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Riding Waves in the Maldives: A Beginner’s Surfing Handbook

Ready to swap your desk chair for a surfboard? The Maldives might be famous for its overwater villas and crystal-clear lagoons, but it’s also an underrated hotspot for beginner surfers. With gentle swells, soft sandy bottoms, and tropical charm, it’s the perfect place to learn the ropes. Here’s your crash course in surfing, Maldives style.

Start Slow: Pick the Right Beach
Beginners should avoid the reef breaks popular with pros and instead head to mellow beach breaks like Thulusdhoo or Himmafushi. These spots offer smaller, more manageable waves perfect for your first pop-up. Bonus: local surf schools make it easy to dive right in.

Suit Up: What to Pack for a Surf Trip

You won’t need a full wetsuit here, just reef-safe sunscreen, a long-sleeve rash guard, and surf booties to protect your feet from coral. Don’t worry about boards; most surf resorts and schools offer rentals included in their packages.

Know the Etiquette: Surf Respectfully
Even as a beginner, learning the unspoken rules of the lineup is key. Don’t drop in on others, respect locals, and wait your turn. A little courtesy goes a long way in building good surf karma.

Stay Close to the Action
When choosing accommodation, proximity to beginner-friendly breaks can make all the difference. Some of the best surf resorts in Maldives offer direct beach access, in-house instructors, and a front-row seat to daily swells.

Make It a Mindset
Surfing is as much mental as it is physical. Expect a few wipeouts and celebrate the small wins. With each wave, you’re not just learning a sport—you’re stepping into an ocean-loving lifestyle.

A Nature Lover’s Guide to Exploring the Mangroves of Ras Al Khaimah – Into the Green

Ras Al Khaimah’s mangroves are among the UAE’s most underrated natural wonders. The calm waterways offer a haven for nature lovers, perfect for kayaking and birdwatching.

Start with a Guided Kayak Tour

If you want to truly experience the mangroves, hop into a kayak. Kayaking in Ras Al Khaimah gives you front-row access to quiet inlets and dense greenery, with flamingos and herons often making an appearance. The waters are calm, which makes it beginner-friendly, and most guided tours include a short introduction to the ecosystem. It’s the kind of activity that makes you slow down and actually notice what’s around you. Guests staying at Anantara Mina Al Ras Al Khaimah can often book eco-tours directly through the resort.

Watch the Wildlife Wake Up

Early mornings are the best time to spot the mangroves’ more elusive residents. From fiddler crabs scuttling across the mudflats to fish darting through shallow waters, there’s always something moving if you pause long enough. Bring binoculars if you can, since this is one of the UAE’s best spots for birdwatching, especially during the migratory season.

Walk the Mangrove Boardwalk

If you prefer to stay on land, the mangrove boardwalk at Al Rams offers a simple trail with wooden paths and shaded viewpoints. It’s easy to access and great for slow strolls or birdwatching. The area is especially beautiful during sunrise or just before sunset.

Pack Light and Go Early

The best time to explore is early morning when the light is soft and the birds are most active. Wear breathable clothing, bring a refillable water bottle, and use reef-safe sunscreen to avoid polluting the water.

Respect the Ecosystem

Mangroves are fragile, so avoid littering, feeding wildlife, or stepping off marked paths. Tour guides and conservation groups in the area are working hard to keep this space clean and safe for everyone. A little care goes a long way in preserving this natural beauty.

Island Hopping in Koh Samui – The Best Islands to Go To

Island hopping around Koh Samui offers an exhilarating way to explore the Gulf of Thailand’s tropical wonders. Surrounded by a constellation of smaller islands, Koh Samui serves as a perfect launch point for discovering pristine beaches, hidden lagoons, and vibrant marine life.

Koh Taen

Just a short distance southwest of Koh Samui lies Koh Taen, a tranquil and untouched gem often referred to as “The Coral Island.” Celebrated for its vibrant coral reefs and rich marine biodiversity, it’s a top spot for snorkelling, where visitors can encounter colourful fish, graceful stingrays, and even barracuda.

Koh Mudsum

Koh Mudsum, affectionately known as Pig Island, is a favourite stop on island-hopping excursions from Koh Samui. Situated just south of Koh Taen, this laid-back island is perfect for relaxing beach days, and what sets Koh Mudsum apart are its sociable resident pigs, often spotted cooling off in the turquoise shallows. Step away from your resort in Chaweng, like the famous Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club, and bond with some piggies, undoubtedly one of the more intriguing things to do in Chaweng, Samui.

Koh Phangan

Famous for its lively Full Moon Parties at Haad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan is much more than just a party destination. The island boasts stunning white-sand beaches, lush jungles, and excellent dive sites, offering something for every kind of traveller.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao, often called “Turtle Island,” is a scenic retreat that has captured the hearts of travellers with its panoramic views and world-class dive sites. Renowned for serene beaches like Ao Tanote and Sairee, as well as the crystal-clear waters of Mango Bay, the island is a haven for beach lovers and underwater explorers alike.

The Animals of Sir Bani Yas: What You Can See on a Single Game Drive

Located off the coast of Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island is famed for its Arabian wildlife park. This is a sanctuary that spans over half of the island, and more than 17,000 animals roam free, offering visitors nothing less than a great game drive experience.

The Arabian Oryx

This animal was on the brink of extinction until dedicated conservation efforts were made to preserve the species. You’ll find the largest herd of the Arabian oryx at Sir Bani Yas Island today, carefree and grazing. These majestic creatures are hard to miss with their striking white coat and straight, long horns.

Cheetahs

Opt for a game drive by Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort, and you might just be lucky enough to spot the elusive cheetah at this wildlife park.

Gazelles

Graceful and ever-alert, gazelles roam freely across Sir Bani Yas Island, offering a mesmerising glimpse into the wild. With herds of Arabian and sand gazelles often spotted against stunning landscapes, sightseeing in Abu Dhabi doesn’t get more magical than this.

The Egyptian Jerboa

Though primarily nocturnal and elusive, the Egyptian jerboa, a small rodent with distinctive long hind legs, inhabits the island’s desert areas. While daytime sightings are uncommon, their presence contributes to the island’s rich biodiversity.

Why Mirissa Should Be on Your Sri Lanka Itinerary: Paradise by the Coast

Famed for its breathtaking coastal towns, Sri Lanka is never short on scenic locations for a beachside getaway. But among them, Mirissa is definitely a must-visit destination, and here’s why.

Stunning Beaches

The main Mirissa Beach is the heart and soul of the town, offering picture-perfect views of the horizon, soft sands and inviting waters. Whether you’re up for some paddleboarding, swimming or sunbathing, this idyllic beach never disappoints and is one of the best places to visit in Mirissa.

Whale-Watching Thrills

Another reason why Mirissa stands out is its reputation for incredible whale watching encounters. The months from November to April are the best time for such excursions, with many resorts like Mandara Resort Mirissa offering tours to witness these magnificent giants.

Vibrant Coastal Flavours

Sri Lankan cuisine offers an array of vibrant flavours, and it’s no different in Mirissa. Grilled fish, calamari and prawns are popular picks at many of the local restaurants, each carrying a rich blend of flavour and aroma you won’t find anywhere else.

Nightlife to Remember

If you think Mirissa is charming during the day, it turns into a lively hub at night. Many of its beachside cafes and restaurants light up with twinkling lights, energetic music and a welcoming atmosphere that complements the gentle waves nearby.

Water Sports To Try in the Maldives

The Maldives offers the perfect playground for water sports enthusiasts with its crystal-clear turquoise waters and abundant marine life. Most resorts in the Maldives provide access to a variety of aquatic adventures that take full advantage of the archipelago’s pristine conditions. Here are four exhilarating water sports you simply must try during your Maldivian holiday.

Kayaking

Glide across calm ocean waters in a transparent kayak, offering uninterrupted views of the vibrant coral gardens and marine life swimming beneath you. This peaceful activity allows you to explore at your own pace, accessing shallow reef areas.

Diving

The underwater world in the Maldives reveals an extraordinary ecosystem teeming with over 2,000 fish species, from tiny clownfish to majestic manta rays. Visibility often exceeding 30 meters and water temperatures average a comfortable 27°C year-round, diving conditions are consistently excellent. Avid divers can even consider booking stays at Kuda Villingili or any other Maldives diving resorts for easy access to diving excursions.

Parasailing

Experience the Maldives from a bird’s-eye perspective while parasailing high above the azure waters. This exhilarating activity provides panoramic views of the ocean, and it is an unforgettable experience for sure.

Flyboarding

For adrenaline seekers, flyboarding offers an extraordinary experience of defying gravity. Water propulsion technology launches you up to 15 meters above the ocean’s surface, where you can hover, dive like a dolphin, or attempt spectacular tricks. First-timers can typically master basic hovering within 15 minutes under expert guidance, making this thrilling activity accessible to most adventurous travellers.

Dolphin Watching in the Maldives: A Magical Ocean Safari Experience

Luxury resorts in the Maldives are keenly promoting dolphin-watching safaris among visitors to the islands. And indeed, the experience is magical, whether you are visiting the Maldives on a family holiday or a romantic honeymoon. Check out this quick guide on dolphin-watching safaris in the Maldives.

Why Are Dolphin Watching Tours Popular?

The waters surrounding the Maldivian archipelago are well known for their large population of playful spinner and bottlenose dolphins. Tours you book via your private island resort in the Maldives, such as Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, will take you to the best-known playgrounds frequented by the mammals.

Setting Off on an Adventure

Maldives dolphin-watching tours are often conducted in the evening as the setting sun casts a fiery glow over the Indian Ocean. The experience is quite amazing, as not only do you get to observe the dolphins going about their daily rituals, but you also get to enjoy the beauty of the ocean during sunset. So, take along the cameras for stunning photos that will surely fire up your social media accounts.

Choose the Best Season

November to April is when dolphin watching is most successful in the Maldives. The waters are calm, and the skies are sunny, making it perfect for an adventure on the sea.

Choose a Reputed Tour Agent

Most resorts in the Maldives offer the popular dolphin-watching tours, with reputed locations ensuring tours are conducted ethically. Remain silent and vigilant, and you will be rewarded. Do not disturb the dolphins—when you spot the creatures, remain calm and quiet. Also, don’t expect to see dolphins the instant you set off, as they are not always found at their favourite haunts.

Truly Extraordinary Water Sports in Maldives – Exhilarating Adventures Like No Other

Sure, you may have heard or read about all the different water sports that you can enjoy in the Maldives, but keep in mind that some experiences go beyond the ordinary. Suffice it to say, you are in for plenty of thrills both below and above the waves!

Snorkelling with Manta Rays

Head to Hanifaru Bay in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and get ready for one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in Maldives, snorkelling with manta rays. Between May and November, hundreds of graceful manta rays gather here, feeding on plankton in a mesmerising underwater ballet. It’s surreal, spellbinding and just plain magical.

Diving at the ‘Yellow Wall’
This isn’t your typical reef dive. Part of the house reef of Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, the Yellow Wall is a vertical reef section at depths of more than 30 metres, which glows in golden-yellow hues thanks to its soft corals. Apart from taking in this enthralling sight, keep your eyes peeled to spot fascinating aquatic life from colourful fish to hawksbill turtles and more.

Going on Seadart Adventures
Ever wanted to swim like a dolphin but without the cardio? Enter the Seadart, an eco-friendly underwater scooter that lets you glide or dive with ease. You can dip below the surface to witness a magical underwater world or skim along the surface, all while looking cooler than you did in your last profile picture. Plus, it makes you feel like James Bond on holiday… minus the tux!

Flyboarding
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! Nope, it’s you, on a flyboard! Once you find your balance (cue dramatic wobbles) on this water-powered thrill ride, you can start soaring and even swooping down below before heading back up again. With the new Superman movie just around the corner (don’t let us down, James Gunn!), it’s the perfect time to channel your inner superhero. Up, up and away!

Crystal-Clear Waters and Vibrant Marine Life: The Most Scenic Snorkelling Beaches in Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a heaven for those who love snorkelling, offering crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life. Along the island’s coastline, numerous beaches provide excellent snorkeling conditions, with calm, shallow waters ideal for both beginners and experienced explorers. The warm tropical sea is home to colorful fish, fascinating rock formations, and diverse underwater ecosystems waiting to be discovered.

Coral Cove

Tucked along Koh Samui’s east coast, this secluded cove offers an excellent snorkelling experience with its crystal-clear waters and striking underwater scenery. Large boulders scattered along the shoreline and beneath the surface create a unique marine landscape, while vibrant coral formations and diverse sea life thrive just meters from the beach. It’s also a convenient distance from luxurious hotels like the Avani + Samui Resort.

Choeng Mon

Calm, clear waters make it an ideal spot for snorkelling, with the best underwater sights found near the rocky edges of the main beach and around the nearby islets just offshore. Whether exploring vibrant marine life or simply enjoying the tranquil surroundings, this destination provides a memorable snorkelling experience in a picturesque tropical setting.

Silver Beach

Tucked between two rocky headlands on Koh Samui’s east coast, this secluded bay offers the charm of a hidden tropical paradise. Framed by soft white sand and clear waters, it provides a tranquil setting with resorts lining the shore for when you choose to do some of the best things to do in Koh Samui – such as snorkelling or a casual sundown swim.

Taling Ngam

Stretching along Koh Samui’s tranquil western coast, this remote beach offers a peaceful escape with minimal development and stunning natural scenery. The calm waters are ideal for snorkelling, with rocky formations and coral reefs scattered just offshore.

Don’t Miss These Spots for Snorkelling and Diving in the Maldives – Enter a Magical Kingdom Beneath the Waves

When it comes to the Maldives, the view under the water is just as jaw-dropping as the one above it! This is exactly why snorkelling and diving are so popular here, especially at the destinations mentioned below.

South Male Atoll
An ideal place to be based for underwater adventure is the South Male Atoll, home to colourful fish, turtles, and reef sharks; come at the right time (especially April to October) and you can see manta rays too. Stay at a resort like Naladhu Private Island Maldives, with a thriving house reef, and don’t miss dive sites like Coco Thila and the hauntingly beautiful Kuda Giri Wreck.

North Male Atoll
Just a short boat ride from the south, North Male Atoll also offers thrilling diving in the Maldives. Swim through colourful coral caves, meet friendly sharks (the non-biting kind!), and float past sea fans that add to the allure of this ethereal world. Favourite sites include Banana Reef, HP Reef, and the sunken Maldives Victory ship, now teeming with sea life for some unique underwater selfies.

snorkeling — Image by J. Ketelaars from Pixabay

Baa Atoll
Further afield lies the Baa Atoll, offering more marine marvels to encounter. It’s a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which means you can expect plenty of diverse sightings. Visit Hanifaru Bay from July to October to snorkel with graceful manta rays and maybe spot a gentle whale shark if luck is on your side. Dive sites like Nelivaru Haa and Dhigali Haa, with their caves and overhangs, have plenty of ‘reef drama’ too.

Lhaviyani Atoll
For those who like a little thrill with their dive, Lhaviyani Atoll serves it up, along with encounters with manta rays and sharks. Drivers (with experience) can zoom along the strong currents of Kuredu Express (it lives up to the name!) or explore two iconic wrecks at the Shipyard. Meanwhile, some reefs are easy to reach from the shore, perfect for laidback snorkelling or spur-of-the-moment turtle encounters.