Experiences in Maldives

You’ve seen it in pictures and drone shots. But when you step onto the island, the full impact of the Indian Ocean’s crystal clear, turquoise blue waters hits you like a surreal fantasy. When it looks so stunning - almost glowing, as if lit from within - on the surface, you can’t wait to see what lies within.

The world-class Blue In Dive Center at Taj Coral Reef & Spa is your guide to discovering the most soul-stirring underwater beauty you’ll ever experience. From child-friendly, light water adventures for the whole family to romantic diving trips in the deep blue to expeditions for hardcore divers, we have the cures to all your blues. Our experienced instructors ensure that every activity is safe and enjoyable while upping your existing skills and leaving you awash in wonder.

Whether you’re new to game fishing or a professional angler, this historic recreational sport is must-do in the Maldives, which has some of the richest fishing grounds in the world. Gaze out at the dreamy landscape from our all-equipped modern boat, and learn about trolling, jigging and popping – game fishing techniques - while crossing your fingers for the big game and a legendary photo op. Tuna, Giant Barracuda, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Dorado, Sailfish and Rainbow Runner are just a few of the fish species that you don’t have to go too deep to land. This experience can be enjoyed all year round, with peak season being November to March.

If a truly memorable meal indulges all five senses, we’ve got you covered with our Moon Deck Epicurean Fantasy. Curving out right into the ocean from the narrow end of heart-shaped Hembadhu Island, this private dining venue is just as luminous as it sounds. Walk hand in hand from your villa to this easily-accessible yet hush-hush spot surrounded by turquoise waters where our chefs set up a meal to swoon over and a décor theme to match. Expect the freshest ingredients, world cuisines, local delicacies and fine wines, whether you’re planning a proposing, sneaking in a quick pre-wedding dinner or celebrating your anniversary.

It’s a classic for a reason; a beach barbecue needs to be crossed off your list of things to do in the Maldives. Set up at the dug-out at the resort’s Reef Bar, this ritual offers a scenic turquoise expanse, idyllic sunset view yet enough seclusion to feel like it’s a private party for two or twenty people. Our chefs ensure – with much dramatic flair - that the juiciest catch from the ocean, prime cuts of meat and the freshest of vegetables blaze on charcoal/grill and arrive on your plate, sizzling and charred to perfection. Round off the evening with superb cocktails and great conservations with the soft, white sandy carpet under your feet.

The combination of underwater adventure and romance is unbeatable. Make it a date to remember by whisking off your special someone for a romantic getaway. Just a 10 minute speedboat ride brings you to a secluded sandbank surrounded by the turquoise lagoon. But before relaxing on the sandbank, there is the option to dive in together to experience underwater life, hand in hand. The adrenaline rush and the shared secrets of what you see down below, creates a bond for life.

This one is for water babies and kids at heart; glide safe and sound over the Indian Ocean on a Banana Boat, Fun Bed or Flying Bed. We also have a range of Canoes, Glass-Bottom Boats and sailing Catamarans to keep every day at the resort different and exciting for your gang. Take the challenge up a notch – to where the sky meets the water - with Wake Board and Wind Surfing Lessons accompanied by our experienced trainers.

Non-swimmers and beginners can access the wonders inside our house reef right off the beach, either in a glass-bottom paddle boat or scuba/snorkelling with trained instructors. Either way, you’ll meet the most astounding sea creatures, from the Blacktip /Whitetip Reef Shark, Nurse Shark, Stingrays and Eagle Rays to Batfishes, Angelfishes, Sweetlips, Moorish Idols, Turtles, and Boxfishes. Once you’re in, you’ll never want to come out. And when you’re out, you can’t wait to go back in. 

Taj Coral Reef Resort & Spa has always stayed at the forefront of protecting and restoring the fragile marine ecosystem that we are fortunate to inhabit. One of our most successful projects is the Coral Nursery in the protected lagoon. Here, coral fragments are transplanted onto frames where they can anchor themselves and grow under the care and observation of our in-house experts. Guests can snorkel – under guidance - inside the lagoon and observe and educate themselves on this fascinating restoration project, or assist with a task, as per convenience and requirement.

As rapid climate change threatens the global coral ecosystem, coral nurseries like ours lower polyp and juvenile mortality rate by reducing recruitment obstacles. As our guest and ‘Custodian of the Reef’, we welcome your interest, enthusiasm and responsible participation in this restoration project.

Hembadhu’s famous wreck – a tug boat that sank in 1988 – is a delight to explore. Beginners can admire this wreck from the top (at a maximum depth of 12 meters/40 feet), but it’s only when you get to the bottom, that you can experience marine life – white tip sharks, stingrays, glassfish and lionfishes - in a cinematically noir setting. Experienced divers can opt for the night dive, a scintillating adventure that takes you 22 meters /72 feet down the ocean surface. 

The Maldives’ spectacular marine life is best experienced when you’re diving in the deep blue. But there’s a local tradition that allows you to meet and greet some of our most famous residents, the indigenous sting rays. These gentle giants visit the beach at a particular time and place every day, which is when guests can interact with them on the shore. The experience is always supervised and responsibly, respectfully executed for a short window of time, without disturbing the fish and keeping guests safe. Here’s a fun fact about stingrays before you meet them; these odd-looking beauties date back to the Jurassic period, 150 million years ago! 

If you want to discover marine magic without stepping too far out of your villa, or even getting on a boat, we highly recommend snorkelling trips in our incredible house reef. This is a great activity for beginners and couples. Book a session and prepare for our guide to get your gear on and show you the secret spots. Between 1 to 3 meters deeps, the reef top is ideal for snorkelling novices. Get up and close with incredible marine life and gorgeous coral varieties like Acropora, Anemones, Favia, Porites, Stylophora, Table Corals, Bubble Corals, Sponges, Mushroom Corals and Brain Corals.