Best things to do in Maldives

Inspect the local produce at Male Fish Market, one of the biggest venues of its kind in the world. Fishermen stock the market every morning, and the daily haul usually includes everything from tuna to swordfish. Make sure you try dried fish, a local specialty with a strong salty taste. You can also find a wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables. Be prepared for some interesting aromas, as fresh fish, crowds, and hot weather make for a strong smell.

Bikini Beach is one of the few places on the Muslim island where sun seekers can wear beach attire. Snorkeling is also an option--you will see many colorful fish and even some baby sharks--just wear water shoes near the sharp corals. If you wish to raise your adrenaline levels, rent a jet ski or test your balancing skills on a windsurfing board.

Explore the history of the oldest religious structure in the Maldives at Hukuru Miskiiy (Old Friday Mosque), built entirely out of crushed coral in 1658. Inspect the intricate decorations carved into the coral walls and throw a coin into the small well in the courtyard for good luck. Afterwards, wander through the small graveyard at the back of the mosque, where the height of the tombstone indicates the person's social status, with round tops for women and pointed tops for men. Keep in mind that in order to enter, non-Muslims must obtain permission from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

At Hulhumale Beach, you'll find snorkeling and water sports and excursions affordable and readily available. Nearby, a range of dining choices ensures you don't have to go far for a quick meal and cold drinks.

Admire the scenery and take some photos at Bikini Beach. The beach itself might not be quite clean enough for some sunbathing, but it's a nice place for a stroll and generally remains free of crowds. If you want to enjoy the water, swim out past the reef, where the water is clearer and cleaner. Don a snorkeling mask and take in all the life going on below the surface.

Head to Veligandu Island Beach for a chance to snorkel in warm waters teeming with exotic marine life. Spend your time on the island looking for turtles and manta rays, or relax with a drink on a pristine beach overlooking the Indian Ocean. While you enjoy the view, keep an eye out for little crabs scuttling along the beach. The island's resort restaurant offers buffet or a la carte dining, so stop by to fill up after your snorkeling adventure.

Pamper yourself with a massage under the stars at Veli Spa at Kurumba Maldives, offering special beachside treatments with complimentary champagne and chocolate-coated fruits. You can also enjoy your massage indoors in one of the spa's eight fully equipped treatment rooms. Other treatments include manicures, pedicures, elemental herbology, and cleansing wraps. Save time by making your reservations online.

See the skeleton of a rare Longman's beaked whale at National Museum, established to preserve the history of the Maldives. The 6 m (20 ft) whale skeleton headlines a collection of natural science and historical exhibits, which offer a broad insight into Maldivian culture. You can appreciate a range of Islamic artifacts, as well as early technology and utensils used by in the Maldives centuries ago. Tragically, many of the museum's pre-Islamic exhibits were destroyed in a 2012 attack, including an 11th-century bust of Buddha carved from coral.