Ranked among the world's top family-friendly holiday hubs, the Maldivian islands are a larger-than-life playground for travellers of all ages. Despite its straight-laced reputation, there is a wide variety of adventures, excursions and activities families can enjoy together during a trip to the archipelago. From signing up for once-in-a-lifetime sailing tours to learning valuable skills on holiday, here's a rundown of the best things to do during a family vacation to the paradise isles.

Family Getaways - Photo by Hassan Nizam on Unsplash

Often considered one of the best activities to do in Maldives, signing up for a whale and dolphin watching safari is a great way to enjoy a unique sea-bound adventure together. Accessible to those based at OZEN by Atmosphere at Maadhoo and other resorts during the months from November to April, families should keep in mind that these safaris are only available during the official whale-watching season. Taking up to 4 hours in some cases, whale-watching tours offer visitors memorable encounters with the largest mammal in the world and schools of playful dolphins who often occupy the waters around key whale habitats. In addition to the joy of watching spinner dolphins perform summersaults in open waters, the excursion brings the elusive majesty of whales into full focus in the best possible way.

Tipped to be South Asia's leading beach destination for all manner of water sports, taking part in water-bound activities must be an integral part of every family's Maldivian getaway Although kayaking, jet skiing and banana boating are water-based adventures families can enjoy as a group, there are an equally enticing number of water sports that can be enjoyed in pairs or on one's own. This includes surfing, scuba diving, water skiing and parasailing while wind surfing and stand-up paddle boarding are other exciting things to do off the coast of the islands.

Take Diving Lessons as a Family

Families that are interested in learning the basics of scuba diving during a trip to the Maldives can also enlist the help of a local water sports centre or a diving school. Offering PADI-certified diving courses for both adults and children as young as age 8; this is perhaps one of the most rewarding activities families can embrace during a beach getaway. Practice sessions are often conducted in swimming pools before families are ferried out to beginner-friendly dive spots to put their newly acquired skills to the test.

As a water sport that does not require special training or even excellent swimming skills, setting out on a snorkelling adventure is another fantastic way to spend quality time as a family. With vibrant coral gardens occupying the house reefs of most, if not all Maldivian resorts, going on a snorkelling tour can be as simple as stepping outside of one's water villa and peeking beneath the waves.

As an invigorating sailing excursion that appears to have been tailor-made for the unique geographical features of the Maldives, island hopping can be an unforgettable family adventure. Cruising from one uninhabited virgin island to another on a yacht, island hopping tours can last several hours or several days depending on the vacation budget. Most tour operators also throw in snorkelling, diving and kayaking activities into island hopping packages so the family can also immerse themselves in the isolated waters they find themselves in.

Perhaps the most magical experience families can indulge in during a Maldivian beach vacation is setting off on a sunset cruise. Departing into deeper waters during the early afternoon, this sailing tour complete with onboard refreshments offers families a new way to witness the glorious sunsets of the Maldives from a different vantage point.