Kandima

Water Sports: Jet Skis, Paddleboarding & More

Kandima’s lagoon is wide and calm, making it well-suited to water sports that don’t require a house reef. Jet skis are a highlight—expect open-water thrills without the crowds of busier resorts. Stand-up paddleboards and kayaks are available for slower exploration, and the resort’s activity team often organises group paddles at sunset. For something more structured, there are windsurfing lessons and wakeboarding sessions. The sandy lagoon means you won’t snag coral, so it’s a great spot for beginners to build confidence.

• Jet skis for open-water rides
• Stand-up paddleboards and kayaks (group sunset paddles available)
• Windsurfing lessons and wakeboarding
• Snorkelling trips by boat to nearby reefs

Diving: Boat Trips to Nearby Reefs

Kandima doesn’t have a house reef, but its location in Dhaalu Atoll puts it within easy reach of some of the Maldives’ less-visited dive sites. The resort’s dive centre organises daily boat trips to nearby reefs, where expect healthy coral and frequent sightings of turtles, reef sharks, and schools of tropical fish. The atoll’s channels are known for drift dives, and advanced divers can request trips to deeper sites. If you’re new to diving, the centre offers PADI Open Water courses in the lagoon before heading out to the reefs.

• Daily boat trips to nearby reefs (turtles, reef sharks, tropical fish)
• Drift dives in Dhaalu Atoll’s channels
• PADI Open Water courses available
• Advanced dive trips on request

Kids Club: One of the Maldives’ Largest

Kandima’s kids club is a standout—spacious, well-staffed, and packed with activities that keep children engaged while parents relax. The club is designed for ages 4 to 12 and offers everything from arts and crafts to cooking classes (yes, kids can make their own Maldivian snacks). There’s a small outdoor play area with games, and the resort’s long beach means plenty of space for sandcastle-building competitions. Parents can drop kids off for a few hours or book full-day supervision, giving them time to enjoy the spa or a quiet lunch.

• Ages 4–12, with supervised activities
• Cooking classes (Maldivian snacks)
• Arts and crafts, outdoor games, and beach play
• Full-day or half-day supervision available

Spa: Bright, Modern, and Relaxing

The spa at Kandima mirrors the resort’s overall vibe: bright, modern, and unpretentious. Treatments blend local ingredients like coconut and frangipani with techniques from around the world. Massages are the main draw—opt for a Maldivian-style coconut oil massage or a deep-tissue session after a day of diving. The spa also offers facials and body scrubs, and couples can book side-by-side treatments in a private overwater cabana. The design is open and airy, with plenty of natural light, so it feels more like a beachside retreat than a dimly lit sanctuary.

• Maldivian coconut oil massages
• Deep-tissue and couples’ treatments
• Facials and body scrubs with local ingredients
• Private overwater cabanas for couples

Excursions: Sunset Cruises, Cooking Classes & More

Kandima’s excursions lean into the resort’s playful energy. Sunset cruises are a must—expect sparkling wine, live music, and a slow sail around the lagoon as the light turns pink. For something more hands-on, the resort offers cooking classes where you can learn to make Maldivian dishes like mas huni (tuna and coconut salad) or garudhiya (fish broth). Fishing trips are another option, with the chance to reel in your dinner and have the resort’s chefs prepare it for you. If you’re travelling with kids, the resort can arrange sandbank picnics or dolphin-watching trips.

A good rule: who want a mix of adventure and relaxation to book the cooking class early—it’s one of the most popular excursions, and spots fill up fast. The sunset cruise is a close second, especially for couples looking for a low-key way to end the day.

• Sunset cruises with sparkling wine and live music
• Cooking classes (Maldivian dishes like mas huni and garudhiya)
• Fishing trips (catch and cook your dinner)
• Sandbank picnics and dolphin-watching trips