20 Places Similar to The Maldives

Maldives

The Maldives is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations around the globe. The Island has built a lucrative reputation by serving as a home for five-star resorts, crystal clear turquoise lagoons, cyan-blue waters, white sand beaches, prolific landmarks, powdery sands, and beautiful greenery. While the Island serves as a dream getaway for many people, others are put off by the costly prices associated with various locations and the sheer number of yearly tourists. Fortunately, plenty of amazing destinations have the same beauty and amazing sceneries, perfect for travelers. Here, we will look at the 20 places similar to the Maldives.

Belize, Central America

20. Belize, Central America

Belize is located west of the vast Central American jungle and Caribbean shorelines to the east. It is best known for its amazing culture, gorgeous cays, excavated tombs of Mayan Kings, shimmering sands, and the fun scuba dive at the Great Blue Hole. According to finder, one of the main tourist destinations in the area is a boat tour that will take you to Shark Ray Alley. Located nearby is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve which provides a home to different species of stingrays and sharks. As you enjoy your stay in Belize, you can spend the night at a four-star Sapphire Beach Resort that charges $158 per night.

Bora Bora, Tahiti

19. Bora Bora, Tahiti

Bora Bora is a dramatically beautiful and lush island located in French Polynesia. This area is the ideal South Pacific dream destination that rises to a steep emerald peak surrounded by an azure lagoon. Bora Bora is packed with luxury bungalows, some with glass floor panels, a cluster of coconut palms, crystal-clear waters, and amazing culture. The official language here is French, and the local’s favorite meal is gourmet cuisine. Bora Bora is the ideal honeymoon destination mainly due to its many kayak trips to gorgeous islands, fun water sports, thrilling shark dives, and exciting hiking trails. Here, you can spend the night at The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort.

Riviera Maya, Mexico

18. Riviera Maya, Mexico

Riviera Maya is the perfect tropical destination packed with intimate boutique hotels and beautiful beaches where you can enjoy snorkeling, fishing, and dolphin diving. You will also learn more about their culture by exploring the stunning ancient ruins of Tulum located over the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Riviera Maya is the best tropical vacation mainly due to its affordable restaurants and amazing culture. There are plenty of amazing resorts to spend the night such as Rosewood Mayakoba, Barceló Maya Palace, and many others.

Aitutaki, Cook Islands

17. Aitutaki, Cook Islands

Aitutaki in the Cook Islands is a dream getaway destination for couples mainly due to its lush peaks, luminous aqua lagoon, and expansive beaches. According to Scratch World, the area has the friendliest community in the South Pacific. While Rarotonga is the largest town in the Cook Islands, Aitutaki is more centrally located and is home to plenty of the Island’s main tourist attractions. Aitutaki beaches provide suitable conditions for snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, and swimming.

Kaua'i, Hawaii

16. Kaua’i, Hawaii

Kaua’i, also known as the Garden Isle, is the perfect tropical location. The area is best known for its spectacular evergreen coastal peaks, stunning coastal towns, huge waterfalls, and lush rainforests. Kaua’i is the ideal destination for all nature lovers with the amazing view of lava-sculpted landscapes, different fish species, turtles, and gorgeous coral reefs. Your stay at Kaua’i is made more interesting by hiking on the velvety peaks of the Napali Coast, viewing the cloud-capped scenery above Hanalei Bay, and exploring the deep and expansive 10-mile-long Waimea Canyon. As you bask on the golden beaches, you may be able to spot the slumbering monk seals that provide a beautiful view.

El Gouna, Egypt

15. El Gouna, Egypt

Located on the Red Sea is Egypt’s El Gouna, a town popularly known for its dazzling coral reefs, expansive beaches, and clear blue waters. Similar to the ones in the Maldives, the Panorama Bungalows offer the same luxurious appeal and are very affordable. Here, you can enjoy your favorite water sports activities such as scuba diving and view the colorful sea life. El Gouna also has plenty of modern resorts with waterside accommodations that provide a clear sea view. Compared to the accommodations in the Maldives, El Gouna resort accommodations are more budget-friendly and are located in a calm and serene environment.

Fethiye, Turkey

14. Fethiye, Turkey

According to Cntraveller, Fethiye, also known as Telmessos, is a town located on a natural harbor in the Turkish Riviera. While it features most of the beautiful tourist attractions listed in the destinations mentioned earlier, Fethiye is a well-accommodating town with a rich Turkish history. The remnants of the ancient civilization can be seen almost everywhere in the town, with most of them aged nearly 5000 years old. This helps provide an interesting break from the beautiful Oludeniz beach and the crescent-shaped white sand. Fethiye’s coastline extends along the Aegean, one of Turkey’s best coastal areas. There are also plenty of amazing coves and bays for you to explore.

Langkawi, Malaysia

13. Langkawi, Malaysia

Locally known as The Jewel of Kedah, Langkawi is a vast archipelago with more than 100 islands in the Andaman Sea. Compared to the Maldives, this tropical getaway location is less commercialized. This is because you will find fewer major resorts, plenty of untamed jungles, and few local cuisine spots. However, you are guaranteed the best view of everything the town offers, such as different monkey species, the stunning Langkawi Sky Bridge, exotic birds, and the peak of Gunung Mat Cincang, the second biggest mountain on the Island.

The Mamanuca Islands, Fiji

12. The Mamanuca Islands, Fiji

The Mamanuca Islands are a volcanic archipelago located south of the Yasawa Islands and west of Nadi. The area forms a spectacular string of about twenty islands that are best known for their distinctive palm-studded beaches, exposed coral reefs, and crystal clear waters. The Mamanuca Islands of Fiji offer visitors a blissful island holiday experience. Here, you can visit Malamala Beach Club, surrounded by the Island’s clear waters. Accommodation ranges from family-friendly luxury hotels to mid-range resorts such as the Malolo Island Resort and Matamanoa Island Resort.

Praslin Island, Seychelles

11. Praslin Island, Seychelles

Praslin Island is one of the must-visit tropical islands in the world. You will explore the stunning boulder-rimmed beaches, luxuriant jungles, flourishing coral reefs, and other beautiful sceneries here. The main tourist attraction on the Island is UNESCO-listed Vallee de Mai, a pre-historic forest filled with rare coco de Mer fruit palms. If you love spending time at the beach, you will certainly enjoy staying at La Digue, which features some of the Island’s most beautiful beaches. You can also practice fishing on Farquhar Atoll and Alphonse Island nearby.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

10. Zanzibar, Tanzania

Tanzania’s Zanzibar is known for its rich culture and vital role on spice trading routes. According to Luxtripper, Zanzibar Island, also known as Unguja, is home to beautiful beaches, bone-white sand, thriving coral reefs, Stone Town and UNESCO-listed Historic Center. You can explore the Island’s historic sites, spice-packed bazaar, and unique architecture through the tangle of cobbled pathways. As you relax on the Island’s gorgeous beaches, you can spot several dhows calmly gliding along the turquoise waters. The Island provides suitable conditions to enjoy your water sports activities such as snorkeling and diving along the coral reefs. Located nearby is Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, where you can view the amazing wildlife the Island has to offer.

The Abacos, the Bahamas

9. The Abacos, the Bahamas

Located about 300 kilometers east of Florida is the stunning Abacos town in the Bahamas. The Abacos, also known as Family Islands or Out Islands, is popular for offering some of the world’s best waters for sailing and boating. This peaceful Atlantic island was first inhabited by the British Loyalties, whose colorful colonial cottages can be seen on the narrow streets. Here, you will also find fishing villages, blooming coral reefs, pine-fringed beaches, and artistic boats. Other popular islands within this area include; Green Turtle Cay, Treasure Cay, Walker’s Cay, Elbow Cay, and many others.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

8. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is one of the most affordable getaway locations worldwide. The town has luxurious resorts, beautiful beaches, diverse ecosystems, and rich culture. They are plenty of fun activities to try out while in Santo Domingo, such as climbing one of the highest peaks in the Caribbean, hiking to huge waterfalls through the steamy jungle, rafting the crystal clear waters of the Rio Yaque del Norte, visiting a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bike through pine forests along the alpine trails and explore the expansive beaches of the Samana Peninsula. The Island also provides suitable weather conditions for enjoying your favorite water-based activities such as swimming, snorkeling, diving, surfing, and kayaking.

Bali, Indonesia

7. Bali, Indonesia

According to the Standard, Bali in Indonesia is an ideal tropical destination that is popularly known for its mysticism and friendly Bali community. You will also find temples filled with incense fragrant and expansive rich paddies beautifully glowing in the late evening sun. Best of all, at a relatively affordable price, you will enjoy some of the local’s favorite delicacies and ample accommodation that includes beach resorts, luxury villas, and local hostels. Bali is also known for its soothing spa treatments that help make your body relax after a day full of fun activities. Your stay at Bali is not complete without visiting Lombok, a neighboring volcanic island.

Nosy Be, Madagascar

6. Nosy Be, Madagascar

Nosy Be Island is one of the best beach destinations in Madagascar. The Island features beautiful crater lakes, thick forests, and massive craters. Here, you will enjoy incredible swimming, snorkeling, and diving opportunities. Nosy Be is also home to several tourist attractions such as the sacred Mahatsinjo village, Ampangorinana market, Lakobe National Park, and Nosy Iranja beach. However, the Island also serves the most delicious seafood in Madagascar.

Whitsunday Island, Australia

5. Whitsunday Island, Australia

Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef is Whitsunday Island, an archipelago in Australia consisting of seventy-four tropical islands. This is the perfect romantic getaway destination with your loved one or a family-friendly beach holiday. Whitsunday Island is the perfect alternative to the Maldives with its magical underwater world, luxurious cottages, lush forests, and thriving coral reefs. However, best of all, you will enjoy riding a seaplane over the spectacular Heart Reef.

Port Douglas, Australia

4. Port Douglas, Australia

Do you love watching nature? Then, it would help if you made your way to Port Douglas in Australia. Port Douglas is an upscale town that has significantly evolved from being a humble fishing village into a popular tropical tourist location. The town is home to two of the richest ecosystems in Australia, which include the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, which is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Site. Port Douglas’ streets are lined with palms, mango trees, art galleries, and upscale shops. Finally, one of the main tourist attractions in Port Douglas is the blond crescent-shaped Four Mile Beach.

The Andaman Coast, Thailand

3. The Andaman Coast, Thailand

The Andaman Coast is popularly known for its stunning limestone peaks that decently rise from the turquoise waters, creating one of the world’s most amazing seascapes. The Khao Sok National Park is located nearby, home to elephants and other wildlife. Accommodation ranges from budget-friendly beachfront bamboo shacks to luxury villas on sea cliffs. You can also visit the high-end resorts for mouthwatering dishes, exotic culture, and breathtaking scenery. While at the Andaman Coast, look out for Southwestern monsoons. However, they strike the coast from late May to Mid-October.

Florida Keys, USA

2. Florida Keys, USA

According to Travelandleisureindia, the Florida Keys in the United States is best known for its thriving coral reefs, extensive sandy beaches, and amazing fishing grounds. Located about 80 miles from Cuba and 110 miles south of Miami, Florida Keys is centrally located. This makes it easily accessible by tourists. Some of the main tourist attractions in the Florida Keys are numerous.  The Bahia Honda State Park, National Marine Sanctuary, Key West, and the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State, for example. The Florida Keys also hosts one of the major fishing tournaments in the state each year. Finally, it is home to plenty of high-end resorts.

Cartagena, Colombia

1. Cartagena, Colombia

From the steamy Amazon to the snow-dusted Andean peak, Colombia’s diverse landscapes make it one place similar to the Maldives. Colombia is the only South American country with a Pacific and Caribbean coast. There are plenty of beaches to enjoy. You can also visit the museums of Medellin to learn more about the country’s decades of conflict.

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