While the Maldives is a popular holiday hotspot for the masses, few travellers consider what the paradise islands have to offer their guests after sundown. Here’s a list of 6 unique and unforgettable Maldivian experiences visitors can enjoy as an alternative to traditional nightlife activities.
1. Gaze Upon the Sea of Stars
Occupying pride of place in Raa Atoll’s Vaadhoo Island, the Sea of Stars is a unique natural phenomenon that takes place on the shores of the isle between the months of June and October. As a spectacle that’s only visible after dark, the beaches of Vaadhoo Island acquire a brilliant blue hue thanks to the millions of phytoplankton or marine microbes that occupy its coastlines during this particular time of year. Emitting a neon-blue light, the entire beach resembles a star-lit sky strewn with blue stars after nightfall. This surreal and otherworldly sight is accessible to anyone who travels to the island during the specified period when the “Sea of Stars” lights up once more.
2. Dine in Exotic Underground and Submerged Settings
Home to not one but several underwater restaurants, the Maldives is a destination where dinner dates don’t neccessarily have to take place above ground. Travellers based at JA Manafaru Maldives, for example, can wine and dine at The Cellar, a charming restaurant located deep inside a subterranean enclosure surrounded by volcanic rocks. Ranked among the best things to do in Maldives for couples and wine connoisseurs, the archipelago’s unique dining hubs open visitors up to a world of new possibilities when it comes to dining out.
3. Enjoy a Night Fishing Session
Holidaymakers with a passion for fishing can also sign up for a night fishing expedition during a getaway to the Maldives. These sunset fishing trips are not only more peaceful than daytime angling tours but also offer tourists the chance to spend quality time with their loved ones while learning the basics of line and bait fishing. Groupers, red snappers and jackfish are just a few of the marine species that are up for grabs during these angling excursions after sundown.
4. Take Part in Baby Turtle Releasing Activities
Conscious travellers who wish to take part in conservation activities during their time in the islands can also take part in sea turtle hatchling releases that are scheduled after nightfall. Those who wish to witness sea turtles laying eggs under the veil of night will find that the period between May and June is ideal for witnessing this memorable nesting ritual. Hatchling releases, on the other hand, usually take place between July and August as baby turtles usually emerge on full moon nights and must be assisted on their journey towards the ocean.
5. Embark on a Night Diving Tour
The underwater landscapes of the Maldives are also no less spectacular after nightfall, and those with a penchant for night dives will find plenty of tour operators organising diving excursions after sunset. Considered one of the most exhilarating and magical deep-sea exploration activities one can enjoy in the archipelago, night dives are strictly reserved for seasoned divers as beginners lack the skills required to navigate submerged landscapes by night.
