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Imagine crystal-clear turquoise waters stretching as far as the eye can see, teeming with vibrant marine life just beneath the surface. Welcome to the Maldives, a snorkeller’s paradise in the heart of the Indian Ocean. From shallow, calm lagoons perfect for beginners to thrilling drift snorkels along reef edges, the Maldives snorkelling presents a diverse array of snorkelling opportunities. In this blog, we’ll dive into the magical underwater world of the Maldives, exploring its top snorkelling spots, the incredible marine life you can encounter, and essential tips to make the most of your aquatic adventure.
Snorkelling Levels
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- Beginner Level: Ideal for first-timers, focusing on shallow, calm waters and basic skills.
- Intermediate Level: For those comfortable with snorkelling, involving slightly deeper waters and more diverse marine life.
- Advanced Level: Suited for experienced snorkelers, often in more challenging conditions with opportunities to see larger marine life.
- Night Snorkelling: A unique experience to observe nocturnal marine life.
- Drift Snorkelling: An advanced technique using currents to cover larger areas.
- Specialised Experiences: Focused trips for specific marine life encounters.
10 Spots For Snorkelling In Maldives
1. Banana Reef
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Banana Reef is one of the most famous dive sites in the Maldives excellent for snorkelling. Known for its unique banana shape, this reef offers a vibrant underwater world with colourful coral gardens, overhangs, and caves. Snorkelers can expect to see a diverse array of marine life, including groupers, snappers, barracudas, and even the occasional shark or manta ray. The reef’s varying depths make it suitable for beginners and experienced snorkelers. Many resorts in North Malé Atoll offer excursions to Banana Reef, often combined with visits to nearby sandbanks or islands.
Location: North Malé Atoll
Price/Person: $50 – 80 / ₹5,000 – 6,000 for a guided snorkelling trip
2. Hanifaru Bay
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Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is world-renowned for its large populations of manta rays and whale sharks. During the southwest monsoon (May to November), these soft and harmless beasts swim together in the bay so that they may eat plankton. Snorkelling here provides a wonderful chance to swim by the side of these majestic creatures. The bay’s protected status means visitor numbers are limited, and trips must be booked with licensed operators. Besides mantas and whale sharks, snorkellers can also spot various reef fish and occasionally turtles.
Location: Baa Atoll
Price/Person: $100 – 150 / ₹8,000 – 10,000 for a guided snorkelling expedition
3. HP Reef
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HP Reef, also known as Girifushi Thila, is a popular spot for diving and snorkelling. The reef features a series of coral blocks rising from the seabed, creating a haven for marine life. Snorkelers can explore the upper parts of these formations, teeming with colourful fish. The reef is known for its large schools of blue-striped snappers, fusiliers, and bannerfish. Lucky visitors might also spot eagle rays or white-tip reef sharks. The currents can be strong at times, so it’s best to visit with a guided tour.
Location: North Malé Atoll
Price/Person: $60 – 90 / ₹5,000 – 6,000 for a guided snorkelling tour
4. Maaya Thila
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Maaya Thila is often rated as one of the best dive sites in the Maldives, but it’s also an excellent spot for snorkelling. The thila (underwater island) rises close to the surface, allowing snorkelers to observe its rich marine life. The site is famous for its abundance of white-tip reef sharks, which can often be seen resting on the sandy bottom. Other attractions include schools of jackfish, batfish, and colourful reef fish. Due to its location in Ari Atoll, Maaya Thila is usually accessed via a day trip from nearby resorts, which contributes to its higher price point.
Location: Ari Atoll
Price/Person: $80 – 120 / ₹6,000 – 10,000
5. Kuda Huraa House Reef
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The house reef at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa is a fantastic option for those seeking easy access to great snorkelling. This well-maintained reef is just steps away from the beach, making it ideal for beginners or those who prefer frequent, shorter snorkelling sessions. The reef is home to colourful fish, including parrotfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish. Reef sharks and turtles are also common sights. The resort offers guided snorkelling tours for an additional fee, which can be an excellent way to learn about the local marine life.
Location: North Malé Atoll
Price/Person: Free for resort guests, $30 – 50 / ₹2,000 – 2,500 for non-guests
6. Dhidhdhoo Beyru
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Dhidhdhoo Beyru is a stunning reef in the Baa Atoll, known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. This long stretch of reef is particularly famous for its population of green sea turtles, which can often be seen feeding on the seagrass beds. Snorkelers can also expect to see a variety of reef fish, including colourful parrotfish, triggerfish, and snappers. The reef’s shallow areas make it accessible for snorkellers of all levels. Many resorts in Baa Atoll offer trips to Dhidhdhoo Beyru, often combined with visits to other nearby snorkelling spots.
Location: Baa Atoll
Price/Person: $70 – $100 / ₹6,000 – 8,000 for a guided snorkelling trip
7. Manta Point
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Manta Point, also known as Madivaru, is one of the best places in the Maldives to snorkel with manta rays. These graceful creatures are attracted to the area’s plankton-rich waters, especially during the southwest monsoon (May to October). Snorkelers can observe mantas as they feed and visit cleaning stations where small fish remove parasites from their skin. Besides mantas, the site offers opportunities to see a variety of reef fish and occasionally whale sharks. Due to the popularity of manta ray encounters, trips to Manta Point can be pricier than standard snorkelling excursions.
Location: South Ari Atoll
Price/Person: $90 – 130 / ₹7,000 – 11,000
8. Alimatha House Reef
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The house reef at Alimatha Aquatic Resort is renowned for its night snorkelling experiences with nurse sharks and stingrays. During the day, the reef offers excellent snorkelling with colourful fish, including parrotfish, triggerfish, and fusiliers. The reef is easily accessible from the shore, making it convenient for multiple snorkelling sessions throughout the day. The highlight, however, is the nighttime spectacle when dozens of nurse sharks and stingrays gather in the shallow waters near the resort’s jetty. This unique experience is usually free for resort guests, while non-guests may need to pay a fee for access.
Location: Vaavu Atoll
Price/Person: Free for resort guests, $40 – 60 / ₹3,000 – 5,000 for non-guests
9. Rangali Madivaru
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Rangali Madivaru is a protected marine area known for its diverse marine life and excellent visibility. The site features a long stretch of reef with numerous coral blocks, creating a perfect habitat for a wide variety of fish species. Snorkellers can expect to see colourful reef fish, including clownfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish. The area is also known for its population of hawksbill turtles and occasional visits from manta rays. The shallow parts of the reef are ideal for snorkelling, while deeper areas attract divers. Many resorts in Ari Atoll offer trips to Rangali Madivaru, often as part of a multi-stop snorkelling tour.
Location: Ari Atoll
Price/Person: $70 – 110 / ₹6,000 – 8,000 for a guided snorkelling excursion
10. Fushifaru Thila
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Fushifaru Thila is a protected marine area that offers exceptional snorkelling opportunities. The site consists of a submerged island (thila) with a diverse ecosystem. The upper parts of the Thila are perfect for snorkelling, featuring colourful coral gardens and an abundance of marine life. Snorkellers can often spot large schools of blue-striped snappers, batfish, and oriental sweetlips. The area is also known for its population of grey reef sharks and occasional visits from manta rays. Due to its protected status and rich biodiversity, Fushifaru Thila is a popular spot for snorkellers and divers.
Location: Lhaviyani Atoll
Price/Person: $80 – $120 / ₹7,000 – 10,000 for a guided snorkelling trip
Best Time For Snorkelling In Maldives
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The best time to visit Maldives for snorkelling aligns with the dry season, which runs from December to April. During these months, the northeast monsoon brings clear skies, calm seas, and excellent underwater visibility, often exceeding 30 metres. This period offers ideal conditions for snorkelers of all levels, with comfortable water temperatures averaging around 28°C.
Price Of Snorkelling In Maldives
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Snorkelling charges in Maldives start from ₹570 per person, but prices can vary based on location and duration. Expect to pay more for guided tours or excursions with additional activities.
The Maldives offers an unparalleled combination of pristine waters, rich marine biodiversity, and accessible snorkelling spots that cater to all levels of experience. From the thrill of swimming alongside gentle giants like manta rays and whale sharks to the simple joy of discovering colourful fish darting among coral gardens, the Maldives provides a snorkelling experience that truly captures the magic of the ocean. So plan your trip with TripXL today.
Cover Photo: John Cahil Rom / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
