While the Maldives is known as a honeymoon destination, it’s also an excellent destination to visit as a family.
I’ve just returned from a family trip to a fabulous resort in the Noonu Atoll in the Maldives with my husband and three young boys. While there, I saw mostly babies, toddlers, and kids up to pre-teens. I did see a couple of teens. It got me thinking about my boys – will they love it as teenagers?
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What to Think About When Considering a Trip to the Maldives with a Teenager
I wouldn’t generalize and say that a trip to the Maldives is perfect for every teenager. Sure, the turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and tropical environment will be paradise for some, but there are some things you should know about your teen and your possible destination in the Maldives. For example,
- Other kids the same age – Your teen won’t have fun at a resort full of babies and toddlers. Instead, look for a property that attracts teens with age-appropriate amenities and activities. You can also ask the resorts if they tend to get teenaged guests.
- Your teen’s interests – Does your teenager love video games? If so, make sure your resort has a game room or rec center. Is your teen an avid scuba diver or snorkeler? If so, make sure your resort has an excellent house reef and is close to great diving locations (not all resorts are!). Does your teen care deeply about conservation? If so, make sure your resort offers these types of programs.
- Social media opportunities – If your teen loves social media, seek out a resort with ample Instagram and TikTok worthy locations – like swings in the ocean, dreamy overwater villas, or hammocks hanging between palm trees.
- Beach time – Does your teenager like to relax at the beach with a book or mocktail? If so, you’re in luck. If, on the other hand, your teen isn’t a big beach fan, there may not be enough in the Maldives to keep him/her occupied for multiple days. The Maldives is all about the sand and sea!
- Plenty of ways to be independent – One thing I loved about being on a small island in the middle of the Indian Ocean is the amount of independence my kids had (and they’re young, all under 10 years old). Teens will appreciate time on their own – whether it’s walking around the island, visiting the rec center, going on excursions with other teens, or taking a tennis lesson with the island’s coach.
Things to Do with Teens in the Maldives
You likely just think of sitting on the beach with a book when you think of the Maldives. And I don’t blame you – that’s what I thought of too. But, there’s so much more to do. Some activities that may appeal to your teen include:
- visiting a local island – Learn about Maldivian life by visiting the local school, mosque, and shops.
- snorkeling – Either around the island or on an excursion (by boat); book a resort with a house reef
- scuba diving – Some resorts have excellent dive sites close by
- cooking class – Learn how to make typical Maldivian dishes or even dishes from nearby countries like Sri Lanka and India
- fitness classes – Our resort offered Pilates, yoga, water classes, tennis lessons, and personal training
- spa – Massages, body treatments, facials
- learn about the flora and fauna of the Maldives – Your resort may have a program available (talks, excursions to swim with whale sharks); some resorts even have in-house conservationists!
- swim with whale sharks, rays, or turtles – You may need to go on an excursion; there were turtles and rays at our resort; some atolls are more known for certain things – like seeing whales sharks in the South Ari Atoll (Alifu Dhaalu Atoll)
- relax at the beach
- recreation center – ping pong, soccer, tennis, video games, pool, board games, etc.
- make a film (use a GoPro or similar camera for underwater scenes)
- learn about the ‘behind the scenes’ of the resort you’re staying at – how the water is desalinated, how recycling works, where the resort’s food comes from
Tips for Booking a Trip to the Maldives with Teens
A few things to keep in mind when choosing where to spend your time in the Maldives:
- Confirm wi-fi is available throughout the island – teens will want to check in with friends back home
- Make sure there’s something to interest your teen – like cooking classes, scuba-diving lessons, or epic places to take Instagram photos or make Tik-Tok videos
- Think about visiting two islands during your trip – like one small island and one larger island or one private (resort) island and one local island
- Make sure your teen packs appropriate clothing for local islands (and even Malé Airport) – the Maldives is a muslim country and modest dress is required (women and men should cover shoulders, chest and knees)
- Pack a waterproof pouch for your teen’s mobile phone
- Look at the price difference between two villas and a family villa. I’ve noticed that sometimes it’s much less expensive to stay in two villas (assuming your family would be okay with that setup).
Where to Stay in the Maldives with Teens
I’ve spent hours and hours (and hours) researching Maldives resorts, and here are a few resorts to consider visiting with teens. There’s a big mix of resorts here (price points, distances from Malè, seaplane vs speedboat, teen club, etc). Of course, if your teen has a particular interest (like snorkeling), I’d recommend finding a resort that satisfies it.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island – info and rates
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives – info and rates
Sirru Fen Fushi – info and rates
Finolhu – info and rates
Meeru Maldives – info and rates
Soneva Jani – info and rates
Siyam World – info and rates
Vakkaru – info and rates
OBLU NATURE Helengeli – info and rates
Vilamendhoo – info and rates
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi – info and rates
JW Marriott Maldives – info and rates
What to Read & Watch Before Visiting the Maldives with Your Teenager
Climate change is obviously a huge issue for the Maldives – the islands of the nation have an average altitude of less than 2 meters. You and your teen can learn more about the island nation before your trip by watching videos and reading books.
On our trip, I also found the Maldivians were more than happy to talk about the effects of climate change on their lives, as well as their culture and their day-to-day life. I didn’t find a ton of info online about the Maldives before our trip, so I really appreciated all of the conversations we were able to have with locals during our visit.
Who knows – maybe a trip to the Maldives will inspire your teen to learn more about the environment, sustainability, or island erosion (and the shifting of sand due to monsoons and currents).
Here are a few resources to get your teenager started on learning about the Maldives:
- The Island President (film)
- Voices of the Maldives (docuseries, in progress)
- Maldives: Sustainable Ways to Build Islands (short video)
- Maldives Conservation (travel show)
- Saving Treasure Island (documentary)
- Marine Life of the Maldives (book)
- The Real Maldives – Malé City (vlog)
- The Maldives is Being Swallowed by the Sea. Can it Adapt? (article)
- The Maldives and WW2 (article)
I hope this has helped you with your decision on whether or not the Maldives is a good fit for your teenager. I know I would’ve loved to visit the Maldives as a teen!
Be sure to check out all of our Maldives with Kids posts:
Maldives with Kids – How to Plan the Perfect Trip
7 Reasons to Book a Family Trip to the Maldives
6 Helpful Tips for Your First Visit to the Maldives with Kids
30+ Maldives Family-Friendly Resorts – Compared by a Mom (Includes Table & Notes)
How Many Days to Spend in the Maldives
Family Packing List for the Maldives
Maldives with a Baby – Yes or No?
Maldives with Teens
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Review – Family Paradise in the Maldives
Where to Eat at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi with Kids
Overwater Villa or Beach Villa – Choosing One for Your Maldives Family Trip
Family-Specific Questions to Ask Your Maldives Resort – Before You Book
Taking a Seaplane in the Maldives
Tips for Taking a Seaplane with Kids
Maldives Regrets – From Resort Choices to Packing Mistakes
