The island nation of Maldives consists of twenty-six atolls located in the Indian Ocean, about 400 kilometres south-west of India. Maldives is the world's lowest country in terms of ground level, with each island boasting diverse and fascinating marine life. Maldives benefits from truly wonderful weather, beautiful natural, unique scenery and some utterly amazing beaches. A world-class, popular holiday destination, add Maldives to your bucket list - you definitely won't regret it!
Family friendly
Considered as one of the best beaches in the world and often ranked among the top 5 most beautiful natural beaches, the southern beach of Nalaguraidhoo is seriously beautiful and offers a good range of tourist friendly services nearby in other words if you want a pina colada and tasty nibbles on rotate - you're sorted. The coral reefs are well worth a lingering snorkell; you'll be rewarded with a diverse range of colourful coral and rich marine life.
The island of Soneva Fushi boasts a number of tourist friendly beaches that surround its beautiful interior. There are numerous activities to do and lots of things to see at Soneva Fushi as this beach is where you will find Maldives' only planetarium. It is also home to the largest variety of water sports providers including several diving schools. This lively beach is ideal for families with children as well as for water sports enthusiasts, with numerous bars and restaurants across its length. Other points of interest at Soneva Fushi include a permaculture garden of organic fruits and several fusion cuisine restaurants.
Meedhupparu is a gorgeous, family-friendly beach on the Raa Atoll. Here tourists can find numerous family-friendly facilities and a four star resort offering lots of amenities to help make your time at the beach hassle free and enjoyable. These amenities include public showers and toilets, three restaurants, two bars, a spa and lifeguard services.
Lively beaches
The Cocoa Island Beaches are two very popular beaches, loved by scuba divers and partygoers alike. The northern beach is full of clubs and attracts young crowds while the southern beach of Cocoa island is a sea turtle reserve where tourists can watch enormous turtles go about their business.
Male, Maldives' capital is the epicentre of entertainment and culture in this island nation but until recently it lacked a proper beach. Not any more, Male's manmade beach gives tourists and locals the opportunity to enjoy all the amenities that Male has to offer as well as an attractive beach. The beach often plays host to live music events, local festivals, swimming contests and beach sports events, making it one of the liveliest spots in the area.
Vabbinfaru island's beaches are very popular with tourists as they are among the highest rated in the whole Indian Ocean. The island's western side is ideal for water sports and fishing, attracting divers and fishing trips, while Vabbinfaru's eastern side houses the Banyan Tree resort and is a very lively beach loved for its range of restaurants, cocktail bars and beach parties.
Filitheyo island is surrounded by a single, unbroken beach that is alive with activities, night and day. There are several dive schools offering affordable lessons and mini diving trips during the day, and numerous beach bars become the perfect backdrop for lively beach parties come nightfall.
Chaaya Lagoon in the Meemu Atoll is a lively beach thanks to the famous Chaaya Lagoon Hakuraa Huraa resort that is located there. The resort offers all kinds of tourist facilities and the large beach bar there is almost always full of sun and fun-loving tourists. There are frequent beach sports events here.
Water sports
The Addu city beach is the starting point for dozens of scuba diving excursions across the famous Addu atoll at the southernmost point of Maldives. This is the prime destination for scuba divers, with virtually zero waves, great visibility and strong emphasis on safety.
Situated in a shallow lagoon and encircled by numerous coral reefs, Nika Island boasts a number of wildly different beaches, most of them suitable for water sports. The main coast of Nika Island is ideal for snorkelling thanks to its shallow waters and crystal-clear visibility, while the beach closer to the lagoon itself is a bit more lively and family friendly, with jet ski and parasailing on offer.
A popular scuba diving and snorkelling destination, Angsana Ihuru is conveniently close to some of Maldives' most popular dives, while also being home to an attractive spa for those not so keen on diving. The beach sports ideal conditions for diving including great visibility during the dry months.
The beaches at the Veligandu island are a very popular snorkelling destination for snorkellers of all skill levels. In particular, the 'Three Palms' beach is the starting point for a number of boat excursions and diving trips to explore the spectacular coral reefs and spot elusive marine creatures that inhabit the island's surrounding waters. The beach is very quiet and doesn't have any tourist facilities, so not so great for families with young children.
Angaga island has a number of busy beaches that attract couples, eco tourists and water sports enthusiasts. Angaga's main beach spans two thirds of the island and is a fantastic spot for scuba diving and snorkelling thanks to its diverse marine life, complex coral reefs and great visibility. At the southern side of the island, the Sunset bar and the resort's luxurious water villas make for a lovely romantic spot. The northern end of Angaga's beach is home to sea turtles.
Biyadhoo Island in south Male atoll has unusual winds and surges that make its beaches ideal for surfing, wind surfing and every other kind of wind-powered water sport. The island has consistently strong waves and winds across the year and even though it isn't the most newbie-friendly surfing beach, it is one of the best for experienced surfers.
Fishing & boating
Nalaguraidhoo Island's beach is an iconic destination for boating trips as it is one of the most frequently used beaches on local postcards and tourist guide covers. This pristinely beautiful beach is also home to numerous water sports including windsurfing, jet skiing, canoeing and many others, but is internationally famous as an impressively beautiful locale for boating trips.
Secluded beaches
Mirihi Island at the South Ari Atoll is an impressive romantic getaway destination with secluded, small beaches and a tranquil atmosphere. The largest beach on the island spans just 350 metres and it can be completely deserted at off season month, making it a perfect spot for a bit of sun, sand andcanoodles.
Reethi Rah Island beaches are among the most famous destinations to watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean in Maldives. Much loved by honeymooners, the beaches surrounding Reethi Rah are synonymous with exotic getaway romance. The beaches are also good for dolphin spotting and there are many boat trip offers available around the atoll.
The Kanuhura Island in the secluded Laviyani Atoll is a stunning island that is perfect for honeymoon escapades. It's also popular with a young crowd looking for fun under the sun.
Bandos Island is one of the most iconic honeymoon destinations. Boasting two spectacularly pretty beaches, this island is named after a local yellow flower, which according to the locals is believed to have the power to cure people from poisoning. Both of Bandos' beaches are calm and relaxing, with the beach that houses the eponymous Bandos resort offering excellent facilities.
The Anantara Dhigu at the south Male atoll is a quiet and romantic beach that attracts couples and newlyweds on their honeymoon. Couples can enjoy a private dinner by the sea or walk barefoot on a deserted beach. During off season months, the island can be virtually deserted, offering excellent opportunities for discreet romance under the sky.