The Maldives’ calm, shallow waters provide the perfect place to learn sailing while the open water can offer challenges for the more experienced.

At Maalifushi, catamaran sailing is available. Charges apply for lessons or for when you wish to be accompanied by a captain, or for guided snorkeling expeditions on a catamaran.

Fishing is part of the Indian Ocean culture, heritage and for many in the islands, forms a vital livelihood. Thaa Atoll in particular has some of the most productive waters, and a very well regarded fishing industry. Resort guests who want to go fishing have access to our expertise, equipment and boat captains.

The Maldives are rapidly becoming popular among surfers, with some great long curving atoll reef waves. Maalifushi has one particularly good break. It is easily accessed, located on the resort’s south west side, which can be experienced on guided surf trips. The wave here is a medium-sized whild more challenging barrels are also available within reach of the resort. Best of all, crowds are non-existent.

For those who don’t dive, there is no need to miss out on the spectacular marine life of the Maldives. With just a mask and flippers, there is plenty to see around each resort and in the lagoon, with Maalifushi’s undisturbed waters making for some excellent opportunities. Children also much enjoy snorkelling, with complimentary gear provided to guests of Maalifushi.

Snorkellers, who can enjoy a scheduled complimentary snorkel trip with Maalifushi’s trained staff, will see an abundance of marine life such as Moray Eels, Trumpet Fish, Needle Fish, Soldier Fish, Lion Fish, Grouper, Snapper, Cod, Anthias, Cardinal Fish, Bluefin Jack, Sweetlips, Emperors, Butterfly Fish, Banner Fish, Angel Fish, Amemone Fish, Parrot Fish, Powder Blue Surgeon Fish, Convict Surgeonfish, Unicorn Fish and Puffer Fish. Occasionally Fusiliers are spotted here, as well as Trigger Fish, octopus and turtle.

For those who wish to explore further, Maalifushi can arrange guided aqua-safaris with the resort’s resident marine biologist

Maalifushi benefits from being brilliantly placed for diving. While around 40 sites in the Thaa Atoll are already chronicled, there are still numerous unexplored channels and reefs, with the waters here offering something for all levels of competence.

The resort’s expert dive instructors will guage ability levels carefully. All divers are required to hold an International SCUBA diving license, which you will be asked to provide together with your logbook.  Local regulations mean that guests must dive in buddy pairs; for safety reasons, a guide will also be provided at each dive for those staying at Maalifushi.

Divers may be required to partake of an orientation dive, where an instructor will ask you to demonstrate three key skills necessary to ensure safety (regulator recovery and clearing, mask clearing and alternate air source breathing). Orientation dives are not necessary if you have proof of diving within the last three months and have proof of over 30 logged dives.

The wellness culture of the Maldives is strong, driven largely by the quality of resort spas. COMO Shambhala Retreat at Maalifushi draws on the very best Asian traditions in its approach to health and wellbeing.  The spa offers numerous treatments including massage therapy, emotional rebalancing holistic treatments and restorative skincare.

Yoga  is popular in the Maldives, not least because of the islands’ proximity to India where the discipline came into being. Yoga is also central to the wellness philosophy at Maalifushi’s COMO Shambhala Retreat. As such, the resort offers complimentary classes every day at the yoga pavilion.

Private tuition is also available for those guests of Maalifushi who would like to develop their practise further, or just learn the basics.