Thrilling Adventure Activities in Maldives

Looking to add some unforgettable thrills to your holiday in the Maldives? If so, here are some activities that won’t disappoint!

Diving with Sharks

Dive with Sharks
Dive with Sharks | Image via Unsplash

Not to be missed is a chance to dive and swim amongst sharks in the Maldives! Villas at resorts in the Rasdhoo Atoll make ideal accommodation options to be based at; from here, you can head out on early morning dives to places like Shark Point where you have a chance to encounter distinctive hammerhead sharks.

Semi-Submarine Ride

Want to explore underwater worlds without getting wet? Resorts such as Kuramathi Maldives offer rides in a special semi-submarine to enjoy a unique adventure in air-conditioned comfort! Spots such as the Giri Reef are ideal for such excursions providing views of coral and marine life, perfect for photographing too.

Big Game Fishing

Fishing
Fishing | Image via Unsplash

Fishing enthusiasts or those looking to take up this activity have much to look forward to. When out at sea, you can test your skills, patience and strength going head to head with the likes of barracuda, wahoo and tuna! Ideally, choose a resort that adheres to a ‘catch and release’ policy that protects these marine species.

Snorkelling Safaris

Those who can snorkel can head off on snorkelling safaris to various key reefs in an atoll. Look to see if your chosen resort offers such excursions with a marine biologist to guide you as well. Apart from diverse coral and fish, depending on where you go and with a bit of luck, you may encounter turtles or manta rays too!

The Ultimate Guide to Safe Snorkeling in the Maldives

Many water sports that you can try out while holidaying at one of the Maldives luxury resorts are quite safe. However, snorkelling (the one that seems so easy) is the sport that poses some minor threats for you.

 

Snorkel with an Expert

Shallow depths can often lull you into a false sense of safety. If you haven’t been snorkelling much, it would be best if you can tag along with a snorkelling expert. Calm waters may hide strong currents and these guides will help you avoid them.

Avoid Touching Marine Life

Well, you would certainly be mesmerised by the sheer beauty of the life beneath the waves while snorkelling during a holiday spent at a property such as Residence Maldives Falhumaafushi. But, make sure that you avoid touching these creatures as you never know what kinds of threats they may pose.

Coral
Coral | Image via Unspalsh

Use Well-Fitting Equipment

Make sure your snorkelling mask fits well. If it leaks or is too tight you wouldn’t be able to enjoy your snorkelling adventure.

Avoid Coral/ Rock Cuts

It is often advised that you shouldn’t step on corals as it would damage them and would be damaging to you in return. Make sure that you wear reef shoes and a thick wet suit in case you accidentally happen to step on or brush past them.

Maldives Excursions Never to Miss

While the Maldives is known for its water sports, equally enjoyable and captivating are the many excursions on offer; here are a few which you should experience on a holiday.

Sunset Cruises

For those staying at private island resorts, one of the best activities to do in Maldives is to take a cruise on a traditional dhoni (local boat). Sunset cruises are the most popular be it with that special someone as you enjoy a champagne toast or with family or friends to take in and photograph this spectacular sight.

Deserted Island Visits

The country has countless deserted islands and resorts like Adaaran Prestige Water Villas offer excursions to some of them. It’s perfect for couples in search of sublime solitude where they can share a gourmet picnic. Trips for groups are also available and one can sunbathe and snorkel to your heart’s content and enjoy a BBQ lunch too.

Fishing Trips

Another of the exciting things to do in Maldives is to embark on fishing trips. Such excursions in the mornings are ideal to catch big game fish such as dogtooth tuna, marlin and sailfish. Some resorts even offer sunset or night fishing utilising traditional techniques, while your catch can be prepared for dinner the following day.

Dolphin Safaris

The surrounding ocean is home to various dolphin species such as spinner dolphins which can be seen on special excursions. Such dolphin safaris will be a treat for young and old alike and though sightings are not guaranteed, there’s a good chance to witness these marine mammals swimming or frolicking in the water.

Discover the Best of Hikkaduwa

Vacationing in Hikkaduwa is something wonderful you can try out during your tour to Sri Lanka. It’s a small coastal town located 116km south of Colombo.

Hikkaduwa beach SriLanka
DaemonX, Hikkaduwa beach LK, CC BY-SA 4.0

Swimming at Hikkaduwa Beach
Needless to say, Hikkaduwa beach is one of the safest for swimming. You may also indulge in snorkelling if you prefer, and spot huge turtles in the evening.

River safaris
For river safaris in Hikkaduwa, you have the Madhu River very close to Balapitiya. Exploring this lake system will expose you to many birds, reptiles, and also a rich network of mangroves. If you are a nature photographer, you are sure to click some of the best shots during this boat ride.

Enjoy all sorts of seafood
Any Hikkaduwa resort the likes of Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon is specialized in seafood, and that’s a fact! You are sure to find the best seafood in the world here prepared using the Sri Lankan authentic cooking styles and flavours.

Explore an ancient temple
Hikkaduwa is home to the ancient Buddhist temple Sri Pushparama Viharaya. Visit this temple during your stay to know some details about Buddhist philosophy. The monks residing here are very friendly and they’ll teach you the facts without expecting anything in return.

 

Deep Sea Fishing in Negombo

Deep-sea fishing is one of the most exciting water sports you can try out. It’s an opportunity to wrestle with some of the toughest games in the oceans, and though it can be taxing, it’s also incredibly rewarding.

Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada, Beach Scene at Sunset – Negombo – Sri Lanka (14050166719)CC BY-SA 2.0

Why Negombo
The waters that border Negombo is home to some of the largest big game fish found in Sri Lanka’s coastal regions. The Negombo Lagoon is also home to some large species which prefer brackish water. If you’re staying at a Negombo beach hotel – say, for example, the Heritance Negombo – all of this is only a few minutes away.

The Game
There’s plenty of trophy fish for you to test your mettle against in Negombo. The most sought-after specimens include awesome oceanic predators like the marlin, barracuda, swordfish, and even a few shark varieties.

Setting Off
In order to stand the best chance of snagging some big game, you’ll want to set off just before dawn. Most of the trophy fish species are voracious predators and they are most active during this time of the day. Add some bait, cast your line, and wait patiently for a bite.

A Feast Awaits
Once you hook a giant, the real challenge begins. Big game fish can put up quite the fight and it might take hours for you to reel one in. Don’t let up though, the reward at the end is more than worth it.

Honza or Markéta, Negombo beach, drying fish (001)CC BY-SA 3.0

 

Adventure-filled Fishing in Mackay

When it comes to fishing in Australia’s east coast, Mackay is the perfect destination. Be it at rivers, by the shore, in the ocean or at inland dams, there are many spots to choose from.

 

Image by Barth971 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Why Fish at Mackay?
The diversity of fishing in Mackay is a big drawing can be enjoyed with or without a boat. You can easily find a hotel in Mackay near the marina, Pioneer River, or beaches where you can catch all manner of species including the iconic barramundi as well as barracuda, whiting, blue salmon, bream and more.

The Pioneer River
The Pioneer River which runs through the city is ideal for fishing; with properties such as Oaks Mackay Rivermarque Hotel near the banks, you could be casting your line in no time! Apart from barramundi, you may catch mangrove jack, queenfish and salmon in the city or at Mirani and Marian along the river.

The Marina and Beaches
The Mackay Marina / Harbour is another top place for fishing as are some of the Northern Beaches. At the marina, you may be rewarded with catches of golden trevally, tuna and mackerel; do keep in mind that fishing is generally better when the tide is coming in or going out.

Out to Sea and at Dams
You could head out on a fishing charter in the ocean at places like Cape Hillsborough where you may catch barramundi, trevally, or tuna. You can also go fishing at some of the dams in Mackay like the Kinchant Dam known for huge barramundi as well as saratoga and sooty grunter.

Fishing in Yala with the local fisherman

In Yala, Sri Lanka, you can enjoy an interesting fishing experience with the local fishermen. It can be new to a foreigner because this is not the fishing technique that they are used to.

Fishing like a local
Foreigners get exposed to lake fishing in Yala. This means freshwater fishing! Their friends for the day become the local fishermen, and they are also the teachers for the day.

Why it’s so awesome?
Fishing nets and baits are all familiar terms even among the foreigners. But what makes the difference is the technique used to catch the fish. Local fishermen know some traditional ways, which are sometimes so strange.

Other experiences
With the local friends, foreigners can visit the birds’ island located within close vicinity, and then enjoy a fresh king coconut drink together. If they like, they can also enjoy a home-cooked local meal.

Staying in Yala
Foreigners can stay at any of the Tissamaharama hotels and say yes to this authentic experience. There are many great options like Kithala Resort that are ideal for tourists to spend their holidays.