With so many paradisical atolls and reefs, it's no surprise that diving is one of the top activities in the Maldives, whether on independent dive outfitter excursions, liveaboards, or dive resorts. Cave and wreck diving are specialties here, and in addition to myriad colorful corals and some 1,100 species of fish, you can spot the likes of manta and other rays, reef and various other sharks, and giant marine turtles.

If you're unwilling or unable to dive the deeper depths, there are plenty of lagoons and other shallows surrounding the archipelago's 2,500-some reefs - certain of which offer "extras" like manta rays and marine turtles. There are plenty of exursions offering snorkeling off boats, as well as a number of resorts with "house reefs" on which guests can snorkel at their leisure.

Read more in Tripatini contributor Emmie's post The Top 10 Things to Do in the Maldives.