13 Reasons a Maldives Family Holiday is Worth the Journey

Nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a collection of nearly 1,200 islands scattered like jewels across turquoise waters. This idyllic destination, with its powder-soft white sand beaches and overwater villas that seem to float above the sea, feels like it’s worlds away from everyday life.

While the Maldives is often celebrated as a romantic haven catering to honeymooners, the islands are also excellent for families. Serving as a playground for adventure, education and relaxation, many Maldives resorts are designed with young travelers in mind, offering family villas, kids’ clubs and enriching activities. Our preferred travel partners in this region can also coordinate one-of-a-kind experiences for kids of various ages, via our CB Travel Advisor team.

Considering its remote location, it can certainly seem like you need to travel to the depths of the earth to reach the Maldives. Located about 500 miles southwest of Sri Lanka, it requires a long-haul flight to Malé, the capital, followed by a seaplane or speedboat transfer to your resort. But while the journey takes planning and patience, the destination makes it all worthwhile, even when traveling with kids.

13 Reasons a Maldives Family Holiday is Worth the Journey

1. You can snorkel in crystal-clear waters.

Introduce your kids to the wonders of the Indian Ocean by snorkeling in the Maldives’ pristine lagoons. Shallows reefs teem with marine life such as clownfish, parrotfish and even sea turtles. Resorts like Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas provide snorkeling gear and guided excursions that make it easy to spot creatures every day of your vacation.

The property is located in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Baa Atoll and is surrounded by a lagoon with over-the-water accommodations. Its kids’ program introduces kids age 8 and above to snorkeling and scuba diving and the resort has its own sea turtle habitat and places to swim with manta rays.

2. You can spy on dolphins at play.

Set out on a dolphin safari to watch pods of playful dolphins leaping through the waves, especially during sunset. Guides and resorts like Six Senses Laamu offer boat excursions with guides who know where to spot these graceful creatures, practically ensuring your kids will see fins and jumps.

Six Senses’ excursion takes place via traditional wooden sailboats called dhoni. Often handcrafted, these boats have been in use for more than 2,000 years and feature a curved prow and lateen sail, although the ones used in tours are typically bigger and modernized with motors. 

3. Kids can explore marine life at kids’ clubs.

Sustainability is vital for Maldivians. As stewards of one of the most fragile environments in the world, the community works hard to protect the coral reefs and to promote eco-friendly practices. Resorts like Soneva Fushi have kids’ clubs that offer hands-on marine biology lessons where children can learn about coral reefs and participate in eco-friendly activities. Some even let kids plant coral fragments, contributing to reef restoration efforts.

At the Soneva Academy, kids 12 and older can participate in a six-hour program, divided into three modules, that teaches them all about the Maldives. It even includes an exam at the end while others can discover the sunken Corbin shipwreck on a multi-day adventure that includes an overnight on Innafushi.

4. You can picnic on a deserted island.

Take a short boat ride to a secluded sandbank or uninhabited island for a private picnic. Families can splash in shallow waters, build sandcastles or simply bask on their own tiny split of sand while enjoying a gourmet picnic basket packed by their resort, such as Ayada Maldives. The resorts even set up a comfy spot and some shade — you just get to enjoy the spoils.

5. You can dive into water sports together.

Maldives resorts offer a variety of water sports that cater to families, including kayaking and paddleboarding in calm lagoons. Adventurous teens can try windsurfing or jet skiing, with many resorts offering equipment as well as instructors to guide beginners.

If the kids want to surf, head to Niyama Private Islands, the only surfing resort in the Maldives and home to breaking waves that are ripe for hanging ten. 

6. You can experience Maldivian culture.

Immerse your family in the local culture with visits to inhabited islands. The Westin Maldvies Miriandhoo Resort, for example, is part of Marriott’s Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy program, offering meaningful local opportunities. Families can watch locals crafting goods by ancient methods, including the disappearing lacquer craft, in Liye Laajehun workshops.

7. You can dine underwater.

Treat the family to a meal like no other at one of the Maldives’ underwater restaurants, such as Ithaa at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Subsix at Niyama Private Islands, Sea at Ananatara Kohavah Maldives Villas or 5.8 Undersea Restaurant at Hurawalhi Island Resort, the largest of the bunch. Kids will be mesmerized as they dine surrounded by panoramic views of marine life swimming just beyond the glass walls. It’s a splurge, but also an unforgettable experience.

8. You can stargaze on the beach.

The remote location of the Maldives means you’ll sit beneath some of the clearest night skies, perfect for stargazing and spotting constellations. Resorts like Outrigger Maldvies Maafushivaru Resort and Soneva Jani even provide telescopes and guided astronomy sessions for families. Soneva Jani, located on Koh Kood island, has even been certified as a DarkSky resort by the International DarkSky Association.

9. You can learn traditional Maldivian fishing.

Charter a boat trip where kids can try their hand at traditional Maldivian fishing techniques. Many tours, like those from Kuredu Resort & Spa, take families out at sunrise or sunset and offer a chance to reel in tuna or snapper while enjoying the views. For more immersive experiences, try the Line Fishing with Barbeque, which lets you fish using the traditional pole and line method, followed by a barbeque dinner on a beach where you can nosh on your fresh catch.

10. You can discover bioluminescent beaches.

On certain islands, like Vaadhoo in Raa Atoll, kids can witness the phenomenon of bioluminescent plankton lighting up the shoreline at night. This natural spectacle creates a glowing effect in the water, making the beach seem like it’s sprinkled with stardust.

While there aren’t any resorts on Vaadhoo and you’ll have to travel by boat to visit the “Sea of Stars,” resorts in Raa Atoll may have a touch of their own starglow on their beaches, including the 5-star Amilla Maldives and the Westin Maldives.

11. You can watch a movie under the stars.

Some resorts offer open-air cinemas under the stars, using floating platforms or beach setups to show kid-friendly movies. Snuggle under blankets with popcorn and ice cream, and if you want a private experience, consider the Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, which will set you up on the beach for your own family night.

12. You can relax at a family spa.

While hitting an upscale resort tucked away on secluded beaches often means spa time for parents, many Maldivian resorts also offer spa treatments designed for families. These programs include kid-friendly massages, mini facials and relaxation sessions together. Balioni Maldives, for example, features kids’ spa days and makes sure little ones also get healthy snacks they’ll enjoy.

13. Kids can be treated like VIPs.

Not only are adults given the best of the best in the Maldives, but many resorts catering to families turn kids into the stars. Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, for example, welcomes children with sweet treats and friendship bracelets and bids them goodbye with a special gift. In the villas, kid-size towels, bathrobes and bath amenities are available, and there’s supervised fun at the kids’ club for ages 4 to 11, or through 24-hour babysitting services. A recreation club with games is open throughout the day.

Relevant Links: 

Browse all Maldives accommodations and activities on Ciao Bambino

Tropical paradise found at COMO Maalifushi in the Maldives

Pssst! Teens tell us where they really want to travel

Best family beach vacations for kids at every age

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.