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The Maldives is known as a destination for honeymooners, couples celebrating anniversaries, and those with special occasions. However, the Maldives also has plenty of family-friendly experiences.
Especially if you are visiting the Maldives with kids, you have to plan better. You cannot just book a random resort in the Maldives, as not every resort is designed to be child-friendly. Some islands focus on adult-only experiences.
So, the first thing you have to do before visiting is look for accommodations with dedicated kids clubs, free meals and stays for children, babysitting services, and family villas with connecting rooms. This guide covers which resorts and islands work for families, and what to do with kids once you are there.
Quick Answer: Is the Maldives Good for Kids?
Yes. The Maldives can be an excellent destination for families with kids if you choose the right island and resort.
There are only two places to stay: a private island and a public island. Private island resorts are recommended the most because they offer better facilities for children.
Overall, you need to understand the Maldives before deciding to take your kids. Though many resorts are located in calm lagoons suitable for children, water conditions can vary depending on the season. It is good to research the weather, islands, and accommodations before you confirm.
With the right planning, your kids can also have a wonderful time with water sports. This means safe swimming areas, comfortable weather and snorkelling in shallow water without strong currents.
The most important fact to know is that the only way in and out of the Maldives’ islands is by seaplane, speedboat or domestic flight. If any member of your family is seasick, come prepared with necessary medications.
Private Vs Public Island: Where to Stay in the Maldives with Kids
Private Island: If you are travelling with young children, private island resorts are usually the better option. There are kids’ clubs, babysitting services, family villas, dedicated children’s menus, supervised activities, and shallow lagoons for safe swimming.
Public Island: This is best for families on a budget, but facilities are limited. You won’t find kids’ clubs or organised resort activities. Even the beaches and lagoons vary from island to island. Decide based on your kids’ age and check if you can adjust to the limited facilities.
There are also more restrictions on public islands, such as bikinis are allowed only on designated “Bikini Beaches”. Then, no alcohol is available, and drinking is strictly prohibited.
What to Look for in a Family Resort
Before booking your stay, call the resorts to find out whether they’re family-friendly. Make note of the points below; these are essentials to consider when taking your kids to the Maldives.
- Kids club with supervised hours: A proper kids club has structured hours. For example, 9 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 6 PM, with trained staff and a daily activity programme. With this facility, you can leave the kids safely and make your own plan.
- Free or discounted stays for children: Many family resorts in the Maldives offer free or discounted stays for children under 2 years. When the kids are older than this, they are usually charged the same as adults. However, check the age limit.
- Family villas or connecting rooms: Look for family beach villas, which are larger and have an additional room or a connecting door, rather than booking two separate rooms.
- Shallow lagoon access: A resort with a shallow lagoon where you can walk out 50 – 100 metres in the water before it reaches waist height. This is safer for young children than choosing a resort where the reef is deep and close to the beach.
- Kids’ menu: Most family resorts have a kids’ menu at every restaurant, not just at one buffet venue.
- Indian food: When you stay on public islands, only Maldivian food is easily available. On private island resorts, you have various cuisine options, including Indian. However, always confirm the available cuisine before booking.
- Babysitting service: If you want an evening at the spa or a romantic candle dinner without children, this is one of the most useful services to look for.
Things to Do in the Maldives With Kids
- Glass-bottom boat rides: They show the reef and marine life without entering the water. Most resorts offer this as part of the activity programme, so it is often free or very inexpensive.
- Sandbank visits: Take a short boat ride to a sandbank, which is surrounded by no buildings and only water. Children can play in the shallow water around the sandbank while adults relax.
- Dolphin cruises: Sunset cruises are famous. So, along with the sunset, you will see dolphins, and it is often one of the kids’ most-awaited times.
- Snorkelling: Almost every resort has a house reef accessible directly from the beach. Children aged 6 – 7 can easily wear a snorkel mask and go into the water. Make sure the water is shallow before snorkelling anywhere in the Maldives.
- Kayaking: Most resorts provide kayaks free of charge for guests to use in the lagoon. You can take your children, and if they are above a certain age, typically 8 or more, they can use single kayaks with a life jacket.
- Marine programmes: There are reef conservation programmes where kids can participate in coral planting activities. Then learn about marine ecosystems from marine biologists.
- Movie nights: Most kids’ clubs have movie nights, which give parents a free evening for dinner or a spa.
- Cooking classes: The family can learn how to prepare Maldivian dishes together. The session includes visiting local markets in the Maldives to shop for fresh ingredients, and then you start cooking with the chef.
Best Places to Stay in the Maldives with Kids
Once you know which activities your children will enjoy, the next step is to choose a resort that offers them. The resorts mentioned below are among the most family-friendly properties in the Maldives that have curated activities for different age groups.
If you need more resort choices, you can take a look at these alternatives: best luxury resorts, cheap overwater villas, resorts with private pools, and budget resorts.
All you have to do when selecting a stay is call the property, enquire about all the necessary details, and then book your stay.
Resort Names |
Kid Activities in Maldives Resorts |
| Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives |
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| Vakkaru Maldives |
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| Sirru Fen Fushi |
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| Finolhu |
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| Kanifushi by Atmosphere |
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| Lily Beach Resort and Spa |
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| Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Resorts Maldives |
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Practical Tips for Indian Families Visiting the Maldives with Kids
- Flight and transfer timing: When you fly from India to the Maldives, it takes 2.5 – 3.5 hours, depending on the city you board from. Plus, add a speedboat transfer of 30 – 90 minutes or a seaplane transfer of 20 – 30 minutes to your resort. Prepare your kids accordingly, and carry snacks, milk, or baby food for the journey.
- Seaplane time: The seaplanes do not operate after 3:30 PM. So, if you book a late-arriving flight, you need to stay overnight near Male before transferring the next morning.
- Food for children: Most resorts have a kids’ menu with familiar items such as pasta, rice, fries, fruit, and simple grilled options. For vegetarian food specifically for children, confirm with the resort in advance. Especially, local island stays don’t have many options.
- Sun protection: The sun in the Maldives is intense even on cloudy days. Use reef-safe sunscreen, sun hats, and rash guards for children during water activities.
Conclusion
One main reason for choosing the Maldives is that it’s one of the quickest international destinations from India, and your kids don’t have to spend long flight hours.
Then, for the experiences, there are kids’ clubs, dolphin cruises, stargazing, and family-friendly villas; plenty of activities designed for both children and parents.
The key is to plan ahead and select a resort that matches your family’s needs and budget.
If you are looking for the right Maldives family package, our team can help you with the complete itinerary, book resorts, transfers, meal plans, and activities.
At Dimaak Tours, we help you find resorts best suited to children, rather than simply choosing the most popular property.
FAQs on Things to Do in the Maldives with Kids
1. Can children stay free in Maldives resorts?
Many family-friendly resorts allow children under 2 to stay and eat free. Always check the resort policy before booking, as some properties have different age limits for kids.
2. Can babies travel to the Maldives?
Yes, you can take your babies to the Maldives. Most resorts provide baby cots, high chairs, and kid-friendly meals when you request. Larger family resorts have babysitting services and dedicated kids’ clubs.
3. How many days should you plan for a Maldives family trip?
A stay of 4 to 7 days is ideal for most families. It depends on the duration you plan to spend in the Maldives. If you are planning a longer stay, our guide on 7 days in the Maldives helps you combine resort time, activities, and excursions without rushing. For travellers looking for a quick break, 3 days in the Maldives are enough to enjoy a resort stay, try a few wter activities, and spend quality time with family.
4. Is the Maldives expensive for a family trip from India?
The Maldives is expensive, but it does not have to be when you know where to stay. If budget is your main concern, choose local islands with affordable guesthouses; a family stay costs around 10,000 – 15,000 INR per night. Whereas the resorts on the private islands start from 35,000 INR per night.
If you prefer only private island resorts, plan your trip during the wet or shoulder season in the Maldives, as it offers good deals on accommodation. Also, booking a resort that includes free stays for kids, complimentary meals, and free activities can reduce your overall trip cost.
5. Which Maldives resort is best for kids?
There is no single best resort for every family, as the right choice depends on your children’s ages, preferred activities, and budget.
What you can do is take note of some of the resorts mentioned in this blog, contact them, and enquire about accommodation costs, including activities, food, and transfers before finalising. You can contact Dimaak Tours, and we will take care of everything from flight to accommodations.
