Most Popular Resorts for House Reef Snorkeling in Maldives

Things to do in the Maldives


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Updated December, 2023

Today, the main theme is snorkeling - the easiest way to explore the marine life of the Maldives. Located in the top 10 list of the best world's destinations because of their surreal paradise landscape and the extraordinary collection of luxury resort, Maldives are equally well known for their underwater wonders, where diving and snorkeling are key assets in the search for an unforgettable experience in the archipelago. Snorkeling in Maldives waters can bring you face to face with everything from clown fish, tuna, and parrot fish, to eagle rays, turtles and even white tip shark.

Maldives are fascinated, attracted and often forced to "snork", even if you have never tried to breathe underwater in a mask with a snorkel. Most of Maldives resorts have house reef close to their shores, where the shallow lagoon drops off into the deeper blue ocean. The house reef is that area close to the vertical drop off where the coral begins to aggregate in a kind of coral garden teeming with marine life and colorful fish.

Country' 26 Atolls and thousands of paradise islands is an endless and exciting playground with countless kilometers of reefs filled with countless numbers of macro and big sea creatures. However, the quality of the house reef differs from resort to resort, and to help you, we have compiled a list of the best house reefs in the Maldives.

Want to know everything about snorkeling in Maldives, and to discover most popular resort that also offer exciting house reef snorkeling read this page.

Where?

You can enjoy snorkelling everywhere in the Maldives as well as diving, but not always directly from the beach of your hotel. Sometimes, you will be offered a snorkeling trip by boat to get to the nearest reef. In 99% - it's not free of charge excursion. Basically, in the Maldives you will find 3 types of island resorts:

1 - next to the house reef around the island.
2 - with an extensive blue lagoon around the whole island.
3 - a cherished dream: the island has a house reef and a crystal clear lagoon.

The first option is an ideal choice for a guests. The second one is very impressive and inspires dreams of swimming and sailing, but snorkeling only with a boat and maybe even on a nearby island. The third is the marriage of the above and is suitable for everyone and all ages due to a wide range of activities, including water sports, swimming and snorkeling right from the beach.

Who Can Snork?

Who can snorkel in the Maldives? Each! Because you have great opportunities for starting and exploring in calm and crystal clear waters. The marine life of the Maldives is a natural and endlessly beautiful aquarium. You do not have to swim far and deep to admire the underwater world with all the dazzling wonders of the Indian Ocean.

Maldives offers fantastic visibility under water and is surrounded by one of the cleanest waters on earth, with an average annual water temperature of 20 ° -30 ° C, and in lagoons often reaching 32 ° C.

Depending on the resort, snorkelling can wait for you on the threshold of your villa, close to the beaches of this island, or in the lagoon.

If you swim like an ax, then just put on a mask, take a few steps to the lagoon and tilt your head into the water ... most likely you'll find some marine life interested in your feet. No waves, no danger, a lot of fun even for the youngest and oldest snorkelers.

If this is not the first time, you can safely open the landscapes Maldives' underwater world with a mask, snorkel and fins, and leisurely drifting over the surface of turquoise waters.

If you feel like a fish in the water, safely pack your equipment, consisting of a mask, a pair of fins, tubes and, according to the circumstances (physical condition, age, currents), a life jacket. Discover, explore, dive, practice breathing !.

Underwater

Virtually everything. The vibrant variety of marine species is too massive to be listed on one page. But in a few days, you will come across or see from afar the dolphins, rays, reef sharks, sea turtles, fantastic coral forms around some house reefs (rare beauty at present), moray eels, napoleons vrasse, reef fish of all colors and sizes, play alone or with schools, macro creatures, squid ... the list can be endless.

The resorts next to the house reef will often have dramatic drop off, the kingdom of thousands of sea creatures and various coral formations you’ve even seen.

In large areas of shallow water, expect to find many small and sometimes larger, creatures. It all depends on luck and time of day. Remember: who is looking for, he will always find!

Best Snorkeling Tips for Beginners

  • Wear Your Mask and Fins Properly : The best snorkeling tip and also one of the most important: Your mask must fit your face. Hold the snorkel mask to your face and breath in through your nose. If the mask seals perfectly and stays in place without holding it, you got it. Choose a pair of fins that fit in snuggly but never too tight. If they hurt or curl your toes even a tiny bit you may have cramps. It’s always better if your fins are slightly bigger than too small. They will slip on easier once both your feet are wet.
  • Defog : Another one in the best snorkeling tips area, is to learn how to defog. There’s no point in going through all the hassle if you don’t really see anything. Some tips to have a defogging material in your lenses are gel products, crushed leaves o even a small drop of Johnson’s Baby Shampoo rinsed with ocean water will keep the defog.
  • Practice Your Breathing : Practice through your snorkel with your head outside the water before dipping in. Put your mask on and breathe through the tube! Don’t bite the tube, rest your teeth or your jaw will get really sore really fast. Practice some breathing exercises to get you comfortable. Once you feel confident, and this is also one of the best snorkeling tips; practice the classic calm floating face down in the water. While your at it you’ll see a lot of cool things underwater, this will help you focus.
  • Know your Limits : One of the best snorkeling tips that someone could give you is to learn your limitations. This is a vital skill that is often overlooked. There is no good reason to push your limits as you snorkel. These will change and grow as you become more experienced. A relaxed snorkeler will get lots more pleasure out of snorkeling once you understand and consider all factors such as water temperature, surge, currents and water visibility.
  • Check out the area. Location is everything! While all the areas around the Maldives seem fabulous to snorkel at first glance, this is not always the case. Due to the aforementioned currents, as well as your experience and comfort in the water, it is important to talk to a local team about where the best snorkeling spots are and how to get there and back.
  • Sunblock is a must. Due to high air transparency the Maldivian sun's rays are strong, in other words - crazy strong! Be sure you apply sufficient sun protection and one with a SPF no lower than 30 to all exposed areas of your skin. For even better protection, we recommend you wear a UV-resistant rash vest too or simply t-shirt. Before you head out and after you’ve exited the water, be sure to drink a lot of water to rehydrate.
  • Don’t touch marine life: Avoid treading on the corals or kicking them with fins when snorkelling or scuba diving. Marine creatures may come close but please never touch them or chase them as this can cause stress and damage.

Good to Know

Recommended good swimming skills if you plan to "snorkel" around the island, surrounded by a coral reef. Expect the currents from moderate to strong depending on location and season. Before going on a snorkeling check in the local diving center on the topic of sea currents and follow the daily summaries of the sea conditions, tides and current warnings.

Apply a liberal dose of sunscreen (on the back), about 10-20 minutes before snorkeling, SPF 30 is the best choice. The ideal variant is a protective shirt, made especially for sea water and protecting from ultraviolet sun rays. Nevertheless, a white T-shirt if necessary will be a good idea. Choose a free size that allows you to easily swim and navigate under water.

Give double attention to children. Keep them close to yourself, or just bite the hand of the youngest or those who can not swim well enough, and again do not forget about sunscreen (sunscreen + t-shirt). A snorkel life jacket is highly recommended if you plan house reef snorkeling nearby your hotel.

If you want to save money - find a free place for your snorkeling equipment in your luggage. All resorts offer masks, snorkel and fins, but using a full set will cost you about 8 USD per day / per person. You do not need to be a round mathematician to calculate the costs for a couple or a family, if you plan to explore the marine life a few days - this will help save you a lot of money.

List of Resorts with the Best House Reef Snorkeling in the Maldives

The list features the top 20 resorts listed according to their house reef snorkeling quality, regardless of category. From the simple 3 Star to the Luxury 5 * star resort, they all offer gorgeous house reefs and easy access to snorkel spots from the beach and / or villas.

1  Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

House Reef in Amari Havodda Maldive
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Best Experience:   Ultimate Luxury, Over Water Villas, Privacy and Tranquillity, spa, Wildlife, swimming with mantas

Voted most Instagrammable hotel in the world, staying in Anantara Kihavan Maldives Villas is much more than just enjoying the luxury of your private area. Strong swimmers can go for snorkeling around the edge outside the house reef. The drop off is an exciting abyss in deep blue water, with overhangs, caves and many other things. Nevertheless, in the past there have been some events related to coral bleaching, against the background of stress from the resort's construction, so the quality and scale of the coral cover is not very impressive. Sea life is beautiful, with large schools of fish, including perches and triggerfish, but not too much of pelagics? including turtles, sharks and rays. With a sandy bottom, the beautiful lagoon is free of corals, and is ideal for swimming and water sports. Another reason - the rooms are so gorgeous that guests are only occasionally seen on a house reef or snorkeling Read Full Review

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2 Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa
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Best Experience: Couples, Family holiday, Over-Water Vollas, Spa, All Inclusive, swimming with whale sharks

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa is a perfect match for honeymooners, families and groups on incentives trips, and has a reputation for hosting renewal of vows on its idyllic sandy beach surrounded by lazy palms and sparkling azure waters. The hotel does not look like a typical Maldivian resort, but it works brilliantly. Today, Centara Grand competes on an equal footing with Lily Beach and slightly behind Constance Moofushi. The Centara has a variety of facilities awaits adults and younger guests, and the latter will enjoy a children’s pool and the Kids’ Club with supervised Camp Safari for the youngsters and E-Zone entertainment zone for those in their teens.

Set in the picturesque South Ari Atoll, this resort is celebrated by visitors of all ages for the vibrancy and health of its coral reef and diversity of sea life. The house reef can be reached by just a jump into the water and is a world of its own. Snorkeling will transfer you into an underwater paradise teeming with a variety of captivating creatures. From playful little clownfish to majestic nurse sharks, expect an amazing snorkeling experience with array of marine life. If you're lucky you might see eagle rays and sea turtles in their natural habitat. Guests staying in the luxurious overwater villas have direct access to this stunning ecosystem, making it a perfect destination for marine enthusiasts. READ FULL REVIEW

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3 Oaga Art Resort - Greatest All-Inclusive

Oaga Art Resort: house reef snorkeling
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Best Experience for:  All Inclusive, couples, families, house reef snorkeling, dining, spa

An all-inclusive Maldives resort near Male, Oaga Art Resort has opened up for the world during this new year of 2023. A contemporary brand driven by a Maldivian team, Oaga as a concept revolves around the philosophy of organic community growth. The art resort focuses on elevating the collective story of the Maldive islands with a platform especially made to cater for local artists and craftsmen while embracing the tranquility offered by the surrounding sun, sand and beaches.

Their greatest all-inclusive plan is testament to this, which includes experiences such as Creative Expression (art) classes, Take Notes (music) sessions, Thashibari In-Villa Dining, floating meal, choices of excursions, motorised watersports and the list goes on. You will find corals and abundant marine life on the south and east side of the island, a short swim from the beach READ FULL REVIEW

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4 Hurawalhi Island Resort

house reef snorkeling at Hurawalhi Island
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Best Experience: There are no kids on the island - this is a big plus; a magnificent large overwater villas with stunning views of the lagoon; Superb house reef snorkeling, a fantastic '5.8 Undersea' restaurant

Hurawalhi in the Maldives - this is incomparable, extraordinary and absolutely original. Ecologically innovative, a new 5*-star resort, the world's largest underwater restaurant, tropical champagne pavilion, stylish villas and politics just over 15 years old, and with no other resorts in the neighborhood as far as the eye can see - Hurawalhi Island Resort offers its own look at Paradise. Just 40 minutes of scenic flight by seaplane from Velana international airport (Male), and here's for you a distinctive collection of beautifully designed, exclusive and extremely spacious villas across the sparkling sapphire of clean lagoon - ideally located, so that all guests can enjoy the views of sunrise or sunset against the background of the ocean. And with restaurants that are on the beach, on the water and even under water, the philosophy here is that nothing is impossible. For sports lovers: For fans of outdoor activities there are tennis, badminton and beach volleyball, as well as a fully equipped fishing boat for deep-sea fishing. On offer is a fantastic snorkeling on the house reef, including a night fluorescent diving, and a snorkelling excursion with a marine biologist, and of course a full PADI certification course in the educational 5 * dive center Read Full Review

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5 Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa
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Best Experience for:  Water Villa stay, Honeymoon, Family vacation, House reef snorkeling, activities, fishing, diving

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a luxury island hideaway on the pristine Haa Alifu atoll in the north of Maldives. Boasting with long white sandy beaches on each side of the island, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful house reef snorkeling, Hideaway Beach offers guests the luxury of space and privacy of tropical island. With some of the largest villas in the country, all 103 luxury villas and residences fall into ten categories ranging from beachfront to over-water.

The Maldives is renowned for its stunning and abundant marine life and with a spectacular coral reef on your doorstep there is no better place for snorkeling at Hideaway Beach Resort and Spa. The residents of the house reef include countless tropical fish of every imaginable color, moray eels, corals and turtles. Eagle rays, stingrays, manta rays and sharks are also frequent visitors to the reef. Complimentary use of snorkelling equipment is included with your villa. READ FULL REVIEW

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6 Baros Maldives

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Best Experience:    Honeymoon, Beach, Spa, House Reef Snorkeling & Diving

Baros is a perfect getaway located in the North Malé Atoll only a 25-minute by speedboat from Malé Airport. Located on a beautiful private island with a crystal clear coral lagoon, Baros is a 5 * star boutique hotel in the Maldives that will surpass all of your highest fantasies of the "dream island". Surrounded by clean, warm waters and snow-white sands, with groves of coconut palms and fragrant flowers, this cozy resort landscape is really worthy of fainting. Baros' house reef is known as one of the best house reefs in the Maldives. With a length of 300 meters, the coral gardens have easy access. The reef is dropped off by ledges to a depth of 20 meters, where you will find the hypnotic world of corals with an amazing variety of a vibrant marine life. Expect to see blacktip reef sharks, turtles and many species of fish, including pelagics. In Baros is particularly popular fluorescent night diving, offering a look at the underwater world in a new light.  Read Full Review

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7  Dusit Thani Maldives

Dusit Thani Maldives
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Best Experience:   Water Villas, for Couples, House Reef Snorkeling & Diving, Mantas Watching

If the idea to stay on the Maldives in a Thai-style hotel raises your eyebrows, think about what it gives you. The warm hospitality of Thailand in an unprecedented luxury setting: two of the best aspects of an Asian luxury trip in one magnificent package. Located on Mudhdhoo island in Baa Atoll, the Maldives' first and only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Dusit Thani seduces guests with pearly white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, lush vegetation and a fantastic house reef with one of the most abundant marine life in the Maldives. Inspired by Thailand, architecture provides private life alone with a vibrant nature featuring both classical and modern styles. The resort villas and apartments are beautiful shelters of modern sophistication, with luxurious facilities and state os the art amenities. Fine cusine in an exotic setting is another highlight of this resort. The resort is also home to the largest infinity pool in the Maldives with an impressive of 750 square meters. As a visual center of the hotel, this swimming pool combines technology and nature with the flowing majestic Banyan tree. The resort is located in the heart of Baa Atoll, where an ambundance marine life has earned the status of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Fantastic house reef snorkelling and diving are guaranteed - and for non-divers - the local biologist of the resort is always at hand to learn more about marine life.  Read Full Review

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8  Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon

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Best Experience:  Couples, Family, Value, House Reef Snorkeling, Diving, All Inclusive

Perfect for your romantic getaway or family vacation, Bandos Maldives offers 250 rooms in 6 categories on a beautiful island only 15 minutes by boat from Male airport. Recently completely renovated, Bandos is known as one of the best resorts for family holidays in the Maldives and you can safely relax while your kid is keenly spending time with friends around professional caregivers who have many exciting children's programs and entertainment. A vibrant house reef is one of the best not only in the North Male Atoll, but also in Maldives! Expect to see many bright and cute sea creatures: turtles, rays, white reef sharks, giant moray eels, colorful fish - this abundance does not occur in every resort in the Maldives. In short - do not miss snorkeling! Read Full Review

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9  Sandies Bathala

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Best Experience:  Couples, Family, Value, House Reef Snorkeling, Diving, All Inclusive

Paradise for divers and fans of snorkeling, Bathala Island Resort is a beautiful tiny resort that today changed its management and returned to its roots. It seems that he will again be strong and healthy.

For most of his life Bathala Island was a German diving island one of the original and the best. Then it attracted many Italians, who preferred a completely different kind of experience. The combination did not work very well, diving disappeared as unnecessary and the nature of the resort changed but not for the better.. Read Full Review

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10 Mirihi Island Resort

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Best Experience: for Honeymoon, Beach, Value, Diving, House Reef Snorkelling

37 villas
Combining modern and traditional elements, the small paradise has been freshly renovated and reopened in December 2014 with a new shine, but still maintaining its unique Maldivian character. Due to its size and limited number of Villas, Mirihi is considered as being one of the smallest islands in the Maldives and offers 37 villas, and has its own and unique style, filled with luxury and comfortable features that you can expect from any large 5 * resort. With one of the best house reefs in the country, snorkeling in Mirihi is an easy necessity. Discover the beauty of marine life with a night dive, or with whale sharks and manta rays trips. At Mirihi, you do not need to be a diver to discover the magic of the Maldives at its best. Mirihi under water is just another world.  Read Full Review

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11  Filitheyo Island Resort

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Best Experience:  Couples, Family, Value, House Reef Snorkeling, Diving

For many visitors Filitheyo Island Resort is one of the best hotels in the Maldives, and definitely a secret dream for everyone who loves diving and snorkeling. Filitheyo Island Resort is located in Faafu Atoll, the undisputed winner among the most unspoiled atolls of the Maldives, abundant in vibrant marine life and healthy corals. Snow-white sandy beach with fringe of palm trees reflected in the turquoise lagoon, comfortable accommodation in the depths of dense vegetation and over the water, delicious food under bright stars, spa, excursions to uninhabited islands, a large choice of activities, and last but not least fascinating diving and snorkeling at house reef - here is an approximate picture of Filitheyo, a brilliant emerald in the crown of the Maldives. Read Full Review

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12 Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa  aerial
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Best Experience: overwater villas, design, Honeymoon, House Reef Snorkeling, Diving

Built from scratch to preserve the island's natural environment, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is the pioneer of eco-designn in the country. Located in the heart of Huvadhoo Atoll, the largest and deepest atoll in the country, Hadahaa is a small, round and greenery island surrounded by some of the best, soft white beaches and a stunning house reef in the Maldives. Nothing else. You can spend hours snorkelling admiring the views of marine life. For first timers the resort's diving center offers a guided house reef tour. The resort offers the ultimate Maldivian experience of turquoise and azure waters and fine white beaches, complemented by tranquil settings. Succumb to the healing sensation of holistic wellness at Park Hyatt Hadahaa, where every experience is centred on bringing your mind, body and soul towards a new equilibrium. Read Full Review

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13 Kandolhu Maldives

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Best Experience:   Honeymoon, House Reef Snorkeling & Diving

Kandolhu Maldives guarantees even more than just your dreams of an unforgettable honeymoon in the Maldives. Soaked in romance, with an incredible house reef snorkeling, couples are bound to fall in love with this cozy island. Those who have heard of Kandholhu Island know that this is one of the best house reef in the Maldives. Only resorts in the country's southern atolls can compare or surpass. An additional draw is clean and soft sandy beaches, all around a small round island whose shape in Maldivian standards is a rarity. So snorkeling is the best you can find between your water villa, the beach and the many restaurants of this 5 * boutique hotel. Read Full Review

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14 Oblu Nature Helengeli

Kandolhu Maldives
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Best Experience:   All Inclusive, for Family, Beach, Diving, House Reef Snorkeling, Value

In the North Malé Atoll, OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli is a vibrant and refreshingly modern all-inclusive resort with a stylish design and a relaxed island feel. With natural channels and a jaw-dropping house reef just metres from the island, this is a true underwater haven filled with spectacular coral and marine life that include silver-tipped sharks, lobsters and giant sea turtles. This trendy resort has a slightly younger vibe, with great watersports facilities and even Wi-Fi on your speedboat transfer, meaning you can flood your Instagram feed with pictures of paradise before you've even arrived at the resort. Read Full Review

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15 Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa

Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa aerial
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Best Experience:   for Couples, Family holiday, House Reef Snorkeling & Diving, Value, All Inclusive

With one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, the great strengths of Vilamendhoo have always been snorkeling and diving, and affordable accommodation. After a major renovation it was re-opened as a luxury resort than ever. And it says a lot. With 184 rooms, Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa is a luxury resort on a private island with a magnificent green and cozy landscape. The rooms are spacious and beautiful with furnishings from bright and playful to sober and chic. There are also Water Villas that grow from the pier at the western end. The resort boasts several swimming pools, restaurants, as well as sports fields, a spa (and much more) scattered throughout the island which is divided into the family and "adults only" areas. With a magnificent house reef and All Inclusive offering - ​​it's a romantic, quiet choice for families and couples alike. Read Full Review

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16 Amari Havodda Maldives

House Reef in Amari Havodda Maldive
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Best Experience for:   Families, Couples, House Reef Snorkeling, scuba diving, All Inclusive

Amari Havodda is a secluded luxury resort ideally located in the south area of the Maldives, one of the most untouched archipelagos in the Indian Ocean. With the pristine sands and crystall clear waters, luxury travellers'll discover a new perspective on the private beach resort experience here. Offering a luxurious accomodation, a fantastic house reef, a vast lagoon and beautiful sandy beaches Amari Havodda is set on Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll via a short 55-minute domestic flight from Male airport. Offering great value rooms on a Full Board and All Iclusive basis, guests try snorkelling on the spectacular coral reef, or relaxing on powder soft sand, this truly is a secluded haven, perfect for couples and families. READ FULL REVIEW

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17 Fihalhohi Island Resort

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Best Experience:  Couples, Family, House Reef Snorkeling & Diving, Value, Beaches

Accessible by boat from Male airport, Fihalhohi so rich in mature palms and native trees is rarely found among Maldivian resorts. This is a real visual feast, as well as a very practical option, since the shadow between the rooms and the beach is life-saving for children playing in the sand and also for adults sitting in chaise lounges or hammocks during the heat of the day. Fihalhohi has a carefully protected turquoise blue lagoon bordered by a coral reef easily accessed by swimming where scuba diving or snorkeling could be experienced. The house reef is close by two thirds of the way around the island, with nice corals and hypnotic marine life, including sharks, rays and turtles, not to mention large schools of colorful fish. Neighboring world-class diving sites should also not disappoint you, although spots on the other side of the atoll (still very accessible for dhoni) are among the most famous in the country, around Guraidhu, Kandooma and Cocoa. Read Full Review

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18 Bandos Maldives

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Best Experience:   for Family, House Reef Snorkeling

Perfect for your romantic getaway or family vacation, Bandos Maldives offers 250 rooms in 6 categories on a beautiful island only 15 minutes by boat from Male airport. Recently completely renovated, Bandos is known as one of the best resorts for family holidays in the Maldives and you can safely relax while your kid is keenly spending time with friends around professional caregivers who have many exciting children's programs and entertainment. A vibrant house reef is one of the best not only in the North Male Atoll, but also in Maldives! Expect to see many bright and cute sea creatures: turtles, rays, white reef sharks, giant moray eels, colorful fish - this abundance does not occur in every resort in the Maldives. In short - do not miss snorkeling! Read Full Review

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19 Reethi Faru, Bio Luxury Resort

Responsive image
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Best Experience:  Couples, House Reef Snorkeling, Activities, Beaches

With an amazing house reef, Reethi Faru is a new 5-star resort opened in November 2017 in Raa Atoll. Stunning beach, palm trees and natural tropical vegetation form this paradise island of Filaidhoo. Meaning in Dhivehi "Beautiful Reef", Reethi Faru fully justifies its name and boasts a vibrant house reef not far from the shore. With excellent accommodation, both on the beach and over the water, with five restaurants to choose from, a spa, a wide selection of water sports, including diving and snorkeling, A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Reethi Faru Resort is the perfect holiday escape for couples or for families or friends traveling together with an excellent value for money. The new resort has 150 spacious villas, all with a traditional design that blends well with the environment, your home away from home can be found on soft sands or on stilts in the crystal clear lagoon. Read Full Review

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20 Nova Maldives

Vakarufalhi Island Resort & Spa - All Inclusive

Best Experience: for Couples, solo, groups, House Reef Snorkeling, All Inclusive

Nova is all about a fun, progressive, inclusive community formed by couples and groups of friends. 76 land and ocean view Villas with private terraces, cosy furnishings and all the amenities you would require. There are multiple room types to choose from, including inter-connecting Beach Villas for families or groups of friends travelling together. From relaxing spa treatments to high tempo diving adventures, Nova offers a variety of activities for you to select from. Nova features a fantastic gym and outdoor training area, group fitness classes, and our spa focuses on treatments based on organic products.

One of Nova's star features is its location and natural proximity to the best dive- and snorkel- sites, as well as easy access to some of the most big populations of whale sharks and manta rays in the Maldives. A gorgeous house reef that located only 15 meters from the beach is close to any point on the island and is therefore ideal for snorkeling at any time and from any villa. A real draw for a resort in the Maldives. The marine life is diverse and stunning, although corals have not yet grown so much, compared to many other islands in the South Ari Atoll. READ FULL REVIEW

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21  Dhawa Ihuru

Angsana Ihuru  house reef snorkeling
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Best Experience:  for Couples, House Reef Snorkeling, Two Islands One Great Price

A true island paradise, Dhawa Ihuru is an eco-friendly luxury resort located on the tiny beautiful island with the best house reef in the Maldives. The 25 minutes by speedboat from Velana (Male) airport, a peace and quiet is the name of the game in this boutique resort with 45 villas run by Singapore's Banyan Tree, one of the world's most luxurious hotel brands. For guests there is one of the best house reefs in the Maldives - literally a few meters from the beach is hypnotic snorkeling (for free!), as well as excellent diving (own 5* star dive center PADI). Delicious food and drinks are served in the restaurant, and guests should expect an easy, unobtrusive pressure from the staff offering to book a therapy session at the excellent Thai spa. To diversify the activities there is a free transfer to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru next door, where you will also find a restaurant, bar and spa. READ FULL REVIEW

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The ultimate ‘flop and drop' and honeymoon destination, the Maldives is the playground for the most amazing and finest utilization of each second of this extremely valuable and hopeful time with each other in tota Read More

maldives on the cheap

Maldives Budget Guide

Budget travellers choose Maldives as their destination of choice thanks to the variety of affordable stays  Read More

family holiday

Maldives Family Guide

Maldives - a name that became synonymous with honeymooners' paradise in the tourism world, has slowly Read More

scuba diving in the maldives ultimate guide

Maldives Diving Guide

The life of these paradise islands below the Indian Ocean's level is the main draw attracting thousands of divers Read More