your holiday.

The Maldives is one of the most favorable locations for parasailing in the world due to lagoons free from waves, tropical climate, and magnificent scenery from the sky.

Parasailing in the Maldives lets tourists enjoy the opportunity to fly over the crystal-clear water while having amazing views on coral reefs, islands, beaches, and the Indian Ocean.

The sport is interesting not only because it is an adventure but also gives tourists the opportunity to see beautiful places in the country.

It should be noted that in many cases parasailing happens around the luxurious resort hotels and popular local islands by professional teams for water sports.

Activities and Experiences

When tourists decide to try out parasailing in Maldives, they can engage in different water activities.

Among popular activities, it is worth mentioning the following ones:

Parasailing is when you hook a special parachute to a speedboat with a very long rope and let the riders float gently over the sea.

The most appealing thing about parasailing in the Maldives is undoubtedly the bird's-eye view it provides.

The atolls look like perfectly round rings, and one will get to see lagoons, reefs, sandy patches, and beautiful blue shades surrounding the islands.

Flights are usually very smooth because there is quite a stable climate in many Maldivian lagoons with little wind blowing.

There is also a great demand for sunset rides since during this time of day, the colors in the sky provide a stunning backdrop for the tropical atmosphere of the island.

A number of resorts in the Maldives also arrange tandem flights that make parasailing very popular among couples.

All professional parasailing service providers adhere to international safety requirements and make sure their clients get life vests and a safety briefing before boarding.

Apart from the thrill of flight, parasailing in the Maldives also provides its riders with a quiet ride that lets them silently glide through the air looking down at the endless blue below.

The Maldives have a long history of strong ties with water, and sunset fishing is one of the activities that tourists must indulge in when visiting the country. The activity symbolizes the relationship between the locals and water because fishing is the oldest and most traditional practice in Maldives.

The old practice takes place in the evenings and utilizes traditional dhonis. While touring the beautiful Indian Ocean with traditional boats, tourists are shown how to hand-line traditionally in those boats as they watch the sun set over the water.

Traditional fishing and modern fishing are different in some aspects. Traditional fishing emphasizes improvement of skill and creation of harmony between humans and nature.

Activities & Experiences

Apart from engaging in the fascinating activity of sunset fishing in the Maldives, several other interesting activities are recommended.

Another aspect that makes traditional fishing in the Maldives rather unique is simplicity. Unlike other methods involving advanced rods and equipment, Maldivian fishing uses hand lines with hooks filled with bait. Fishing skills are taught and perfected through generations.

Visitors are often brought to deep waters at sunset time to enjoy calm waters with reflections of golden skies on water surfaces. It is during sunset that reef and pelagic fishes appear more frequently.

Guests can join the sunset fishing tours in traditional Maldivian boats called dhoni. Guides provide interesting stories regarding the Maldivian culture and way of life while showing how to fish.

Sometimes tourists are able to return to resorts with the fresh catch to serve dinner with locally cooked products – something like a farm-to-table experience but from the sea.

Such regions as South Ari Atoll and North Male Atoll are especially popular with sunset fishing tours due to quiet waters and a variety of fish there.

Thus, traditional fishing is a kind of cultural immersion into the life of Maldivians and its peculiarities.

Sunset tours combined with fishing offer an excellent opportunity to learn a new culture in a very entertaining and interesting way.

Maldives is popular with the luxury wellness culture that the destination embraces, thus many of the resorts in Maldives have created a specific spa experience for young guests called Junior Spa Experiences. This kind of spa experience has been designed specifically to introduce young kids into the world of relaxation and mindfulness in an appropriate, enjoyable and safe manner.

As opposed to the spa experiences that adult guests are provided with, junior spa experiences include such mild forms of relaxation as massages, skin care, aroma therapies, and different wellness activities.

Spa experience areas in luxury family resorts of Maldives provide children with the opportunity to enjoy their first wellness experience in a safe and appropriate setting under the professional supervision of the staff.

Activities and Experiences

Those guests who are experiencing junior spa treatments in Maldives can try some fun and relaxing wellness activities, such as:

Another important aspect of Junior spa programs in the Maldives is the emphasis on creating conditions that will be comfortable and safe for children. For this purpose, the processes use hypoallergenic products.

In addition, children get the opportunity to gain new knowledge during their visit to a spa resort in one of the resorts in which the process takes place. Indeed, many resorts include educational elements in Junior spa experiences aimed at teaching children hygiene, relaxation, and well-being.

A family-friendly spa experience could include organizing separate procedures in rooms located next to each other so that neither the parents nor the children disturb each other's relaxation.

At the same time, the spa experience allows engaging in some educational activities related to wellness and relaxation. For example, a spa room for kids can be provided in the resorts, where there will be some activities, such as making scrubs or identifying herbs.

Additionally, the relaxed environment is facilitated by the islands' relaxed atmosphere in the Maldives.

It should be noted that Junior spas are particularly popular among those who visit wellness and luxury resorts and generation-family oriented resorts.

These types of resorts are found in tourist places like Baa Atoll and North Male Atoll.

Maldives is one of the ideal destinations for undertaking an unforgettable diving expedition into the depths of the ocean. A choice of a private snorkel tour provides travelers with numerous chances to explore various coral reefs underneath the water.

Unlike regular snorkeling trips, a private tour ensures sufficient time spent underwater and individual attention from a guide, comfort during the journey, and unique experiences for the guests.

During private snorkeling tours, people visit different lagoons and reefs with the help of skilled guides. As the Maldivian waterways are crystal-clear, people will have no difficulties viewing various species of fish and coral reefs.

These tours are especially popular among couples, families, and amateur and professional photographers.

Activities and Excursions

Tourists who choose a private snorkeling tour to the Maldives can participate in various adventurous water-related activities.

Another interesting thing that can be seen on snorkeling trips is the visits to coral reefs that are secluded from tourists. The excursions can take place in private lagoons and coral gardens that contain various types of fish and other sea animals.

Several species of animals are known to inhabit the islands. These include reef fish, rays, turtles, amazing corals, and more. With clear blue water, visitors get a chance to observe marine wildlife in the water within a few meters.

The private snorkeling tours will come with experienced guides that assist snorkelers to get used to the gear and the guidelines of the sport.

There are many popular destinations for tourists to participate in such activities where South Ari Atoll and Baa Atoll make great places for them to see due to the richness of fauna and flora found there.

Some high-end hotels in the Maldives have organized such tours for guests with beach lunches or even dolphin watching included in some cases.

Snorkeling in Maldives is a unique experience where you can explore mother nature.

Paddleboard travel in the Maldives is bound to be incredibly peaceful. Paddle boarding offers an opportunity to enjoy the peaceful lagoons as well as picturesque tropical islands.

Paddle boarding offers an opportunity to relax, maintain balance, and have fun moving across the clear water surface leisurely. Stand-up paddle boarding differs from other water sports in terms of speed since stand-up paddle boarding is not about the speed. The sport is more about being in nature and exploring lagoons surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Due to calm lagoons and shallow reefs, the Maldives is the best location to enjoy paddle boarding throughout the year. Paddle boarding has become quite popular among tourists and has been considered as one of the most eco-friendly water sports in the Maldives.

Activities and Experiences

Travelers interested in having a paddle boarding holiday in the Maldives have several activities to choose from:

Crystal clear water in Maldives ensures that paddleboarding riders discover wonderful underwater tropical world surrounded by fish and rays.

It is also common to do stand-up paddle boarding at the sunrise or sunset hours since you can get access to beautiful views because of the calm sea waters and beautiful colors of the sky.

There are luxury resorts which make glass paddle boards to increase water visibility while exploring the sea.

SUP yoga is another trend popular with visitors of the Maldives since you combine yoga with stand-up paddle boarding and practice in a serene environment.

There are locations which have beautiful calm lagoons and thus are appropriate for stand-up paddle boarding; North Male Atoll and Baa Atoll are such places.

Stand-up paddle boarding in the Maldives is an ideal activity for everyone regardless of age as the equipment involved is minimal.

Unlike some water sports which are motorized, paddle boarding does not cause any disturbance to marine life.

Paddleboard travel in the Maldives is bound to be incredibly peaceful. Paddle boarding offers an opportunity to enjoy the peaceful lagoons as well as picturesque tropical islands.

Paddle boarding offers an opportunity to relax, maintain balance, and have fun moving across the clear water surface leisurely. Stand-up paddle boarding differs from other water sports in terms of speed since stand-up paddle boarding is not about the speed. The sport is more about being in nature and exploring lagoons surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Due to calm lagoons and shallow reefs, the Maldives is the best location to enjoy paddle boarding throughout the year. Paddle boarding has become quite popular among tourists and has been considered as one of the most eco-friendly water sports in the Maldives.

Activities and Experiences

Travelers interested in having a paddle boarding holiday in the Maldives have several activities to choose from:

Crystal clear water in Maldives ensures that paddleboarding riders discover wonderful underwater tropical world surrounded by fish and rays.

It is also common to do stand-up paddle boarding at the sunrise or sunset hours since you can get access to beautiful views because of the calm sea waters and beautiful colors of the sky.

There are luxury resorts which make glass paddle boards to increase water visibility while exploring the sea.

SUP yoga is another trend popular with visitors of the Maldives since you combine yoga with stand-up paddle boarding and practice in a serene environment.

There are locations which have beautiful calm lagoons and thus are appropriate for stand-up paddle boarding; North Male Atoll and Baa Atoll are such places.

Stand-up paddle boarding in the Maldives is an ideal activity for everyone regardless of age as the equipment involved is minimal.

Unlike some water sports which are motorized, paddle boarding does not cause any disturbance to marine life.

Maldives is renowned for its amazing sandbanks – small islands of pristine sands surrounded by an unlimited expanse of blue waters and clear lagoons. Maldives sandbank adventure offers tourists the impression of stepping onto a deserted tropical paradise in the ocean.

The naturally formed sandbanks are amongst the most stunning locations of Maldives and are often visited by couples seeking for romantic adventures, photographers, divers, and people looking for a tranquil vacation in nature.

Some sandbanks form in periods of low tide, others are accessible throughout the whole day.

The natural beauty of Maldives' sandbanks and their absolute isolation offer unique vacation experiences.

Activities and Experiences

During sandbank adventures in Maldives tourists can explore numerous tropical and luxurious activities.

The most amazing part of sandbank adventures in Maldives is the feeling of unparalleled privacy. Being surrounded by blue ocean water provides tourists with unique opportunities of relaxation in nature.

Since shallow lagoons surround sandbanks, one can freely swim or snorkel within them to enjoy exploring the coral gardens and see the colorful reef fish.

Visiting sandbanks is magical during sunrise or sunset hours when colorful skies are reflected onto the water's surface.

South Ari Atoll and North Male Atoll have gained a reputation for having breathtaking sandbanks and crystal clear lagoons.

Couples prefer to take part in sandbank escapes when spending their honeymoons because of the isolated environment that makes the experience unique and romantic.

The unique shape of the sandbanks keeps changing depending on the influence of the tidal movement and ocean currents.

Travelers who seek relaxation, natural scenery, and unique tropical experiences will find sandbank escape in Maldives an important part of their vacation.

The Maldives provides one of the most amazing locations for beginners' scuba diving tours around the world and special scuba diving courses designed for kids specifically. The program “Discover Scuba Diving” is a unique opportunity for young people to discover the underwater world, having an unforgettable time in the ocean while diving under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Warm water, shallow lagoons, and clear visibility in Maldives make this place a perfect location for a beginner's scuba diving trip.

Activities and Experiences

There is a list of the most popular activities that young people can enjoy during their beginner scuba diving tours in Maldives:

A high level of safety is one of the main elements of any discovery scuba diving experience, including special courses for young people. That is why instructors provide children with all the necessary information about diving techniques and equipment at first.

The Maldives provides an ideal location for novice divers since many reef spots offer calm currents and high visibility, making the underwater experience less challenging and frightening.

Instructors teach kids with child-friendly techniques that encourage their confidence as they learn more about protecting the ocean and its creatures from their diving.

Many organizations allow entire families to join the activity together, providing great bonding opportunities for both parents and children on an ocean adventure exploring the corals.

The popular beginner diving locations like North Male Atoll and Baa Atoll feature calm lagoons perfect for diving lessons of beginners.

Novice divers get to see beautiful reef fishes, small rays, corals, and occasionally sea turtles as well.

Aside from fun, these adventures instill interest among young adventurers regarding the ocean life and conservation.

For some parents, getting kids to dive in the Maldives turns out to be one of the most fun and memorable experiences of their island holiday.