Updated 2023. We’ve roamed the Maldives for 20 years and have stayed in some of the best resorts for snorkeling.
I share here with you my List of the Best Islands to stay if you Dream to discover the marvelous Maldivian underwater world together with essential tips and advices before you go exploring.
Put on your gear and come explore with me.
The Best Maldives Resorts for Snorkeling We've Seen. Table of Contents
- Which Maldives Resort is Best for Snorkeling and What to expect
- Snorkeling in Maldives: What you need to Know Before You Go
- Maldives Best Resorts for Snorkeling. The List
- Anantara Kihavah
- Angsana Ihuru
- Bandos Maldives
- Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru
- Baros Maldives
- Sandies Bathala
- Coco Bodu Hithi
- Raffles Meradhoo Maldives
- Dusit Thani Maldives
- Filitheyo
- Kandolhu Island Maldives
- Lily Beach Maldives
- Mirihi
- OBLU at Helengeli
- Park Hyatt Hadahaa
- Rannalhi
- Reethi Beach
- Six Senses Laamu
- W Maldives
- VOTE : What is The Best Maldives Resort for Snorkeling ?
High listed in the TOP 10 tropical destinations in the world for their surreal picture perfect landscapes and extraordinary resort collection, the Maldives are also equally famous for their underwater wonders, making diving and snorkeling a top priority in the search for a dreamy holiday in the archipelago.
Dreaming of Maldives channel : Subscribe to our Channel for more videos !
A lot has already been written about diving in the Maldives, and I’m confident you’ll easily discover your ideal resort.
You can dive virtually anywhere, with the choice often depending on the specific atoll you select.
While some atolls may offer superior diving opportunities, the extraordinary diversity of dive sites means that the primary “challenge” for you will be in choosing the right resort according to your budget.
Note for Divers : refer to this Diver interview Series for more.
The country’s 26 atolls and thousands of paradise islands are an endless and fascinating playground with countless kilometers of reefs, populated by myriads of small and large sea creatures.
The Maldives fascinate and will make you become a snorkeler even you’ve never done it before.
Which Maldives Resort is Best for Snorkeling and What to expect
How many of us have snorkeled for the first time in the Maldives ?
Many and no matter the age.
Snorkeling is the easiest way to explore Maldives Underwater World without diving gear.
Here at Dreaming of Maldives we frequently receive requests from readers looking for particular resorts that also offer snorkeling at proximity.
Dear Reader,
If you are also searching for the perfect resort to snorkel in Maldives, this list is for you.
I have gathered here the best Maldives resorts for snorkeling we’ve seen …so far.
Note : there are more, ( so many new resorts opened the past years ) but I do not wish to feature them here as we do not know them or did not visit them for too long.
Before you go to the list and underwater, please read my Complete Maldives Snorkeling Guide or at least read some essential tips and advices summed up for your comprehension hereunder.
Snorkeling in Maldives: What you need to Know Before You Go
You can snorkel everywhere in Maldives just as diving. But not always directly from the island shores.
Sometimes, you will have to take a boat to go on a snorkeling trip.
As for the resorts, you will find 3 main types of Islands to choose.
The 3 Types of Maldives island resorts to snorkel
To sum-up, you will basically find 3 types of Island Resorts :
1 – TYPE 1. The one with a close-by House-Reef everywhere around the island.
Best example : Kandolhu Maldives
2 – TYPE 2. The one with a huge blue lagoon everywhere around the island.
Best example : Velassaru Maldives
3 – TYPE 3. The one with ( what I call ) the Dreamy Duo : a close-by house-reef + a wide Lagoon.
Best example : Six Senses Laamu
Who can snorkel in Maldives ?
Everybody ! Why ?
Because you have a huge opportunity to start and explore in calm and crystal clear waters. The Maldives are such a beautiful and endless natural Aquarium.
According to the resorts, it can be just at a step off your villa, close to the Island shores, just walking in the lagoon.
In Maldives, a single snorkeling trip
– me, always and forever fascinated 🙂
can be a jackpot !
What Can I see Under ?
Practically everything.
The Species. General view.
During your holidays, depending on your snorkeling activity ( several times a day or long hours in the water ) and your luck ( sometimes a single snorkeling trip can be a jackpot ), you will see :
- Rays
- Reef sharks
- Hawksbill Turtles
- stunning coral plates ( a rare beauty nowadays )
- Morays
- Napoleons
- reef fishes of all colours and sizes, alone or in groups
- micro creatures
- squids…
There is so much to see down there, even big fishes!
Fishes and Species : The big ones
Big bold fish and mammal species are legend and common in Maldives.
We all dream of seeing sharks, manta rays, whale sharks or dolphins to name the most wanted ones.
It is not guaranteed, but it will eventually happen.
Sharks
Common encounter on Maldives reefs and in lagoons : a Black Tip Reef shark.
Sharks
Manta Rays
Manta encounter during snorkeling in Maldives at Baros.
Manta Rays
Whale Sharks
Whale Shark encounter in Maldives during a snorkeling session at Vilamendhoo.
Whale Sharks
Fishes and Species : The Medium and small ones
There are thousands of species of fish in Maldives…It is a PARADISE.
Say hello to Nemo,
the super cute Clown fish !
…Or to the turtle !
In the more shallow waters you will also see plenty of small and sometimes bigger creatures. It’s a lot about luck and moments. Remember : There is no appointment.
Resorts with close-by snorkeling will often offer dramatic drop-off, home of various coral formation and of thousands of creatures
A patchwork of the common fishes and species you will see during snorkeling.
Quick and essential things you must KNOW Before You go Snorkeling
ESSENTIAL. Before You Go snorkeling.
The 2 Rules of a responsible Snorkeler / Diver
Commitments
DO NOT TOUCH what you see.
DO NOT STEP on Corals.
+
A Green Note
“The Green Note” about sun block cream :
An Eco-friendly biodegradable sunscreen is a MUST.
What is good for your body is also good for living corals.
1 – Good Snorkeling Skills if you’re alone
Good snorkeling skills are recommended if you plan to snorkel alone around an Island that has a close-by reef.
2 – Protect yourself from the sun
Apply a liberal dose of sunscreen ( mostly on your back ) about 10-20 minutes prior to snorkel -Choose an SPF of at least 30.
3 – Watch your kids and protect them
Pay a double attention to children. Keep them close to you and protect them well from the Sun too ( sun cream + T-shirt).
A snorkeling vest is strongly advised if you plan to snorkel on the resort house reef.
4 – Bring your snorkeling gear
If you want to save money and feel comfy try to save space for your snorkeling gear in your suitcase. Some resorts provide free snorkeling equipment but some others don’t.
It will cost you an extra and approximate 8 USD per person per day.
Make the math.
More resources about diving & Snorkeling in Maldives
I’ve had the chance to interview many of these Resort Dive centers Managers. Discover their Interviews here or scroll the gallery hereunder for more.
If you are Dreaming of discovering more about the marvelous underwater world of the Maldives, you will find here all my Maldives snorkeling guides.
Maldives Best Resorts for Snorkeling. The List
This quintessential list features 15 Resorts listed according to their snorkeling quality only, not their category.
From the simple 3 * Stars to the Luxury 5 * Star Resort, they all offer great house-reefs and easy access to snorkeling areas from their beaches and/or their Villas.
About the Photos
I’ve tried to illustrate each Resort with an Aerial View.
Aerial views are very helpful to study Resorts Reefs and surroundings.
Resort Prices : due the wide range of resort categories presented here, you will have to spend anywhere from a couple hundred to several thousand USD.
According to the period of the year you can find some of these resorts at interesting prices.
I independently selected all the resorts listed. Prices are published as general guidance and are subject to change. The average prices are per night and don’t include Maldives taxes and fees.
Anantara Kihavah
BAA ATOLL
Island Type : 1 / Close-by House Reef.
Category : 5* Luxury Resort
Located in Baa Atoll, at a 35 minutes seaplane flight from Male, Kihavah is settled on a beautiful typical Maldivian Island. Round, full of vegetation and surrounded by an amazing house-reef.
This top luxury resort is a Dream for travelers looking for ultimate privacy and great snorkeling.
BOOK Anantara Kihavah
in association with our trusted partner
& personal counsellor in Maldives
or
with booking.com
Our Video of Anantara Kihavah Maldives
Dreaming of Maldives channel : Subscribe to our Channel for more videos !
Angsana Ihuru
NORTH MALE ATOLL
Island Type : 1 / Close-by House Reef
Category : 5* Luxury Resort
Angsana Ihuru is located in North Male Atoll at 30 minutes from Male airport by speedboat. The resort is known for having one of the best house reefs in Maldives.
This All Inclusive Luxury resort is one of the Maldives Classics and the quintessential small, circular tropical Maldivian paradise island.
Bandos Maldives
NORTH MALE ATOLL
Island Type : 1 / Close-by House Reef.
Category : 4* Resort
Located in North Male Atoll, at 20 minutes from Male airport by speedboat, Bandos Maldives is surrounded by a stunning house reef.
Typically Maldivian, simple and comfortable, Bandos offers an All Inclusive plan and is one of the most affordable resort of this list.
Average Price : 220 USD / per night
with Booking.com
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru
North MALE ATOLL
Island Type : 1 / Close-by House Reef
Category : 5* Resort
Located in North Male Atoll, at a 25 minutes from Male Airport by speedboat, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is complemented by stunning surroundings, beautiful accommodation, exuisite dining options and a sumptuous Spa.
This luxury resort is perfect for lovers and gourmet with an All Inclusive plan in option.
Average Price : 450 USD / per night
with Booking.com
Baros Maldives
NORTH MALE ATOLL
Island Type : 3 / Dreamy Duo : Close-by House Reef and Wide Lagoon
Category : 5* Resort
Baros Maldives is a small Luxury island located in North Male Atoll at 25 mns by luxury speedboat from Male Airport. Both elegant and intimate, the island is a true haven of tranquility and is renowned for its romantic charm, absolutely idyllic for a honeymoon.
This Top Luxury resort, world renowned for its romantic charm, will seduce the most exigent travelers in love….
BOOK BAros MAldives
in association with our trusted partner
& personal counsellor in Maldives
Average Price : 476 USD / per night
with Booking.com
Our Video of Baros Maldives
Dreaming of Maldives channel : Subscribe to our Channel for more videos !
read more /
Snorkeling at Baros Maldives. In-Depth Review
Why Snorkeling at Baros Maldives is a Dream
Sandies Bathala
NORTH ARI ATOLL
Island Type : 1 / Close-by House Reef.
Category : 4* Resort
remark : we stayed at the resort when it was still Bathala. At the time, there were no water villas.
Located in South Ari Atoll, Sandies Bathala is a great all-inclusive option. Located at a 35 minutes seaplane flight from Male, Bathala island is a small rounded island with a few villas only.
This small and beautiful resort offers all the comforts in a simple style and is perfect for families, friends and couples as well as diving enthusiasts.
Average Price : 300 USD / per night
with Booking.com
Coco Bodu Hithi
NORTH MALE ATOLL
Island Type : 1 / Close-by House Reef.
Category : 4* Luxury Resort
Coco Bodu Hithi is located North Male Atoll, at 40 minutes by speedboat from Male Airport. The resort is designed in a Maldivian style with superb private pool villas and an idyllic overwater spa.
This luxury resort also offers an All Inclusive plan in option.
Average Price : 410 USD / per night
with Booking.com
Raffles Meradhoo Maldives
GAAFU ALIFU ATOLL
Island Type : 1 / Close-by House Reef
Category : 5* Luxury Resort
Located in Gaafu Alifu Atoll on 2 islands, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo is an eco-friendly luxury resort. Meradhoo combines an idyllic island location and Raffles legendary service to create the perfect luxury escape for couples and families.
This top Luxury resort offers privacy, serenity and style, alongside with stunning surroundings and overall design.
Average Price : 1100 USD / per night
with Booking.com
BOOK Raffles Meradhoo Maldives
in association with our trusted partner
& personal counsellor in Maldives
Dusit Thani Maldives
BAA ATOLL
Island Type : 1 / Close-by House Reef
Category : 5* Luxury Resort
Dusit Thani Maldives is located in Baa Atoll. The resort has a chic yet relaxed atmosphere and mixes Thai and Maldivian influences with its architecture and interior design.
The resort offers 108 villas located on the beach or over the lagoon, excellent food, a great kids club, a large infinity pool and a spa in the trees.
Filitheyo
FAAFU ATOLL
Island Type : 1 / Close-by House Reef.
Category : 4* Resort
Filitheyo is located in Faafu Atoll, at a 35 minutes seaplane flight from Male airport. The 4**** Resort is one of Maldives crown jewels and offers an excellent value in a typical Maldivian atmosphere. Filitheyo also offers an Al Inclusive plan in option.
This 4****resort is simple but a Dream for its underwater world.
Average Price : 175 USD / per night
with Booking.com
Kandolhu Island Maldives
NORTH ARI ATOLL
Island Type : 1 / Close-by House Reef
Category : 5* Luxury Resort
Tucked away in Ari atoll, Kandolhu is a 5-Star luxury boutique resort with just 30 contemporary villas. It is one of the most charming an intimate resort of this list. The resort also offers an optional All Inclusive plan.
Typical Maldivian and laidback, Kandolhu is an idyllic small Luxury resort that will suit honeymooners and travelers seeking for quietness and great underwater adventures.
BOOK Kandolhu Maldives
in association with our trusted partner
& personal counsellor in Maldives
or
with booking.com
Lily Beach Maldives
SOUTH ARI ATOLL
Island Type : 1 / Close-by House Reef
Category : 5* All-Inclusive Resort
Lily Beach Resort and Spa Maldives is nested on the beautiful Island of Huvahendhoo in South Ari Atoll at 25 minutes by seaplane from Male Airport.
This luxury resort is blessed with one of the richest and most beautiful house reef amongst all Maldives resorts.
Average Price : 846 USD / per night
in All Inclusive
with Booking.com
Our Video of Lily Beach Maldives
Dreaming of Maldives channel : Subscribe to our Channel for more videos !
Mirihi
SOUTH ARI ATOLL
Island Type : 3 / Dreamy Duo : Close-by House Reef and Wide Lagoon
Category : 5* Luxury Resort
Located in South Ari Atoll, at a 30 minutes seaplane flight from Male, Mirihi is one of the smallest and most beautiful island resorts in the Maldives.
This luxury resort is designed for couples looking for elegance and barefoot luxury. A must.
Average Price : 550 USD / per night
with Booking.com
Dreaming of Maldives Latest Discovery !
OBLU at Helengeli
NORTH MALE ATOLL
Island Type : 1 / Close-by House Reef
Category : 4* Luxury Resort. Premium ALL INCLUSIVE
Located in North Male Atoll at 50 minutes by speedboat from Male airport, OBLU Helengeli is a Premium 4* All Inclusive resort.
The resort combines modern comforts with authentic Maldivian style in a laid-back atmosphere for everyone. Families will love it and couples as well, with a separated island dedicated to adults-only.
This true all inclusive luxury resort offers a fantastic value and offers the transfers !
Average Price : 490 USD / per night
Park Hyatt Hadahaa
GAAFU ALIFU ATOLL
Island Type : 1 / Close-by House Reef
Category : 5* Luxury Resort
Located in one of the most remote atoll of Maldives, Gaafu Alifu, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadaahaa is a stunning luxury resort reachable after a 60-minute domestic flight to Kooddoo Airport followed by a 30-minute speedboat ride. Hadahaa is the successful combination of contemporary design and Maldivian architecture surrounded by a superb nature.
This Top Luxury resort is a Dream for travelers looking for ultimate privacy and sleek design.
Average Price : 780 USD / per night
with Booking.com
Rannalhi
South MALE ATOLL
Island Type : 1 / Close-by House Reef
Category : 4*
Located in South Male Atoll, at a 45 minutes by speedboat from from Male airport, Rannalhi offers relaxing beach holidays in a typical Maldivian style.
This simple yet comfortable resort is perfect for travelers looking for water sports and a relaxed environment.
Average Price : 265 USD / per night
with Booking.com
Reethi Beach
BAA ATOLL
Island Type : 1 / Close-by House Reef
Category : 4* Resort
Reethi Beach is an Eco-Friendly 4**** Resort nestled on a splendid little Island at a 35 minutes flight from Male, in the Northern part of Baa Atoll. Reethi Beach is simply gifted with some of the most Dreamy assets you can expect from a Maldivian Island : a superb fine sandy beach, a very bright lagoon and one the best House Reef of this selection.
Crown Jewel of the Maldives 4**** Resorts, Reethi Beach is one of the few Maldives Resorts to offer the possibility to spend a Dreamy Holiday at a reasonable price. The resort also offers an all inclusive plan in option.
Average Price : 260 USD / per night
with Booking.com
Six Senses Laamu
LAAMU ATOLL
Island Type : 3 / Dreamy Duo : Close-by House Reef and Wide Lagoon
Category : 5* Luxury Resort
Six Senses Laamu is an eco-friendly luxury Resort reachable after a 45 minute flight to the Atoll Domestic Airport of Kadhdhoo followed by 20 minutes speed boat ride. Secluded in a undisturbed nature and surrounded by a stunning lagoon on one side and a rich house reef on the other, the resort offers spacious beach villas close to fine white sandy beaches and some of the most beautiful water villas in Maldives.
Six Senses Laamu villas are all built with renewable and natural materials and specially conceived to be in total harmony with nature with a strong emphasis on privacy.
Dreaming of Six Senses Laamu ?
in association with our trusted partner
& personal counsellor in Maldives
Our Video of Six Senses Laamu
Dreaming of Maldives channel : Subscribe to our Channel for more videos !
W Maldives
North Ari ATOLL
Island Type : 1 / Close-by House Reef.
Category : 5* Resort
W Maldives is a small private Luxury Resort located in North Ari Atoll at 25 minutes by seaplane from Male Airport. Alike all W Hotels around the world, the resort has an ultra stylish atmosphere with a contemporary and cutting-edge style, focused on lifestyle and design.
The resort defines itself has “A LUXURY PLAYGROUND” with a true “Wow Effect” at arrival. Inventive and hip, yet friendly and laid-back, W Maldives is definitely one the most glamorous Resort of Maldives
Average Price : 700 USD / per night
with Booking.com
read more /
Snorkeling at W Maldives In-Depth review
Our Video of W Maldives
Dreaming of Maldives channel : Subscribe to our Channel for more videos !
According to your experience :
VOTE : What is The Best Maldives Resort for Snorkeling ?
Dreaming of Snorkeling in Maldives ?
You Will Love…
More information about the resorts
Resort Reviews ( main website ↗)
Anantara Kihavah
W Maldives
Baros Maldives
Kandolhu
Lily Beach Maldives
Six Senses Laamu
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5 comments
Mirhi is excellent for snorkeling.
When you get into the water, its like jumping into a lifesize aquarium.
Sharks, rays, eels, and huge fish of all sorts.
Sadly didnt see many turtles.
But this has to be a bucket list hotel for anyone who loves snorkeling.
Maldives is one of my favorite destinations. Stayed at the North Male atoll the first time, and the Lhaviyani atoll on my next visit. Enjoyed both times. The snorkeling was amazing in Maldives.
My favorite housereef for snorkeling is by far ellaidhoo nort ari atol. We have been to 5 of the above lokations but none could match ellaidhoo
This is a very informative post. Maldives is one of the best places to visit for everyone. Whoever will get the chance to see Maldives will surely be captured by its beauty.
I stayed at Constance Moofushi and found the snorkelling from the room to be very good, and very close. I saw a shark and a stingray within 50 metres of the room. If the listed resorts have better snorkelling directly from the room, they must be amazing indeed.