The Maldives is the perfect place to escape reality for a while, from the delicious crunch of white sand between your toes to plunging your head into crystal clear waters.
This idyllic island network is known for pampering and thrilling activities, and snorkeling is one of the top aquatic adventures to make your trip unforgettable.
By planning your vacation around sublime snorkeling-filled stays, you’ll be able to reserve a big chunk of your time abroad to discover the unknown majesty of the deep, blue sea.
Maldives resort accommodations with snorkeling options will allow you the chance to cut down on travel time by staying in one place for the duration of your stay.
Unsure where to find the best resorts the Maldives has to offer for epic snorkeling excursions? We’ll dive into the pool of possibilities regarding places to stay with aquatic adventures in the Maldives to ensure you have a splashing time.
Top Resorts in the Maldives For Snorkeling
Snorkeling is a treat for any ocean lover, whether you’re looking to spot a few rainbow-hued, gilled creatures or planning to watch the ocean float.
When picking a resort, it’s important to note that every experience of snorkeling in the Maldives will vary from island to island. From house reefs to blue lagoons, there is a mosaic of underwater marvels to choose from.
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo
An exceptional example of ‘dynamite comes in small packages,’ Raffles Maldives Meradhoo is a sliver of sand that packs a punch in the adventure and glamour department.
Nowadays, the possibility of a secluded island paradise getaway isn’t always possible. As the best resorts in the Maldives have become a popular destinations for snorkeling, a hearty smack from other flippers in the water has quickly become the norm.
However, with only 38 rooms available in this resort, Raffles is truly an escape from the tourist-filled accommodations nearby.
A remote paradise ripe with tranquil terrains and experiences, this resort is in the northern part of the Gaafu Alifu atoll. Atolls are typically circular-shaped coral reef terrains, with their middle usually consisting of a lagoon.
This district is known for providing a magnificent network of thriving marine ecosystems, which will make every snorkeling excursion a unique experience.
With overwater villas and beachfront properties in its repertoire, you’ll be able to choose your dream vacation location. From waking up surrounded by a tapestry of blue to sitting along the beach, your choice of villa type will perhaps be the most challenging part of your trip.
However, the house reef snorkeling option is the most popular for avid snorkelers looking to explore a bounty of thriving marine life. The resort has a resident marine biologist for visitors looking to learn more about the technicolor organisms they are bound to see in the waters.
If you’re looking for water activities with a heart-pumping twist, Raffles also offers jet ski adventures and big game fishing outings.
Tip: Famished after an extensive day of snorkeling? Make your way to The Firepit to sample cuisines with an exotic island flair. As chefs prepare your meal over the burning flames, you’ll get to indulge in a barbeque experience like never before.
COMO Cocoa Island
If you’re looking to travel to the crisp blue, white, and green color palette of Kaafu Atoll, you’ll find an abundance of heavenly havens on the South Malé Atoll within its midst. A prime example of the wonders of island excellence that this atoll has to offer is COMO Cocoa Island.
This five-star island resort will provide an understated elegance to your trip while offering a feeling of exclusivity due to its size. With a mere 33 overwater villas for travelers to book, you’ll be able to step out and enjoy the scurrying sea life around your house reef in peace.
The villas, seemingly suspended over the majestic azure ocean, are a tangible love letter to the beauty and uniqueness of the Maldives culture. These structures’ construction derived inspiration from the curved vessels of dhoni boats; a popular mode of transportation for local fishermen in the area.
COMO Cocoa Island provides an extensive network of snorkeling spots for avid sealife hunters to explore the depths of the ocean. From sunrise to sunset, the various times of day create a different scenery as the hours roll by. Complimentary life jackets are provided for guests to induce an inclusive space, no matter their swimming abilities.
There are, however, a handful of ‘no swimming’ areas due to strong currents filtering through the resort water surrounds. For a more planned approach to your underwater escapades, you can peruse the extensive snorkeling zones available on the island.
From the beginner-friendly waters of Shambhala Reef to the parrot fish playground of Como Reef, you’re in for an otherworldly underwater wildlife adventure.
Tip: While encounters are rare, there are some prickly sealife to look out for. Scorpionfish and Lionfish are venomous and can cause injury when touched or stepped on. To avoid this, try not to step on the coral reef or sea bed.
JOALI Maldives
A luxury resort on the stunning Muravandhoo within the Raa Atoll, JOALI Maldives is a wonderland of tropical experiences to add to your vacation itinerary. This five-star hotel will quickly become your happy place with its lazy lagoons and palms swaying gently from the sea breeze.
JOALI strives to create a space where “responsible luxury” is the norm. This entails efforts to preserve its natural sources and implementing sustainability initiatives, as well as reef restoration and responsible sourcing.
As the effects of climate change negatively impact coral reefs by adding climatic pressure, the importance of saving the Maldives’ coral reefs is more vital than ever. Not only is this aquatic ecosystem a joy to explore, but they are also the chosen residence for countless creatures.
By adding an eco-friendly edge to your snorkeling vacation, you’ll be able to explore these captivating coral reefs knowing the resort cares about this natural environment.
You’ll be able to snorkel to your heart’s content with the guidance of a marine biologist on the premises — (a private excursion option is also available with these fishy experts).
With manta rays seemingly flying by and schools of fishes whizzing past you, snorkeling through these waters will surely leave you wanting to grow gills.
Angsana Ihuru
With palm trees, house reefs, and a vibrant marine ecosystem within its folds, Angsana Ihuru is a merriment of sceneries to enjoy. The accommodation includes oceanfront views and a king-size bed to sink into after a long day of seaside activities.
This all-inclusive luxury resort has various snorkeling experiences to choose from, ranging from house reefs to snorkeling safaris.
Angsana Ihuru is located in the North Malé Atoll, approximately a 20-min speedboat drive from Velana International Airport. What better way to shake off jarring jet lag than by jumping into the warm waters of the Maldives and watching the underwater world whizz by?
Citizen Science Snorkeling offers a fantastic opportunity to expand your knowledge of the ocean and its inhabitants. This is where a marine biologist embarks on a journey with guests and records sightings of notable species within the waters. From traveling turtles to sleuthing sharks, you’ll be able to swim with marine life like a true gilled local.
While the Maldives is known for its ombre hues of blues, Angsana Ihuru has a variety of programs for guests to get involved in the greener side of life. As we know, the ocean has a network of polluters that destroy its delicate ecosystem — with humanity as the primary contributor.
These sea-saving experiences include reef restoration and clean-up programs for guests to add a touch of giving back to your opulent ocean outing.
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
If you’re looking to quite literally swim in luxury, this Four Seasons Resort in the Maldives is the answer you’ve been looking for. This area of Baa Atoll is classified as a natural UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. So, the snorkeling resort options within this atoll add a hint of jungle fever to your trip.
With lush greenery, aquamarine waters, and pearl-colored sands – this resort location is filled with natural and vibrant hues to admire.
The resort is a popular choice for families and small groups due to its larger residence options, which include beach and ocean villas. While snorkeling doesn’t require much effort, you can also just strap on a life jacket and float above the ocean water like a serene and swaying piece of seaweed.
As this resort only has a shallow lagoon to explore, you can also opt to book a trip to nearby coral reefs to experience deeper snorkeling excursions. From sea turtle spotting to nighttime swimming adventures, you’re in for a dreamy seaside scene from sunrise to sunset.
Another reason why this location tops any Maldives best resorts for snorkeling list is its large manta ray population. Baa Atoll, where the Four Seasons Maldives is located, is home to a huge squadron of these seemingly flying sea carpets.
This resort has a team of individuals who conduct manta ray research. They even have a Manta On Call service to transport guests when these creatures are spotted nearby.
Tip: While snorkeling is a breeze to master, you can practice your skills in the seawater pool on the premises if you’re feeling unsure of your abilities.
Kurumba Maldives
Kurumba Maldives, located in Vihamanaafushi, is a fantastic place to experience where the foundation of this island archipelago’s tourism boom began. Known as the very first exclusive resort in the Maldives, this establishment paved the way for the progress of this once unknown paradise.
Today, Kurumba, which translates to coconut in Dhivehi, is a popular spot for tourists to peruse the natural splendors of the Maldives in luxury. This five-star resort has diverse activities seemingly bursting from its seems. The Kurumba Maldives lagoon, however, is the star attraction to craft magical vacation memories.
This pool of blue has wave breakers to keep your snorkeling excursions from causing a rift (or a ripple) in your wave-free adventure. The resort offers complimentary life jackets, snorkeling gear, and a beginner snorkeling lesson to get you started.
There are a variety of snorkeling sites available on the premises, which are classified according to factors such as depth and experience level. One of the unique spots to include on your trip is Sally’s Patch — perfect for more intermediate snorkelers.
By weaving through the Coral Garden area to the extensive coral boulder, you’ll be able to peer into a hidden world of sea life. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the resident shark, Sally, who frequently makes her way through the reef.
Tip: The appearance of rushing fish is a given in a snorkeling activity, but it’s important to note when a gilled beauty is charging at you with intent. This is likely a titan triggerfish protecting its nest when eggs are present. Be sure to move away and keep your fins between you and the charger while kicking water.
Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences
Amilla Maldives Resort & Residence within Baa Atoll is an extravagant island resort like no other. With free homemade ice cream every day and beachside glamping experiences, you’ll be able to create proper vacation envy with stunning backdrops waiting to be photographed.
Amilla is known for its amazing snorkeling locations surrounding the area, with specific spots named and classified according to what creatures you’re likely to see. From Nemo’s Spot to Octopus Alley, this resort takes snorkeling to a whole other level.
This classification also indicates an abundance of information to make picking your ultimate snorkeling spot on the resort an easy affair. This includes sea current difficulty, experience level, depth, and seafloor status.
One of the top areas you should visit is the iconic Blue Hole in Amilla’s surrounding waters. This spot is a coral reef terrain with a gaping hole that leads to an underwater cave-like structure.
Here, you’ll find an encyclopedia of sealife to wonder at, ranging from red snappers to unicornfish. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like living in an aquarium teeming with marine life, this is your chance to get first-hand experience.
Bandos Maldives
Bandos Maldives is a sea life treasure trove worth opening to reveal its marine life bounty; a divine sphere structure in the middle of the ocean. A mere minutes away from the Velana International Airport, you’ll be able to easily make those early flights after a quick farewell morning snorkel.
The accommodation types have an array of sceneries to immerse yourself in, and are sure to make your stay a sensory-indulgent experience. These include garden and beach villas to relax in after exploring the sandy spaces of this area.
With the biggest dive center and one of the most beautiful house reefs in the Maldives, you’ll have no problem getting into the snorkeling spirit. The house reef is a small distance away from the beach, and is great for snorkeling and diving, with various available lessons (dependent on skill level).
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
A luxury resort in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Park Hyatt is the place to be to experience a mix of pampering, exciting, and scenic activities within its crevasses. This resort is all about embracing the wonders of slow living, which caters to living in the now and fully taking in your surroundings.
From a treehouse dining experience to simply watching the sun peak out from the palm trees above, the marvelous moments of Park Hyatt will make for a memorable trip. If you’re craving sea water on your skin while watching sea life carry on in their daily routines, there are a few snorkeling options for guests to enjoy.
Hadahaa, the island this establishment is situated on, has a 1.2-meter stretch off the reef for snorkelers to witness an ecosystem of creatures that inhabit these waters. Whether you’re located in an overwater or beach villa, you’ll have plenty of chances to explore the deep.
One of the options includes discovering and understanding various turtle species in the surroundings, and the importance of conserving and protecting these creatures. You’ll be able to snorkel with these shelled swimmers with a marine biologist to explore the inner workings of these endangered species.
If you’re looking to see the stoic grandeur of the sea, you’ll have the opportunity to book a night snorkeling excursion to experience silence and serenity like never before. From snoozing sea life to nocturnal aquatic creatures, a nighttime swim is a great way to see a different side of the ocean.
While snorkeling is often considered the leading lady of aquatic adventures in the Maldives, Park Hyatt offers an array of activities to enjoy in-between snorkel sessions. Whether on land or in the waters, you’ll be amazed by the possibilities this accommodation location offers.
This includes the Castaway Adventure experience that helps guests reconnect with nature in a phenomenal way. On this journey, you’ll be transported to an uninhabited island with nothing but a survival kit and your wits to keep you going. This nine-hour excursion is a unique way to get in touch with your surroundings while building essential skills.
From igniting a fire with flint and catching your own lunch, you’ll have a self-discovery opportunity to reflect on your life’s advantages and admire a technology-free environment.
With a newfound appreciation for nature and its unparalleled importance, this is a sensational souvenir and outlook to take home with you. This adventurous activity sure is an innovative way to get your screen-loving clan to put down their phones!
Snorkeling in Maldives’ Waters – Tips & Tricks for Beginners
Snorkeling is easily one of the most hassle-free water activities in the Maldives, but having a few tricks up your sleeve can help you through the learning experience. Here are a few pieces of advice to kick-start your snorkeling journey:
- Shark sightings are a common occurrence – While we’re programmed to panic when we see a raised fin along the sea, shark species that generally occur in the Maldives do not pose an immediate threat. As long as you keep out of their ways and don’t feed them, you’re golden.
- Apply waterproof sunscreen throughout the day – One of the most common souvenirs you can bring back from an island trip is a hefty sunburn. To protect yourself from the sun rays, you must keep applying your chosen sunscreen throughout the day.
- Leave your snorkel gear at home – The best snorkeling resorts in the Maldives will most likely have hirable gear. So, if you wish to save some space for an extra bathing suit, this is the way to do it.
- Refrain from handling the marine life – It might be tempting to reach out and grab a fishy passer-by, but it’s important to note that aquatic creatures can be sensitive to foreign objects. Various species can also be poisonous to humans when touched, so be careful in this regard.
- Do not litter – While it might seem like a no-brainer, be sure to pick up any waste you’ve left behind. Not only does it pollute the waters, but it’s also a choking hazard for an abundance of sea creatures. A good rule to live by when leaving the snorkeling area is to leave no trace behind that humans were ever there.
Best Maldives Resort for Snorkeling | Top Choices Conclusion
Whether lowering yourself into the house reefs surrounding your villa or walking into the sea from the beach, snorkeling is a wonderful way to explore a different side of the earth.
The best resorts for snorkeling is sure to provide a wide variety of spots to see live aquatic animals in their natural habitat. From shy little clownfish poking their heads out of their anemones to sea turtles swimming past confidently, you’ll experience the mysteries and majesties of the sea at its finest.
With sand, sun, and snorkeling – the Maldives are filled with sea-infused sanctuaries you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Looking to travel to paradise with your close-knit clan? Take a look at these Maldives family getaways for some all-inclusive resort vacation planning inspiration.
