How to plan a Maldives trip with kids and family

Think the Maldives is just for candlelit dinners on the beach? Think again. 

For families, it’s about diving into ocean adventures, fun kids' activities like treasure hunts and crab racing as well as the chance to enjoy get-together feasts in some of the world's most breathtaking settings. Whether travelling with tots or tricky-to-please teens, here’s everything you need to plan the ultimate Maldives family getaway.

What are the best family-friendly activities to do in the Maldives?

Here’s a roundup of the best family-friendly activities in the Maldives on land and sea.

Go on a snorkelling safari

Snorkelling in the house reefs is like stepping into a real-life aquarium. Kids will be wide-eyed spotting rainbows of fish, turtles, rays and reef sharks, all just steps from the shore. For a bigger adventure, book a guided trip into deeper waters to see marine giants like whale sharks and manta rays.

Take the plunge

For families with older kids, the Maldives is the jackpot spot to introduce them to the wonders of diving. Resorts offer scuba lessons for first timers; they'll feel like marine explorers as they uncover the secrets of the ocean floor.

Set sail for adventure

Stray from the sands, and you'll find plenty of fun out on the water. Sail over colourful reefs on a glass-bottom boat, catch your own seafood supper with a local fisherman or watch pods of spinner dolphins showing off their acrobatics on a sunset cruise.

Join the ocean guardians

Get the kids excited about protecting the planet. Many resorts offer hands-on sessions on coral conservation and sea turtle protection, making it easy to mix a little learning into their holiday fun.

Get a taste of Maldivian culture

Take a guided visit to a nearby island, where you can meet the beaming locals and get a feel for daily life on a tropical island. Kids may have the chance to join in making traditional snacks or trying their hand at playing the Bodu Beru drums.

Paddle, surf and splash

Make the most of the ocean playground on your doorstep with water sports like surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking and jet ski rides – guaranteed to burn off some of that endless kid energy. Even the younger ones can join in, with friendly instructors ready to guide them.

Niyama Private Islands Maldives

Watch a movie under the stars

At some resorts, family movie nights get a tropical upgrade – beanbags on the sand, popcorn in hand and kids’ classic movies playing under starry skies.

How to choose the best family-friendly resort in the Maldives

Picking the perfect resort is the secret to a fuss-free family holiday in the Maldives. Whether it's roomy family villas for extra space or all-inclusive packages loaded with perks (hello, endless ice cream), here’s what to look out for.

Double Storey Beach Villa, Constance Halaveli

Find your dream family villa

When it comes to family holidays, a little extra space goes a long way. Look for family villas with separate kids’ rooms, like the Double Storey Beach Villas at Constance Halaveli Maldives – tuck the kids in, then unwind with a nightcap on your private deck. Bonus points if the villa has its own pool, like the Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villas at Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives.

Villas with baby-friendly amenities

Travelling with tiny tots? Opt for a resort that makes life easier for parents. At Niyama Private Islands, you’ll have handy in-room essentials like cots and sterilisers as well as in-villa babysitting and nanny services. Plus, every villa comes with bikes (complete with baby seats) so you can explore the island as a family.

Dhigali Maldives

All-inclusive options

Being on a secluded island paradise, going all-inclusive gives you the freedom to enjoy your holiday without worrying about costs. If you’ve got picky eaters, buffet restaurants might be a hit, but for a more diverse dining experience, look for islands with à la carte restaurants like Dhigali Maldives, where you’ll find everything from pop-up pizzas to Middle Eastern feasts – all with kids’ menus, of course.

Kids’ clubs and family facilities

Anyone with children will know kids’ clubs can be invaluable when travelling as a family. Many family-friendly resorts like Emerald Maldives offer morning-to-evening activities like mocktail making, palm weaving and treasure hunts – giving you a window to steal away for a poolside cocktail.

Family Beach Villa with Pool, Emerald Maldives

Tips on travelling to the Maldives with your family

Planning a family holiday to the Maldives can be surprisingly easy and hassle-free with a bit of know-how. Here’s what to think about before you go:

Choose between a direct flight or stopover

Direct flights from London to Malé are available during high season (November to April) and take about 10 hours. If you’re up for a mini adventure before hitting the beach, consider a stopover in somewhere like Dubai or Abu Dhabi. It’s a great chance to explore theme parks or enjoy a desert safari before unwinding on your island escape.

Flight times matter

It’s best to align your flight times with your resort’s seaplane or speedboat transfers.  Arriving in the morning is ideal, as it gives you plenty of time to connect with your resort transfer and settle in. Our experts are here to take the reins and plan your itinerary, so you won’t miss a beat.

Seaplane or speedboat transfers

In the Maldives, getting to your island is almost as fun as being there. Depending on your resort’s location, you’ll either take a seaplane or a speedboat. Seaplanes offer a bird’s-eye view of the atolls, which kids will love. On the other hand, speedboat transfers are also an adventure, zipping across the waves like a scene from a Bond film.

Pack essentials for all ages

Essentials for a Maldives holiday include reef-safe suncream, sun hats, lightweight clothing and plenty of swimwear. Bring snorkelling gear if your kids have their own, as well as water shoes for rocky areas. Most family resorts provide baby essentials like cots and highchairs, but it’s a good idea to confirm what’s available before departure.

Kuramathi Maldives

5 of the best family-friendly resorts in the Maldives

Here’s our handpicked list of the best family-friendly resorts in the Maldives, where kids are never an afterthought.

1.      Kuramathi Maldives

A great choice for families, Kuramathi Maldives offers modern Two Bedroom Beach Houses that accommodate up to six people and are perched right on the ocean’s edge. The Bageecha kids’ club has a pool, splash pad and treehouse, with activities like nature walks and eco-centre tours that sneak in stealth education.

Kurumba Maldives

2.      Kurumba Maldives

Just a quick 15-minute speedboat ride from Malé airport, Kurumba Maldives is a favourite for families who want to dive straight into holiday mode. The Majaa kids’ club keeps little ones busy with activities like cookie decorating and recycling crafts, while teens can get their adrenaline fix with banana boat rides and wakeboarding.

3.      Dhigali Maldives

The kids' club at Dhigali Maldives is an electronics-free zone, focusing on imaginative play like recycled raft building, sea yoga and sand sculpture competitions. The Beach Villas are our top pick, offering plenty of space for two adults and two kids under 12.

Family Lagoon Pavilions, LUX* South Ari Atoll

4.      LUX* South Ari Atoll

LUX* South Ari Atoll is incredible for families with older kids and teens, offering heart-pounding water sports, whale shark encounters and lively evening DJ sets. The Family Lagoon Pavilions are made for Instagram, with direct beach access and lagoon views that’ll have them snapping photos to show off to all their friends.

5.      Niyama Private Islands Maldives

Niyama Private Islands delivers next-level experiences for families. The resort’s kids’ club, split into four tribes, is the largest in the Indian Ocean and offers everything from ‘Little MasterChef’ classes to island survival skills and mini fashion parades. And for a wow factor? Dinner at their breathtaking underwater restaurant.

Subsix, Niyama Private Islands Maldives

This feature was created on 14th November 2024. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print. Feature by Heather Flanagan.