Maldives family holidays

Blessed with a rich underwater ecosystem of coral, clear waters and a phenomenal diversity of marine life, it’s not an overstatement to say the Maldives is one of the world’s best destinations for snorkelling. From tiny plankton to mammoth whale sharks, baby sea turtles to majestic manta rays, this underwater world is incredible. And going beneath the surface is sure to be a magical and vivid experience on any family holiday to the Maldives.

A lot of resorts have their very own house reef, which means that the coral is right on your doorstep. Further afield, the best places to snorkel in the Maldives very much depends on when you’re there. Banana Reef, for example, where families can swim side-by-side with the Dory-like royal blue tang fish, is best visited between May and July. Meanwhile, Manta Point is a popular gathering place for manta rays between May and November, making it a good choice for October half term. 

While temperatures in the Maldives don’t tend to vary – ranging between 25°C and 30°C all year round – there are distinct dry and wet periods. December to April is the most popular time for families to visit, as this time of year is warmer, drier and less windy. Plus, it covers the Christmas, Easter and February half-term school holidays. That being said, families who are hoping to see particular marine life may choose to visit later in the year, when visibility for snorkelling is at its peak and certain species of whale or dolphin are in the area. The best month for families wanting to see manta rays and whale sharks in the Maldives, for example, is July – which ties in nicely with the school summer holidays. 

The Maldives has experienced a significant shift in favour of families in recent years, with an enticing assortment of family-friendly accommodation springing up across the island nation. An exciting array of kids’ clubs offer something for all tastes, with everything from cooking classes to snorkelling lessons. The Maldives is a place to experience nature at its most beautiful, as well as its most fragile, giving children the opportunity to learn about environmental matters through eco-activities spearheaded by resorts and hotels. Kids – and parents – can take part in beach cleans, reef litter-picking excursions and coral protection workshops. Plus, you can visit the Maldivian Sea Turtle Conservation Programme, where kids can watch hatchlings being released back into the ocean.

Fun, safe and affordable, watersports in the Maldives are an excellent choice for families looking to spice up their holiday with a thrilling experience on, in or above the sea. The calm waters and protected natural surroundings make the Maldives’ lagoons ideal for those dipping their toes in for the first time, as well as seasoned veterans on the water. Almost every resort offers its own watersports facilities and highly-trained staff to provide excellent guidance. Some hotels even have their own diving school – so if you’ve always wanted to learn how to scuba, the Maldives is the place to do it. If you’re travelling with little ones, activities like two-person kayaking and catamaran sailings offer a safe, relaxing experience, while adrenaline-hungry teenagers will love kitesurfing, parasailing and shrieking on a banana boat.