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Situated southwest of India and Sri Lanka, the 26 atolls of the Maldives provide sanctuary to surfers, divers and beach enthusiasts alike. With a rich cultural and maritime past, they are also a haven for history and ocean buffs.
Deep dive into these island reefs to encounter some of the most beautiful and rarest sea creatures of the Indian Ocean. Observe the islands’ Buddhist history, its consequent Islamic reign and colonisation at its capital city of Malé or ride the waves and get your adrenaline pumping with the many water sports on offer here.
Experience all this and more as you cruise the waves of this scenic archipelago with our three-day itinerary for the Maldives.
Maldives three-day itinerary at a glance
Day 1
Start your day at the scenic Banana reef, snorkelling amongst the beautiful creatures that live underneath the surface of the Indian Ocean. Proceed to Hukuru Miskiyy, the oldest church in the Maldives. Later, visit the Victory monument built to celebrate the victory of Malé against the Sri Lankan, Tamil Tigers. Spend your evening learning about the history and culture of the Maldives at the Islamic Centre and the National Museum. Unwind as you bar-hop across the islands of the archipelago through the night.
- Snorkelling at Banana Reef
- Hukuru Miskiy
- Victory Monument
- Islamic Centre
- National Museum
- Bar-hopping
Day 2
Begin at Baa Atoll, where you can learn scuba diving or simply relax at its pristine beaches- some of the most beautiful in the world! Spend the afternoon exploring the markets and shopping complexes of Malé. After which you can stroll through its popular fish market to observe the daily lives of the people of Maldives. Enjoy the rest of your evening watching the sun dip into the majestic Indian Ocean on a serene sunset cruise.
- Scuba diving at Baa Atoll
- Beach hopping
- Shop at Malé
- Malé Fish Market
- Sunset Cruise
Day 3
Spend your final day in the Maldives at the charming Maafushi Island, starting with a half-day snorkelling and dolphin watching expedition. Lounge through the afternoon or if you’re feeling energetic, try some of the thrilling water sports that Maafushi beach promises. Take a scenic photo flight over the Maldivian atolls, after which you can go fishing across its waters. Reward yourself by cooking and devouring your catch over a barbeque at night for the perfect ending to your three days at this heaven on earth.
- Snorkelling and dolphin watching
- Maafushi beach
- Photo flight
- Night fishing
Detailed 3 day Maldives itinerary
Day 1
Go snorkeling at the Banana Reef
The Banana Reef of the North Male atoll has attracted divers and snorkelers from all around the world for many years. The crystal clear waters of the reef and the abundant variety of fish in them that don’t shy away from people are what makes the site so special. You can spot everything from the rare squirrelfish and bannerfish to even sharks and the groper here.
Unravelog tip: When planning a trip to the Banana Reef diving site, ensure that you arrange your snorkelling plans with a reliable diving guide or tour that maintains adequate safety equipment on board.
Useful information:
- Location: North Male Atoll
- Cost and Timings: Varies depending on the tour/guide chosen.
Visit Hukuru Miskiy
Dating back to the mid-17th century, the Hukuru Miskiy, also known as the Old Friday Mosque, is the oldest mosque in the country. The ornate and intricate designs on the coral stone exterior and inscriptions of the Quran makes the mosque a beautiful destination that deserves a spot in your Maldives itinerary.
Unravelog tip: Try the soothing black tea at the popular Royal Garden cafe nearby for a calming experience.
Useful information:
- Location: Medhuziyaarai Magu, Malé, Maldives
- Timings: Daily, 6:00 am-7:30 pm.
- Cost: Free entry.
- How to reach: Jetty Number 3, Number 5.
Pay your respects at the Victory Monument
The Victory Monument of Malé is a memorial dedicated to the lives lost during the battle against the Sri Lankan Tamil Tigers’ on November 3rd, 1988. It symbolises the bravery of the locals and servicemen who fought against the terrorists, ultimately resulting in triumph. Enjoy the warm sun and appreciate the serene atmosphere as you stroll around the monument, despite its location at the heart of the city.
Useful information:
- Location: Malé
- Timings: Always open.
- Cost: Free.
- How to reach: Jetty, Number 3, Number 5.
Explore the Islamic Centre’s Grand Mosque
Officially named Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam, the Islamic centre’s Grand Mosque was opened in 1984 and is the largest mosque in South Asia. The beautiful golden dome of the structure dominates the vast skyline of Maldives while the inside of the dome reveals exquisite wooden carvings and Arabic calligraphy.
Unravelog tip: Although entry inside is not allowed for non-muslim visitors, there’s still plenty to see outside the centre. Make sure to wear modest clothing while visiting in respect of the community’s religious sentiments.
Useful information:
- Location: Orchid Magu, Malé
- Timings: Daily, 9:00 am-5:00 pm.
- Cost: Free.
- Website: https://www.islamicaffairs.gov.mv/
- How to reach: Jetty: Number 1, Number 2, Number 3, Number 5.
Browse the National Museum
Situated in the Sultan Park, the National Museum of Maldives was opened in 1952 and displays an extensive collection of historically significant artefacts all the way from the country’s Buddhist era to the more recent Islamic reign.
Things to do: Look out for the 11th-century coral stone head of Buddha, ornate wooden planks engraved with Arabic and Thaana that date back to the 13th-century. The marine collection also contains an extremely rare 6-metre long skeleton of the Longman’s Beaked Whale.
Useful information:
- Location: Chaandhanee Magu, Malé
- Timings: Sunday – Thursday, 10:00 am-4:00 pm.
- Cost:
- Adult: 100 MVR.
- Children: 20 MVR.
- How to reach: Jetty, Number 1, Number 2, Number 3, Number 5.
Go bar-hopping across the islands
The islands of the Maldives come alive after sunset. Hop across the best bars and clubs in the archipelago and party through the night at Club Med Kani, Huvafen Fushi, W Retreat or Moodhu Bars and Restaurant.
Day 2
Go Scuba diving at Baa Atoll
Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve which is probably one of the best locations in the archipelago to spot whale sharks and manta rays. With the reef’s rare biodiversity, caves and beautiful thilas full of exquisite marine life, Baa Atoll offers a quintessential diving experience that visitors shouldn’t miss.
Useful information:
- Location: Baa Atoll
- Cost and Timings: Varies across tours/guides
Beach-hop across the archipelago
The Maldives is essentially a beach destination, with many different beaches, both private and public. If you’re staying at a beach resort, feel free to lounge, swim and try the various watersports from the safety and comfort of your accommodation.
But if you’re more adventurous, go beach hopping across the inexhaustible options that these islands offer, including the Fulhadhoo and Dharavandhoo islands in Baa Atoll and popular public beaches including Hulhumale, Bathalaa and Bodu Mora.
Shop at Malé
Spend the afternoon at the Maldivian capital discovering the local artisanal products and handicrafts at the various shops that populate the island. Some of the noteworthy shopping hubs are located around Majeedhee Magu street, STO Trade Centre and Island Bazaar.
Visit the Malé Fish Market
There is arguably no better place to learn about the daily lives of Maldivians than the bustling fish market of Malé. Fishing is the main source of income in the country, which is what makes the market especially significant. You can find workers expertly cleaning and filleting the catch of the day, ranging from tuna, barracudas, dolphin fishes, red snappers, sea bass, skipjack and more.
Useful information:
- Location: Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé
- Timings: Daily, approximately 5:00 am-6:00 pm.
- Cost: Free entry.
- How to reach: Jetty Number 1, Number 2, Number 3, Number 5.
Go on a sunset cruise
Catch the picturesque scenes at dawn as you sail through the Indian Ocean on a sunset cruise. You can check out the sunset cruises offered by Thrillophilia, G Adventures and Yacht Maldives.
Day 3
Go snorkeling and dolphin watching in Maafushi
Snorkelling near Maafushi can be an entirely different experience to Baa Atoll. Explore Sandbank and some of the beautiful reefs in the area, after which you can embark on a cruise to watch dolphins in their natural habitat. Viator and Maldives Tour Guide offer half-day packages in Maafushi.
Lounge at Maafushi beach
Head over to the north beach of Maafushi, where the opportunities are endless. Although the Maldives is generally a conservative country with strict prohibitions on wearing swimwear in public, a designated area of the north beach, known as the bikini beach, is where you can wear your swimwear and lounge in the sun!
Things to do:
- Soak under the sun while lounging at the beach.
- Explore the vibrant water sports scenes, with many stalls offering surfing, kite-surfing, paddle surfing, kayaking, parasailing and so much more – (you can check out Active Watersports Maafushi for detailed information regarding guides and equipment rental).
- If you’re interested in trying more water sports in the archipelago, check out our guide to water sports in the Maldives.
Useful information:
- Location: Maafushi
- Timings: Always open.
- Cost: Free entry.
Hop on a scenic Photo Flight
The Trans Maldivian Airways offer seaplane rides from airports to resorts, but they also offer scenic photo flights, subject to certain terms and conditions. Board a seaplane and fly around the tropic skies, looking ahead and down to the beautiful atolls of the archipelago.
Useful information:
- Cost and Timings: Contact Trans Maldivian Airways for detailed costs and timings.
- Website: https://www.transmaldivian.com/services/
Venture out for some night fishing
Hook your bait and spend the evening fishing off the coast of Maafushi, only to roast your catch of the day over a barbeque and have a delicious and rewarding dinner. You’ll be able to catch barracudas, snappers, tuna – and even squid. Night fishing is offered by most hotels in which you choose to stay while in Maafushi.
Dive deeper into the island nation with our curated list of things to do and see in Maldives. For the more adventurous souls, check out our guide to water sports in the Maldives
Nikita Joseph
