‘Diving with sharks in their natural habitat’ was an item that had been on my bucket list for the longest time. There is something exhilarating and humbling about being in the ocean with these magnificent creatures—not behind glass, not in captivity, but in the wild. I was fortunate to finally have my dream come true in the Maldives!

Across various dive sites, I spotted not just one but three different shark species! I swam with leopard sharks, grey reef sharks, and nurse sharks. As I was just meters away from them, I saw how graceful and calm these beautiful creatures actually are compared to all the horror stories we hear about them. During each dive, I felt an incredible rush of excitement and awe that made it a one-in-a-million experience for me. These moments of pure magic set the stage for the rest of my Maldives experience.

Memorable adventures: top things to do in the Maldives

Discover rich marine life

Witnessing the exceptional marine life of the Maldivian waters is something that every ocean enthusiast should indulge in at least once in their lives. I swam with graceful stingrays, was surrounded by playful dolphins, cruised alongside sharks, and floated while majestic eagle rays swam overhead. Moreover, my dives burst with vivid colors as I witnessed schools of colorful humphead snappers and flashes of yellow snappers. No documentary can capture the magic of seeing something as splendid as this with your own eyes. If the marine depths even slightly beckon to you, the Maldives will capture your soul and tempt you more and more with every dive.

Get up close and personal with dolphins

Ever desired to dive into the ocean and come face-to-face with a pod of playful dolphins? I had this dream come true in the Maldives, and it was sheer magic. I was in sparkling, crystal-clear water, with vibrant coral reefs, and there I was staring in amazement while dolphins swam past me, twisting and twirling just meters away. The excitement and curiosity they expressed from their movements created a memorable bond. Whether you are an experienced diver or a first-timer, you must check out this underwater encounter.

Snorkel with stingrays

Swimming with stingrays in the shallow, clear blue waters of Fulidhoo Island was one of the most surreal experiences I had in this tropical paradise. I floated in the water, surrounded by these gentle (and slightly humongous) creatures that glided around me, completely unbothered by my presence. It was both exciting and serene to be within close proximity to them.

Flaunt your modeling skills

Who needs Paris Fashion Week when you have a stunning sandbank in the Maldives? Surrounded by blue skies, turquoise waters, and soft white sand, it was time to show off my “modelling skills.” I strutted across the sand like I was the most popular runway model, like it was an obvious thing to do, while the drone captured my every dramatic and slightly wobbly move! I imagined myself shooting for a magazine cover (without the glam team). If you find yourself on a dreamy sandbank on this island, don’t just sit there and look pretty; get yourself some great modeling shots.

Earn your PADI certification

From Discover Scuba Diving in Thailand to Scuba Diver in the UAE, along with fun dives in Azerbaijan, Oman, Indonesia, Thailand, and India, each dive brought me a bit closer to this moment—earning my PADI Open Water Diver certification in the Maldives. If you have ever thought about exploring the underwater world, there is no better place to experience it than this island nation. The clear water, beautiful coral reefs, and incredible marine life will stay in your memories forever. So, take the plunge and let the ocean be your guide.

Relax at Bikini Beach

You have to go to Bikini Beach if you are in Maafushi! It’s the only beach on this island where tourists can swim and sunbathe in regular swimwear. Local customs in other areas require modest clothing, so Bikini Beach is a real gem. I relaxed and had a lot of fun while swimming in the clear turquoise water. To top it off, I witnessed the most beautiful sunset ever. This beach is surrounded by lush greenery and small cafés. It’s the kind of place you wish existed in your own backyard so you could lounge all day and enjoy tropical drinks!

Spend an afternoon on a sandbank

Relaxing on a Maldivian sandbank is like stepping into a dreamy postcard. Just you, the Indian Ocean, and an endless blue horizon. I went to one on a day trip, and it was pure bliss. Only the sound of the waves crashing against the shore and the warmth of the sun on my skin… Whether you want to snorkel in clear water, take Instagram-worthy photos, or do nothing but lie back and enjoy the stillness, a sandbank adventure is a must.

Total expenditure

I spent around 1600 USD on this solo trip. Here is a complete breakdown of my costs:

  • Flight: 400 USD (round-trip flight tickets from/to India).

  • Stay: 360 USD for 6 nights at Maladiwa Beach & Spa, Maafushi.

  • Shopping, food, and ferry transfers: 275 USD.

  • Nurse sharks, dolphins, stingrays, and sandbank tour: 100 USD.

  • eSIM: 20 USD.

  • Travel insurance: 5 USD.

  • PADI Open Water Diver certification: 475 USD.

From adrenaline-pumping dives to tranquil escapes on sun-kissed sandbanks, everything in the Maldives feels like a fulfilled dream. Whether you are seeking marine adventure, blissful solitude in nature, or just some time off from your routine, this tropical paradise offers something to every soul. As I left, sun-tanned and sea-soaked, one thing was definite—this was more than just a holiday; it was an experience of a lifetime!