How to Plan Your Trip Around the Maldives’ Top 2026 Events

Are you planning a trip to the Maldives in 2026? You won’t have just the islands and beaches to look forward to. There are fun and exciting events lined up throughout the year, including cultural exhibitions, sports tournaments, and local festivities that can add to the holiday fun in paradise. Whether you’re a tourist or a business traveller, you can include these activities in your travel schedule and enrich your holiday experience with the best that the Maldives has to offer.

Here’s how you can organise your trip during the best 2026 events in the Maldives.

Kick Off Your Year with Culture and Local Flavour

In January 2026, the season is already buzzing with activities that get you into real Maldivian cultural life. Events such as the Rashu Expo 2026 on 1 February bring together island tourism and local crafts in traditional cuisine and performances. This is a great way to connect with local artisans and learn about the diverse heritage across the atolls.

Many hotels like Adaaran Resorts have themed celebrations and lifestyle events in the beginning of the year. You will find various beach parties, musical nights, and cultural shows, guaranteeing a relaxed but festive way to enjoy local culture and mingle with visitors.

Book accommodation early in the best places to stay in Maldives during this period. January is high season in the Maldives, with good weather and plenty of tourists.

Embrace Adventure and Island Life in Spring

The Maldives Marine Expo is held in February. It is a multi-day exhibition on marine life, adventure, and ocean tourism that attracts divers, snorkelers, and nature lovers keen on ecological tourism trends.

In April, the calendar offers sports and marine adventures. One great event in April is Oceanman Maldives, an ocean swimming event for active travellers who want to combine fitness with beachside beauty.

Later in April, events like the Raaraa Pro, Maldives Kiteboarding Extravaganza, are held in Dhiffushi. It’s perfect for those seeking an active vacation full of watersports.

Connect at Conferences and Industry Meetups

If moving forward in your career path is part of your travel plans, May through August offers a treasure trove of options. The Maldives Wellness Experience and Travel Symposium is held in late May, and emphasises wellness tourism from around the world.

Additionally, in May, the Hotel Supply Conference (HOSCO) showcases innovation in tourism. Further, in May and July each year, global events such as the ICTH 2026 and the International Conference on Tourism and Hospitality are held, offering platforms to discuss tourism trends.

Sport enthusiasts can look forward to the 2026 SAFF U-19 Championship in the Maldives from late March to early April. This is an under-19 football competition for South Asian teams. The atmosphere will be lively as the event will have football matches.

Business and conference travel may entail visa planning and travel early on. Mark calendars and book air travel in advance.

Celebrate Nature and Community into Late Summer

Summer in the Maldives may see fewer tourists, but when it comes to festivals and events, it is abuzz. The Lhaviyani Turtle Festival in July is one such event that highlights ocean conservation and turtle conservation.

At the same time, "Giants of the Maldivian Sea", held in August, features whale sharks and manta ray encounters, attracting visitors to the nutrient-rich waters of Baa Atoll.

End Your Year with Networking and Local Flair

As the year winds down in 2026, October ushers in the Corporate Maldives Bizweek. This is a three-day platform that offers a great networking opportunity for business connections for professionals in the hospitality or tourism sectors.

Apart from the official events, many resorts have their own festivities every year. Visitors can listen to talks about marine conservation or enjoy musical performances depending on the resort chosen.