Best Snorkeling Resorts in The Maldives
The Maldives is a top holiday destination for sun and sea lovers that offers everything you need for a perfect tropical holiday. Beaches with powdery white sand, lush vegetation, relaxing vibes, and vibrant underwater biodiversity to explore at your doorstep; you get this all by staying on a snorkeling resort island!
We are returning visitors to this destination, and it is not a secret that we always choose accommodations that offer a good house reef. We have a top list of the best resorts in the Maldives for snorkeling. If this destination is on your bucket list and you are looking for tips on which island to choose where you can see vibrant marine life, this article will tell you!
Angaga Island Resort and Spa
The small resort island of Angaga is known for featuring one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, so it is popular among travelers. Despite its popularity and the fact that it is reachable only by seaplane, Angaga remains affordable.
The house reef of Angaga Island is easily reachable through designated passages and offers safe conditions for snorkelers at all levels as there are no great depths or strong currents. With plenty of newly grown corals and a wide variety of fish, turtles, eagle rays, and nurse sharks around, it is definitely one of the best choices to go snorkeling in the Maldives.
Bandos Maldives Resort
Turquoise lagoons, green vegetation, pearl white beaches – Bandos has a lot to offer for those who are ready for a Maldives snorkeling holiday. Located on the North Male Atoll, only 7 km from Malé airport, Bandos is a great place for shorter winter sun holidays too.
Bandos Maldives Resort is waiting for you with comfortable rooms in all categories (classic, standard, deluxe rooms, and different villas). This 4-star resort is proud to have a stunning house reef where you can see the most common Maldivian reef fish like wrasses, parrotfish, angelfish, and clownfish, but can spot octopus and sometimes manta rays as well.
With an easy swim to the drop-off, you can meet the resident blacktip reef sharks too. Are you looking for the best Maldives resort for snorkeling, then make sure that Bandos Resort is on your list!
Tip: If you find resort islands pricey read how to visit Maldives on a budget!
Embudu Village Resort
Located just about a 20-minute speedboat ride from Male, Embudu Village is my top recommendation for those who do not want to spend a lot of money on seaplane journeys and are looking for a snorkeling resort with close proximity to Velena Airport.
Many people wrongly think islands close to Male are not worth visiting as their house reefs are ruined, but I’m afraid that’s not right if it comes to this island. Snorkeling at Embudu provides visitors with the opportunity to observe all the common Maldivian marine species, including rays, turtles, and reef sharks. Thanks to the fresh currents arriving from the open ocean that reach the island’s eastern corner, often more giant animals can be seen around this budget-friendly Maldives snorkeling resort.
Dreamland Maldives
Dreamland is a highly recommended resort to visit if you are looking for an exceptional snorkeling experience in the Maldives. It has a good house reef with rich sea life; you can encounter blacktip, lemon, nurse sharks, turtles, and different ray species, including manta rays.
Moreover, this resort is situated in Baa Atoll, close to Hanifaru Bay, where hundreds of manta rays gather to mass feed on plankton. Schedule your vacation during the southwest monsoon (the ideal time is between late July and early October) and go on a snorkeling trip to Hanifaru Bay to experience this unique happening!
Baros Maldives Resort
Although the Maldives consists of more than a thousand islands in 26 atolls, not all are coral islands, which means that not all have coral around them. Therefore, if you are looking for the best resorts in The Maldives for snorkeling, make sure that the place you choose features a house reef where you can observe the colorful marine life of the Indian Ocean’s best coral reefs!
The island of Baros Maldives is one of those places that is proud to offer ideal conditions for snorkelers. It is easy to reach but private enough for an active Maldives snorkeling holiday. It lies in the central-southern part of the North Male Atoll, only 25 minutes by speedboat from Malé Airport.
Baros Maldives offers a stunning coral reef with spectacular marine life around it. Big schools of tropical fish, reef sharks, and turtles are guaranteed to be seen! You can explore shallow coral gardens independently or join guided snorkeling trips.
The best snorkeling resorts in The Maldives take care of their coral reefs! On Baros Island, a team of experienced marine biologists works hard to keep the reefs healthy. You can also join their awareness program to learn more about local marine life and get tips on how to help protect this stunning world!
Biyadhoo Island Resort
The best Maldives resorts for snorkeling are not necessarily the most expensive ones! Just 30 minutes from Malé by speedboat, the tropical island of Biyadhoo in the south Male Atoll offers you simple accommodation but breathtaking beauty.
Biyadhoo is blessed with lush vegetation, a perfect beach, and an excellent house reef. Napoleon wrasses, eagle rays, and a huge school of fish will entertain you while snorkeling. The lucky ones might see dolphins and manta rays as well.
Biyadhoo is popular among snorkeling enthusiasts who would like to enjoy the Maldivian style at reasonable prices. Check out our photos and videos in our Biyadhoo Island Resort review!
Centara Grand Island Resort
The beautiful Centara Grand Island Resort and Spa on the lush island of Machchafushi within the South Ari Atoll offers a luxurious 5-star experience. Centara Grand Resort is a real gem if it comes to the best snorkeling Maldives resorts. The world-class house reef is home to diverse marine life, and you can even find a sunken shipwreck!
The hotel is awarded with Green Fins certification. It is a project of the United Nations Environment Programme and Reef-World Foundation which means the resort supports responsible diving and snorkeling. Thanks to their efforts, the stunning house reef is full of fish, turtles, and reef sharks! Snorkeling around Machchafushi is like swimming in a tropical fish tank!
Constance Moofushi Resort
The house reef of Moofushi is so stunning that you will quickly snorkel every time, even though plenty of other activities are available! You will feel like you are in Finding Nemo with Nemos and Dorys everywhere in the incredible seascape with plenty of fish! Turtles and reef sharks are also daily visitors.
This island within the South Ari Atoll is a jewel of the Indian Ocean! The perfect combination of luxury and simplicity where everything is taken care of. The Constance Moofushi is a resort with a soul where you can enjoy carefree days and abundant sea life.
Fihalhohi Island Resort
A perfect choice for a Maldives snorkeling holiday is Fihalhohi, an absolute paradise escape! It is a truly idyllic spot where you can forget your everyday life and let your mind and body relax.
The stunning coral reef is teeming with vibrant marine life. Sharks, rays, eels, octopuses, and turtles can be spotted even in shallow waters. It is easy to swim out to the drop-off as well. The Fihalhohi Resort is a beautiful beachfront property. You can stay in romantic water bungalows or comfortable rooms at affordable prices.
Fihalhohi is just a few kilometers from Male in the South Male Atoll. The excellent value for money makes Fihalhohi one of the best snorkeling resorts in the Maldives!
Filitheyo Island Resort
This heavenly island in the Faafu Atoll offers top service, fantastic food, and excellent snorkeling! These words describe Filitheyo Island Resort as the best!
The beaches of Filitheyo are dressed in white sand that is soft like velvet, while corals are colorful like a rainbow. The more than 700-meter-long coral reef will keep you busy snorkeling. The underneath life is just amazing! Shoals of tropical fish, turtles, sharks, moray eels, and even dolphins can be spotted if you are lucky!
Offering an idyllic setting to relax and snorkel in the Indian Ocean, Filitheyo Resort must be on the top list of the best Maldives snorkeling resorts! It is designed for sun and sea lovers, for those who want to enjoy the abundant sea life and luxurious treatment.
Mirihi Island Resort
Luxury as it should be! Combining modern and traditional elements, this small tropical paradise awaits you with extraordinary service and a coral reef that surpasses all others. Located in the heart of South Ari Atoll, Mirihi is the smallest but finest one of the best Maldives snorkeling resorts.
Waking up with the fish, turtles, reef sharks, rays, swimming amongst angle and butterflyfish is the way how you spend your time here. The marine life is abundant and lively. If you are seeking a chill-out experience with caring staff and superb snorkeling, Mirihi Resort is the place to stay!
Vilamendhoo Island Resort
Vilamendhoo Island, located in the South Ari Atoll, is embraced by a stunning lagoon and extensive white, sandy beaches. If you seek an outstanding family resort with an exceptional house reef and opportunities for snorkeling with mantas and whale sharks, Vilamendhoo provides a comprehensive experience.
Not only the amazing house reef but also the quality of service make Vilamendhoo Island Resort one of the best snorkeling Maldives resorts. With attentive staff, great food choices, and comfortable facilities, relaxation is guaranteed here!
Sandies Bathala
Bathala is a tru gem in the North Ari Atoll! It is one of the only 12 islands left with 100% barrier reef, a well-kept treasure, a simple but pure paradise for snorkelers.
Bathala’s vibrant house reef is visited by grey reef sharks, nurse sharks, eagles, and manta rays. The whole island is designed for snorkeling and diving. Six entry and exit points allow direct access from the spectacular white sand beach.
It is a charming tropical island where adventurous travelers could revel in the natural beauty and have a wonderful barefoot holiday. The Sandies Bathala Resort offers comfortable villas open out onto the powdery white sand beach. Within seconds, you reach the turquoise lagoon where you find yourself surrounded by shoaling fish. Excellent value for money!
VOI Maayafushi Resort
Maayafushi has the WOW factor, a real paradise on earth! In the northern part of the Ari Atoll, this dreamy island is surrounded by white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and a house reef filled with colored fauna.
Maayafushi is known to have one of the best and most healthy corals and is among the best resorts in the Maldives for snorkeling. Reef sharks and different ray species can be found there. The VOI Maayafushi Resort has Maldivian-style bungalows and water villas with direct access to the amazing house reefs.
A perfect place for an unforgettable Maldives snorkeling holiday, Maayafushi offers a dream holiday to anyone who loves nature at its best above and below the surface!
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