In this latest edition of Paul’s Picks, I am featuring Maldives.

As always in my Top 10 lists, you will find links to information about the things to do, see, and eat in each location. I started doing lists in college to help me learn and study easier so that’s why I use them when I’m helping people learn about all the great things they can do when they travel.

Where do I get my information? It’s a mix of studying for certifications, personal experience, research, or client recommendations.

Have something more that people should know about this location? Add your thoughts in the comments below.

1. Diving Bluetribe Moofushii

“Constance Moofushi is located in one of the archipelago’s finest dive spots, the South Ari Atoll, where guests can spot baby reef sharks just steps from the beach in the house reef. An all-inclusive setting enables guests to completely relax into the island way of life.”

2. Extreme Water Sports

“Maldives, a really beautiful place to enjoy the going-to-be best moments of life, offers a lot of adventurous kicks for tourists. Most interesting of them being watersports, loved by swimmers and non-swimmers alike. And this is why these sports draw adventure-lovers in big numbers. If this is your calling too, it’s time to pack your bags and head straight to Maldives to indulge in these wonderful and exciting water sports in Maldives.”

 3. Surfing

“When I first caught a glimpse of the Atolls from the plane above on my first trip to the Maldives back in 1996 , my first thought was  “Wow, this is the true surfers paradise.””

 4. Fishing

“So you want to go fishing in the Maldives, and you want to charter a boat and catch some fish. You’ve heard it’s a tropical paradise, but don’t have a clue about what fishing looks or works like over there. Or, you’ve already been there and have decided to give fishing a go. Worry not! This guide will cover everything you need to know.”

5. Cruise – Maldives

“The Maldives is definitely not a major destination for cruise ships. Only a handful of vessels visit the archipelago each year. But those that do often arrive as part of unusual, long-distance itineraries that will let you visit not just the Maldives but other destinations in the region such as the Seychelles and Sri Lanka in a single trip — all while only having to pack and unpack once.”

6. Visit the Male Local Market

“Shopping in Maldives becomes exciting as soon as you enter Male Local Market. This huge market is one of the most popular street markets in Maldives located on the north waterfront. A favourite of locals, this bazaar tempts foreigners as well with numerous stalls selling local handicrafts, mementos, and gift items. Kiosks selling local snacks are the highlights of these market.”

 7.   Underwater Spa & Resort

“How come the Maldives stays unique among all the other tourist destinations around the world? Simply because the private island tourism in the country has envisaged truly unbelievable things for the world. The under ocean experience in the Maldives is truly one-of-a-kind set-up with fully submerged underwater accommodation and dining positioned meters down the ocean surface. Of course, they can be costly, but worth each and every penny and effort you make to feel them. But just dining and accommodation are not all. The Maldives has stashed holistic spa arena and wine bars amidst the coral garden in here, designating colorful fishes to be your hosts. Let us introduce to you some of the five star luxury resorts in Maldives that provide underwater luxury.”

 8.  Visit Theemuge

“Today. Male’ City may just seem to be a hustling and bustling city in which you hear the traffic jams and the vehicles occupying the streets completely! Although this is so, there is way more beauty in Male’ City than you can literally comprehend! Theemuge, may not strike your ears all of a sudden but wait till you see the inexplicable wonder that shall enthrall your heart at first sight! (Theemuge, the icon of pride of Maldivians)”

 9.  Tsunami Monument

“The 26th of December 2004, is a day almost all people in South Asia remember; on this fateful day a 9.1 to 9.3 magnitude earthquake in Sumatra led to a megathrust earthquake under the sea, triggering a series of tsunamis with some waves reaching heights of up to 100 feet. Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Thailand, Indonesia and India were amongst the countries affected by this natural disaster and the loss of life and destruction of property were catastrophic.

Built to remember this dark day and the lives lost, the Tsunami Monument in Male is quite a fascinating site that is worth visiting when in the Maldives.”

 10. Visit a Beach

“The sparkling blue, so clear beaches in the Maldives are the perfect romantic spots, not only for honeymooners but also for every couple who’s looking for a calming vacation! The Maldives is sprinkled with one of the finest and the most beautiful beaches in the world. The Islands within the Maldives have clean, white, fine as flour sand, beautifully embracing the round “emerald” of tropical vegetation. However, most of its beaches are untouched nestled amidst beautiful coral islands.”

Food Bonus

Your culinary experience in Maldives could be, depending on your resort, anything from haute cuisine ordered from a menu you’ve discussed with the chef in advance, to bangers and mash at the all-you-can-eat buffet in the communal dining room. What it’s unlikely to be in either case is particularly Maldivian, given the disconnection of resorts from local life. However, anyone staying in Male or on an inhabited island should take advantage of this opportunity to try real Maldivian food.