The Maldives With Kids: Will They Be Bored Or Blown Away?

Doing the Maldives with kids, the aspiration is that you’ll spend an incredible week or two bonding and creating unforgettable memories together at home in heaven on earth. But does the reality look more like hell on earth? We did it to find out. 

People visiting the Maldives with kids
Can you go to the Maldives with kids? Photo by yang wewe on Unsplash

It’s a dream holiday destination for most. The soft sand beaches, azure waters, tropical cocktails, and detachment from everyday life mean the incredible atolls have a well-earned reputation for being the perfect spot for catching some R&R. 

So, do they have what it takes to deliver an unforgettable family escape too? Or is doing The Maldives with kids a bad idea from the outset?

Blue Bay’s very own Leigh-Anne and her family recently got back from a bumper break to the famous atolls, so we got her opinion and the lowdown on their trip. 

But before we dive into Leigh-Anne’s experience, let’s answer the big question. 



Is The Maldives Good For A Family Holiday?

The Maldives is an incredible chilled-out family holiday option. If you’re hoping to show your little ones a paradisical landscape that strips away the noise and distractions of modern living – it’s the perfect destination. 

Having said that, we wouldn’t suggest it for children younger than 3. If you’re staying in a water villa in the Maldives, the fencing around the verandas is designed more for not getting in the way of the view rather than keeping little people in. 

While this minimal fencing means you have unparalleled views of the gentle crystalline Indian Ocean. It could spell trouble for inquisitive toddlers getting too close to the edge. 

Now over to Leigh-Anne for her take on paradise with the nippers. 

The Maldives offers a kicked back family holiday option. Photo by Rayyu Maldives on Unsplash

Where To Stay When Doing The Maldives With Kids

We stayed at Furaveri Island Resort & Spa in the spectacular Raa Atoll. There were 10 of us in total 4 of who were children ranging from age 9-15 and, I’m happy to say, we had the most amazing time ever. 

We booked 3 Beach Villas between us which were plenty big enough for a family of 4. Our rooms were right by the main pool and restaurant, the perfect location for entertaining the kids.

However, while our positioning was perfect, if your villa is further away from the main area there are buggies driving around every 10-15 minutes. So you can easily hitch a lift. 

It’s also worth mentioning that we upgraded to Premium All-Inlcusive.  I’d recommend anyone to do this as it gave us access to upgraded food and drinks menu, as well as some additional benefits. Plus, Furaveri also features a dedicated kids club that entertains while educating your little ones about The Maldives. 

  • Koama Kids Club, Furaveri Island Resort
  • Furaveri island beach
  • main pool area
  • Furaveri Beach Villa
  • Bathroom suite
  • Outdoor rain shower
  • Beachfront entrance
  • Water sports equipment laid out on Furaveri beach
  • Aerial shot of Furaveri Island


What Does Day-To-Day Look Like On A Family Holiday In The Maldives?

Because the island is so flat, our days and nights were mainly spent barefoot or in flip-flops. 

Each morning would wake up and take a stroll to Jaafaiy, the buffet restaurant by the main pool for breakfast before spending the rest of the morning relaxing around the pool. Lunch generally saw us grabbing a snack from the Udhares Bar. These snacks are chargeable but more convenient for kids as they offer classics like pizza, chips, and burgers.

In the afternoon, we would usually move to the beach where we snorkelled out to the house reef. We also took the chance to try some new experiences like kayaking or playing beach volleyball.

Having this laid-back daily structure ensured the kids never got bored or restless as there was always a new experience around the corner. Anyone who has ever been snorkelling will tell you that no two days in the water are ever the same – especially in the bustling lagoon waters at Furaveri. 

  • Child lying on a rubber ring in the pool at Furaveri Island Resort
  • A heron standing on the beach in the Maldives
  • View of the water villas from Furaveri beach
  • Baby reef sharks swimming in the shallows
  • Sunset on a Maldivian welcome jetty

Top Things To Do With Kids In The Maldives 

You might think that The Maldives is more tailored to couples or honeymooners. But there are some amazing activities available to help protect against hearing that infuriating warble “muuuuuumm… we’re bored”. Here are our top 4 picks

  1. Watching baby turtles hatching 
  2. Witnessing incredible marine life in its natural environment 
  3. Visiting a local island 
  4. Sunset cruise 

Watching Hatching Baby Turtles 

Baby turtles were hatching around lunchtime. So we took the opportunity to take the kids over to the water sports centre and help them release some. It’s an incredible experience and one that the kids will never forget. 

Watching The Marine Life 

There’s something beautiful about seeing the amazing marine life flitting around in the shallows. We stayed in a beach villa but the lagoon water is warm, shallow and clear, so you can just wander out and see the fish living their normal lives. So much better than an aquarium in the UK. 

fish swimming around a reef in the Maldives
Snorkelling in the Maldives is one of the best things you can do on the islands. Photo by yang wewe on Unsplash

Visiting A Local Island 

We had the opportunity to go on a trip to a nearby island. When we got there we explored the island seeing the people going about their daily lives and even touring a local shipyard and shopping area. 

Sunset Cruise 

Still probably one of the best things to do in the Maldives with kids, as a couple, or with friends. If casting your collective eye over the ocean from your speedboat transfer wasn’t glamorous enough, on a sunset cruise, you get to see some incredible landscapes as the sun dies over the ocean.

You might also spy pods of dolphins playing in the water. Unfortunately, we were not that lucky, but we were told they do make regular appearances.

Taking a sunset cruise is perfect for spotting wildlife with the kids.

Would You Recommend Visiting The Maldives With Kids?

I’d definitely recommend travelling to the Maldives with kids. As a family holiday, it had everything we could have possibly wanted and my two boys learnt so much about the area and wildlife.

Having said that, it is a long journey, so prepare for battling boredom during the flight. Plus, I would say that it’s probably more appropriate for families with children aged 4 and up.

Our beach villas were perfect for us as they gave the kids that feeling of having their own private beach – I’m not sure how suitable a water villa would have been due to the slippery decking and minimalist fencing. 

But, our trip was simply incredible. A lifetime experience and such a unique destination to discover. I will be looking to return next year.

Child playing in the water at sunset on a Maldives beach
Leigh-Anne recommends a family holiday in the Maldives. Photo by Nikola Tasic on Unsplash

Could Furaveri Island Resort Be Perfect For Your Gang?

There you have it. Stretching out on the Atolls with the sprogs in tow is a great way to go. And fantastic Furaveri offers the perfect location for your group escape. 

Click the button below to discover more in our Furaveri Flash Sale. As well as the full SP on this five-star resort including what the all-inclusive looks like and the choice of vibrant villas. Go on. Treat yourselves. 

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