#10 Best Resorts in Maldives for Snorkeling 2023
The best Maldives snorkeling resorts will give you a wonderful snorkeling experience. To realize it, you'll need the best resorts in the Maldives for snorkeling. Read our recommendation to discover the best resorts in the Maldives for snorkeling.
👤 Written by: | A. Ulinnuha |
⏳ Updated on: | |
📋 List: | 10 items |
👀 Reader: | 46 views |
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Regarding snorkeling, the Maldives are head and shoulders above any other location in the world. The best resorts in the Maldives for snorkeling have a 'house reef' near their coastlines. The shallow lagoon drops steeply into the deeper ocean seas. The house reef is the location along the vertical drop-off when coral starts to combine and form a coral garden rich with marine life and beautiful fish.
The best resorts in the Maldives for snorkeling can get you up close and personal with anything from surgeon fish, tuna, and parrot fish to eagle rays, turtles, and even hammerhead sharks. However, the quality of the house reef varies from resort to resort. Therefore we've compiled a list of the best resorts in the Maldives for snorkeling to guide you. So prepare your things and start reading.
Table of contents
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1.Anantara Kihavan Maldives Villas Anantara Kihavan Maldives Villas: The Maldives resort with a simple natural sanctuary design
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2.Dhevanafushi Maldives Luxury Resort Dhevanafushi Maldives Luxury Resort: The Maldives resort with a marble bathtub with skyline views
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3.Diamonds Athuruga Diamonds Athuruga: The Maldives resort with a dive store on-site
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4.Dusit Thani Maldives Dusit Thani Maldives: The Maldives resort a delicious Thai food
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5.Hurawalhi Island Resort Hurawalhi Island Resort: The Maldives resort with the greatest underwater restaurant
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6.Lily Beach Resort Lily Beach Resort: The Maldives resort with a platinum all-inclusive package
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7.Mirihi Island Resort Mirihi Island Resort: The Maldives resort with five pearls of Luxury boutique
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8.Six Senses Laamu Six Senses Laamu: The Maldives resort with a Yin Yang surfing wave
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9.Soneva Fushi Resort Soneva Fushi Resort: The Maldives resort with excellent food choices
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10.W Maldives W Maldives: The Maldives resort with a 15BELOW underground nightclub
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Cant find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to our Q&A community.
Does the Maldives have a decent snorkeling location?
The Maldives are high on the list of the TOP 10 Tropical Destinations in the World for their surreal Picture Perfect landscapes and extraordinary Resort collection. They’re also well-known for their underwater wonders, with Diving and Snorkeling essential assets in searching for a Dreamy holiday in the archipelago.
Where can I go snorkeling in the Maldives?
Snorkeling and diving are available throughout the Maldives, although not usually immediately from your hotel’s beach. You may be given a snorkeling excursion by boat to the nearby reef sometimes.
Who is allowed to snorkel in the Maldives?
Each! Because there are several possibilities to start and explore in quiet and crystal clear waters. The Maldives’ marine life is a natural and eternally stunning aquarium. You don’t have to dive far and deep to appreciate the underwater world with all of the Indian Ocean’s spectacular beauties.
What is the cost of snorkeling in the Maldives?
Snorkeling in the Maldives typically costs $70 per person. Nevertheless, the cost may vary depending on where you want to snorkel and how long you want to enjoy the snorkeling.
Name | Rank | Check Prices |
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Anantara Kihavan Maldives Villas
Anantara Kihavan Maldives Villas | #1 | Anantara.com |
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Dhevanafushi Maldives Luxury Resort
Dhevanafushi Maldives Luxury Resort | #2 | Jumeirahdhevanafushi.maldives-hotelsresorts.com |
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Diamonds Athuruga
Diamonds Athuruga | #3 | Athurugabeach.diamondsresorts.com |
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Dusit Thani Maldives
Dusit Thani Maldives | #4 | Dusit.com |
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Hurawalhi Island Resort
Hurawalhi Island Resort | #5 | Hurawalhi.com |
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Lily Beach Resort
Lily Beach Resort | #6 | Lilybeachmaldives.com |
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Mirihi Island Resort
Mirihi Island Resort | #7 | Mirihi.com |
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Six Senses Laamu
Six Senses Laamu | #8 | Sixsenses.com |
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Soneva Fushi Resort
Soneva Fushi Resort | #9 | Soneva.com |
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W Maldives
W Maldives | #10 | Tripadvisor.com |
10 List of Best Resorts in Maldives for Snorkeling
- Have a problem
with this product?#1Anantara Kihavan Maldives Villas
The Maldives resort with a simple natural sanctuary design
2 experts agreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Staying at Anantara Kihavan Maldives Villas is more than simply enjoying the luxury of your own space. The drop-off is a fascinating chasm in deep blue water, complete with overhangs, caves, and other features. The sea life of this Maldives snorkeling resort is stunning, with big schools of fish such as perches and triggerfish. The gorgeous lagoon has a sandy bottom and is clear of corals, making it excellent for swimming and water sports. Another reason the rooms are so beautiful is that visitors are only seen on a house reef or snorkeling on rare occasions.
Pros (reasons to buy)
The Anantara Kihavah architecture is a simple, natural sanctuary
There are eighty magnificent private pool villas
six restaurants and bars, each with its setting, food, and ambiance
Anantara Kihavah spa offers excellent servicesCons (reasons to avoid)
There is a lack of serenity in the main swimming poolWhat other experts liked
The only significant impact for other visitors was a loss of serenity in the main pool area, which may seem unappealing to couples and honeymooners.Anantara Kihavah is a well-known resort in the Maldives due to its beautiful, verdant island and unique activities. - Have a problem
with this product?#2Dhevanafushi Maldives Luxury Resort
The Maldives resort with a marble bathtub with skyline views
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Dhevanafushi Maldives Luxury Resort is a tropical refuge located in the southern end of the Maldives in the heart of the Indian Ocean. It spreads over two islands with lush flora, crystal blue seas, and white sandy beaches. Each of the resort’s 21 island villas has a private beach and pool.
Over the sea, there are 16 more ocean homes with stairs right down to the deep and outside marble bathtubs with skyline views. Jumeirah Dhevanafushi’s two lovely hideaways provide an incredible underwater experience with vivid coral gardens famous for their plethora of fish and turtles.
Pros (reasons to buy)
It provides a beautiful panoramic of the sea
There is a marble bathtub with skyline views
Two lovely hideaways
Lovely white sand beaches with a brilliant cyan-blue lagoonCons (reasons to avoid)
The breakfast buffet was mediocreWhat other experts liked
This is the place to go if you want to completely escape and treat yourself to a premium vacation that includes amazing service, cuisine, weather, and the most stunning locations.What other experts didn't like
The mediocre breakfast buffet was the only thing that actually disappointed me in terms of food and drinks. - Have a problem
with this product?#3Diamonds Athuruga
The Maldives resort with a dive store on-site
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Diamonds Athuruga Beach & Water Villas is located in the heart of Ari Atoll and has 46 Beach Bungalows and 25 Water Suites. The island is a small droplet with a semicircular outline. Despite the tiny area of the island, the house reef is vast, stretching for 4.4 kilometers. The arrival jetty is the best site for snorkeling since it is right on the drop-off. A big blue sea is inside this huge, round, broken house reef. This blue area is where manta rays live. On the Athuraga reef, manta rays are often seen by people who snorkel.
Pros (reasons to buy)
All 73 rooms have private balconies and rainfall showers
There are two restaurants, one buffet and one a la carte
A long length of the beach is equipped with volleyball courts, lounge chairs, and a seaside bar
Dive store on-siteCons (reasons to avoid)
There are no televisions or mobile phone service in the roomsWhat other experts liked
The Diamonds Thudufushi Beach, a 35-minute seaplane trip from Male, has some of the greatest snorkeling in the archipelago.What other experts didn't like
Beach Bungalow minibars only feature soft drinks, and these rooms do not have complimentary Wi-Fi. - Have a problem
with this product?#4Dusit Thani Maldives
The Maldives resort a delicious Thai food
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Dusit Thani Maldives, located on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, entices travelers with pearly white sandy beaches, blue lagoons, lush flora, and a beautiful house reef with some of the Maldives’ most abundant marine life. The resort villas and apartments are gorgeous contemporary luxury havens with ample facilities and cutting-edge amenities.
Another feature of this Maldives snorkeling resort is the fine cuisine served in an exotic atmosphere. This swimming pool, the hotel’s visual focal point, merges technology and nature with the flowing magnificent Banyan tree.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Excellent snorkeling and diving activities on-site
The majority of rooms include private pools and butler service
There are three restaurants, two beachside bars, and delicious Thai food
Babysitting services and a free kids' club are availableCons (reasons to avoid)
There is no 24-hour room serviceWhat other experts liked
Villas are located on the beach or above the ocean so that you can walk right onto the sand or into the sea.What other experts didn't like
The resort's main disadvantage is its distant location, which is at least 35 minutes by air from Male Airport. - Have a problem
with this product?#5Hurawalhi Island Resort
The Maldives resort with the greatest underwater restaurant
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Hurawalhi Island Resort in the Maldives is an exclusive and massive villa across the dazzling sapphire of a pristine lagoon, beautifully positioned so that all guests can enjoy dawn or sunset views against the backdrop of the ocean. And restaurants on the beach, on the water, and even underwater.
Tennis, badminton, and beach volleyball are available for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition, a spectacular snorkeling excursion on the house reef is available, as well as night fluorescent diving and a snorkeling excursion with a marine biologist.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Beautiful stand-alone residences with panoramic sea views
There are the country's greatest underwater restaurant
Excellent spa with free yoga sessions
Free non-motorized water sportsCons (reasons to avoid)
The resort is a 40-minute seaplane flight from MaleWhat other experts liked
The underwater restaurant is unique and one of the best eateries I've ever visited.What other experts didn't like
Some may find it a little too isolated since the resort is only accessible during daytime hours through a 40-minute seaplane flight from Male International Airport. - Have a problem
with this product?#6Lily Beach Resort
The Maldives resort with a platinum all-inclusive package
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Lily Beach Resort is located in the center of South Ari Atoll. It is a very narrow island. Standing in the center, you can see the sea on all sides, only a few meters away. The island provides easy access to the reef, while water villas feature steps down to the reef in minutes. Several little fish in the coral may be seen from the jetty. This jetty is the most excellent snorkeling spot in the area. Leap off to take the step, look for the current, and follow it. There is also fish feeding going on right here at night.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Spacious rooms with trendy design, private decks, and outdoor baths
Excellent buffet with many cooking stations
Table games, tennis courts, and a modern gym are among the sports activities available
The platinum all-inclusive package includes almost everythingCons (reasons to avoid)
The Platinum all-inclusive package is requiredWhat other experts liked
Lily Beach Resort & Spa, a pioneer in luxury all-inclusive in the Maldives, is an exceptional resort with tremendous value and fantastic natural features.What other experts didn't like
The only disadvantage is the narrow beach. - Have a problem
with this product?#7Mirihi Island Resort
The Maldives resort with five pearls of Luxury boutique
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:It is comparable to a little emerald diamond in the Indian Ocean. The resort contains just 36 villas, 30 of which are water villas, and the remaining 6 are beach villas. The Mirihi Island Resort is located on the reef’s eastern edge. The reef is easily accessible from any section of the island. The best approach to snorkeling in Mirihi is to descend from the main jetty, check the current direction, and follow it. Additionally, the Mihiri have a deep blue region on the island’s western side bordered by a house reef.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Luxury boutique with five pearls
A large beachfront bar and a little seaside bar
A multitude of land and sea activities
Modern all-wood residences with simple, modern décor and inviting tonesCons (reasons to avoid)
The Water Suite is the only one with a televisionWhat other experts liked
One of the Maldives' smallest island resorts, intended for couples seeking to bond in five-star, barefoot luxury.What other experts didn't like
Only the buffet restaurant is included in the all-inclusive meal package. - Have a problem
with this product?#8Six Senses Laamu
The Maldives resort with a Yin Yang surfing wave
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Six Senses Laamu is the exclusive Laamu Atoll resort located deep in the Indian Ocean. The Maldives’ most renowned surfing wave, Yin Yang, breaks just offshore from this resort. This luxurious Maldives resort comprises beautiful on-land and over-water villas made of sustainable materials and located around a palm-fringed paradise. The house reef that encircles this Maldives snorkeling resort is genuinely fantastic, with a gorgeous coral garden where you can often observe Oriental Sweetlips, parrotfish, and even green turtles.
Pros (reasons to buy)
There is a Yin Yang surfing wave
Beautiful on-land and over-water villas
It has a gorgeous coral garden
Ideal for surfing
Full-service Thai spa, including saunas and steam roomsCons (reasons to avoid)
Room prices do not include breakfastWhat other experts liked
The Six Senses is without a doubt the most environmentally friendly resort option in the Maldives.What other experts didn't like
If you want a formal experience, this resort is not for you, and you are paying a hefty amount for a resort that seems a little rustic sometimes. - Have a problem
with this product?#9Soneva Fushi Resort
The Maldives resort with excellent food choices
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Soneva Fushi Resort is located in the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in the Baa Atoll island archipelago. Spacious, multi-bedroom luxurious villas and exclusive residences with fairytale-like surroundings are concealed behind deep tropical flora. Many are designed to seem like tree homes, in line with the castaway concept. All have access to their stretch of sugar white beaches, and most have personal seawater swimming pools. In addition, this Maldives snorkeling resort features the Maldives’ longest and best house reef.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Beaches with white sand and an on-site reef
Villas in the Robinson Crusoe style
Excellent food choices, ranging from Asian to the Mediterranean
There is a kid's club
Rentals of non-motorized water activities are freeCons (reasons to avoid)
There is no public swimming poolWhat other experts liked
Soneva Fushi is one of the Maldives' best luxury resorts, and the private island's dense jungle interior and beautiful Robinson Crusoe-style design make it seem like a camp for affluent castaways.What other experts didn't like
There are no common pools on the island, so spend in a villa with a private seawater pool. - Have a problem
with this product?#10W Maldives
The Maldives resort with a 15BELOW underground nightclub
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The W Maldives has beaches with white sand, lagoons with blue water, and coral reefs. This five-star resort is cutting-edge and has 77 great places to hide. Each unit has its patio and pool. In addition, six gourmet restaurants and lounge bars, including 15BELOW, the Maldives’ first underground nightlife, are attractively located across the island. The resort also has one of the most excellent house reefs in the Maldives, so you can swim with reef sharks and turtles outside your door.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Rooms are spacious and contemporary
There are two bars as well as 15BELOW underground nightclub
A small infinity pool with a hot tub, cabanas, and a party atmosphere
There are luxury over-water villas available
Peaceful under spa complexCons (reasons to avoid)
Nightclub openings are often limitedWhat other experts liked
The five-pearl W Maldives is the place to go for an ultra-hip, exclusive, and millennial-at-heart Maldivian experience. It has 75 spacious and contemporary rooms.What other experts didn't like
Because many of these rooms are on the ocean, they do not have their own beach.
Conclusion: Best Resorts in Maldives for Snorkeling
Even if you’ve never attempted to breathe underwater in a mask with a snorkel, the Maldives will attract, entice, and frequently drive you to snorkel. Snorkeling in the Maldives brings you face to face with everything from clown fish, tuna, and parrot fish to eagle rays, turtles, and even white tip sharks. If you’re considering a trip to the Maldives, we hope our list of the best resorts in the Maldives for snorkeling comes in handy.