As a popular family-friendly tourist destination, the Maldives offers those travelling with kids a wealth of new experiences. Here's what you need to know about holidaying in paradise.
Timing is Everything
Families who are planning to head to the Maldives during the school holidays must first and foremost time the trip perfectly. Although the Maldives is a pleasant vacation hub for most of the year, those travelling with children cannot afford to be stranded in paradise when it's raining. This is why it is crucial to avoid the monsoon months from May to November as most water-based activities and outdoor excursions will be unavailable due to bad weather. The best time to visit the Maldives for a family holiday is from December to March when sun-kissed landscapes and clear conditions are a given in this part of the world. This is also the official tourist season in the Maldives so it may be a tad bit more expensive than travelling during the off-season but the sunny days are well worth the extra cost.
Airport Transfers and Getting Around
The main airport in the Maldives is located in Male, the nation's capital, which is situated quite a distance away from the outer atolls where most resorts are found. Depending on the arrival time of the flight, families may have to book accommodation in Male for the night as airport transfers come to a halt after 6 pm or the late afternoon. Seaplanes and boat transfers are the main modes of transport used in the archipelago and airport transfers are no different. Families arriving at Male Airport after dark will, therefore, have to spend a night in the city and catch a ferry, seaplane or speedboat to their hotel the next day.
Finding the Perfect Base
Image via The Nautilus
While a great many properties claim to be the best resorts in Maldives, families need to be discerning about their choice of accommodation. Those who are planning on spending only a few days in the Maldives may wish to stay close to Male and opt out of a resort island in the outer rim of the archipelago as the transfer time and fees are simply not worth it. In addition to considering the creature comforts on-site at each resort, it is also crucial to gauge whether babysitting services, laundry facilities and kids’ clubs are also part of the landscape.
Day Tour of Male
While most visitors ignore or disregard the capital city of the Maldives in favour of secluded private islands, families who are culturally inclined should pencil in a day tour of Male. Home to the National Museum, the Grand Friday Mosque, and several presidential palaces, this bustling metropolis is also the only location where foodies can dig into local street foods and enjoy a culinary tour. The best retail outlets and local markets such as Chaandhanee Magu are also located in the city where one can shop around and enjoy a picnic at Republic Square or Sultan Park.
Signing up for Water Sports
Families vacationing in the country must take part in at least a handful of water-based activities during their stay. Considered Asia's top destination for snorkelling and scuba diving, the Maldives also offers families the chance to go banana boating and kayaking together. Parasailing, surfing, and water skiing are just some of the myriads of water-bound fun families can enjoy in the Maldives.
Whale Watching Adventures
Ranked among the most memorable things to do in this part of the world, whale-watching safaris in the Maldives are open to adults and children of all ages. These safaris will provide participants with the chance to witness blue whales and sperm whales in the wild. Don't be surprised if a number of dolphin species also make an appearance around your tour boat.
Cruise Control
Sailing and island-hopping excursions are another great way for families based at The Nautilus Maldives and other resorts to spend quality time together. Cruising from one pristine virgin island to yachting and sailing tours in the Maldives can also include snorkelling sessions and diving trips. Sunset cruises are another option available to families who love to gaze upon the sunset together as these outbound adventures also include canapés and refreshments on board.