Why choose the Maldives for your next family holiday?

With its jewel-like atolls and out-of-this-world luxury resorts, the Maldives often tops the list for romantic getaways. But it’s also a brilliant choice for family holidays. 

Here, breathtaking natural beauty, pristine beaches and incredible underwater adventures come hand-in-hand with family-friendly amenities. Here’s why the Maldives should be at the top of your family travel wish list.

The Maldives: A tropical wonderland for families

The Maldives has serious wow factor, offering a paradise island escape in the heart of the Indian Ocean. The islands’ crystal-clear, shallow waters are ideal for young children learning to swim, while older kids and teens can set off on snorkelling trips to explore the kaleidoscopic house reefs, sign up for adrenaline-inducing water sports or join cultural excursions to nearby islands.

The Maldives is also a top choice for multi-generational families, with luxurious villas, cool kids’ clubs and diverse dining options guaranteed to keep everyone happy. Family-friendly resorts across the Maldives take care of everything from babysitting and kids’ menus to ever-changing activity schedules designed to keep young travellers busy – so all you need to do is kick back and relax.

Beyond its idyllic beaches and extraordinary marine life, the Maldives is known for its warm and friendly hospitality; the staff at your resort are likely to be lifelong pals by the time you leave. Many resorts are set on their own private islands, providing a safe, car-free environment for children to explore.

Niyama Private Islands Maldives

Year-round warmth for family adventures

One of the many reasons the Maldives should be at the top of your family travel wish list is its tropical climate, with warm temperatures all year. The best time to visit the Maldives is generally from November to April, which is the dry season. During this period, rainfall is minimal, meaning you can make the most of outdoor activities like building sandcastles on the beach, snorkelling in the clear waters, or planning an island excursion.

That said, it’s always a treat to visit the Maldives, no matter what season it is, and many families choose to go during the school summer holidays. Though there’s a higher chance of rain from May to October, showers are typically short-lived, and many resorts have special offers and upgrades, making it a great time to nab better deals.

Family Lagoon Pavilion, LUX* South Ari Atoll

Family-friendly villas and suites

As each Maldives resort is set on their own private island, space isn’t an issue here – something you’ll immediately notice when it comes to the family-friendly room types. There are expansive beach villas where you can dip your toes in the sand right from your bedroom and overwater suites with private pools, letting you dive into the big blue from your deck. Luxurious family suites with separate sleeping areas for kids give parents plenty of privacy once the children are asleep.

Kuramathi Maldives

Popular family resorts include:

Kuramathi Maldives: Kids never feel like an afterthought at this sought-after island resort. Children will be well entertained in the excellent kids’ club, while the whole family can enjoy a range of dining options across nine à la carte restaurants. With balmy, shallow waters where they can spot colourful shoals of fish and a curated roster of daily activities, it’s a top choice for families with kids of all ages.

Niyama Private Islands Maldives: There are two islands at this expansive resort – ‘Chill’ and ‘Play’ – with the latter dedicated to families. Younger guests are treated as ‘mini-VIPs’ and you’ll be hard-pressed to get them to leave the award-winning kids’ club, where they can sign up for everything from cooking classes to nature walks. The family villas are packed full of kids’ amenities and each one comes with its own bike for exploring.

Snorkelling, Dhigali Maldives

Dhigali Maldives: This wonderfully remote resort has real castaway vibes. Dhigali is known for its premium all-inclusive package and colourful kids' club, as well as standout features like its junior spa. With a safe, sheltered lagoon, family swimming and snorkelling are always high on the agenda here.

LUX* South Ari Atoll: Those travelling with older kids and teens should make a beeline for Lux South Ari Atoll. There’s a dedicated teens’ club and whale shark excursions to keep them busy during the day, while come nightfall it’s all about the DJ sets on the beach.

Fun activities for families in the Maldives

Boredom is never an option in the Maldives – not when you have playgrounds both underwater and on land to explore. Here are a few must-try experiences:

Snorkelling and marine discovery

The Maldives’ coral reefs are teeming with life, home to tropical fish, turtles and reef sharks. These dazzling underwater worlds are delightfully easy to explore. Many resorts have house reefs close to shore, so kids can snorkel safely in the shallow waters. Some also offer guided snorkelling safaris, where children can learn about the reef’s ecosystem.

Dolphin-watching excursions

There’s something so magical about seeing dolphins in their natural habitat. Resorts often organise dolphin-watching cruises at sunset, giving you the chance to spot playful pods of dolphins leaping through the waves alongside the boat.

Bageecha Kids' Club, Kuramathi Maldives

Kids’ clubs and family activities

Most of the family resorts in the Maldives have kids’ clubs – and these are ones they’ll actually want to go to. They put on everything from treasure hunts and arts and crafts sessions to local cooking classes and zany beach games. 

Paddleboarding, Dhigali Maldives

Water sports for older kids

For families with older children and teens, the water sports in the Maldives offer serious thrills. Sign them up for jet skiing, windsurfing or stand-up paddleboarding, or let them earn their diving stripes on an introductory scuba diving course.

Cultural experiences

Fun and learning go hand-in-hand in the Maldives. Some resorts organise cultural workshops, where children can learn about local Maldivian customs, crafts and cuisine. Niyama Private Islands, for example, offers a “Little MasterChef” experience, where kids can learn to make local dishes and enjoy the flavours of the Maldives.

Dhigali Maldives

Are the Maldives a safe destination for family holidays?

The Maldives is one of the safest destinations for families, as many resorts are set on their own private islands with limited access to outside visitors. The calm lagoons and sheltered beaches also provide a safe environment for young children to swim and play.

With excellent healthcare facilities available on most resort islands, parents can also rest easy if any minor medical needs crop up. Resorts are staffed with trained lifeguards and childcare professionals, plus many activities are supervised.

Tips for planning your family holiday in the Maldives

Here are some tips to make the most of your family holiday in the Maldives:

Plan your travel time

Direct flights from the UK to Malé take about 10 hours, which can be a long journey for younger children. Consider a stopover in an Arabian city like Dubai or Doha to break up the travel time. Most resorts are reached by seaplane or speedboat transfer from Malé, which adds an extra layer of excitement for kids.

Pack smart for the climate

The Maldives is warm year-round, so pack lightweight clothing, sun hats and plenty of reef-safe sunscreen. Bring water shoes for children, as some beaches have coral or rocky areas. Many resorts offer baby amenities but check with your resort if you’re travelling with infants to see what’s available.

Choose the right resort

Picking the right family-friendly resort is key. Look for options that have kids' clubs, family villas and kid-safe beaches. Resorts like Niyama Private Islands and Kuramathi Maldives are well-known for their family-friendly facilities.

Book activities in advance

Popular activities such as dolphin cruises and snorkelling excursions can book up fast, especially during peak seasons. Reserve activities in advance to make sure your family doesn’t miss out on anything you were particularly looking forward to.

Whale shark trip with a marine biologist, LUX* South Ari Atoll

This feature was created on 18th November 2024. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print.