17 Sep 2025 | BUDGET HOLIDAYS

Explore the Best Snorkeling Sites in the Maldives

If you're searching for a resort accommodation like none other, and a great place for snorkeling, the Maldives is a top-performing destination. If you enjoy beautiful green/blue waters, white sandy beaches, colorful marine experiences, this is an ideal getaway. If you love exploring and witnessing the underwater ecosystem while snorkeling, then consider a trip doing this in the Maldives! You will have a wonderful time swimming in one of the most beautiful coral reef ecosystems there is! You will take home unforgettable memories! Following is a list of some of the most magnificent snorkel spots you should consider visiting.

Banana Reef

One of Maldives' oldest snorkeling spots, right from the dawn of time itself, Banana Reef takes its name from the fact that it's banana-shaped and has pink coral, reef sharks, and bannerfish in massive schools. Due to the sheer variety of life, it's a snorkelling spot which finds itself on both beginner and seasoned snorkellers' lists.

Manta Point

To see something one will never forget, visit the Manta Point. There one is allowed to observe stunning manta rays swim in the water. The manta rays are attracted there because there are cleaning stations. It's a secure area where they can see them in their natural state.

3. Tanah Lot Temple

Perched atop a rock outcropping on the sea, Tanah Lot looks lovely at sunset. The temple standing amidst waves makes for an incredible photo shoot.

HP Reef

Also referred to as Rainbow Reef, it is a tropical coral and fish location that is rainbow-colored. The shape and the color of the reef here are so beautiful that it is one of the most beautiful snorkeling destinations in the Maldives.

Maaya Thila

Maaya Thila, a tiny underwater island teeming with amazing marine life, has achieved worldwide fame for its sharks, turtles, and stunning soft corals. The visibility is stunning, making it a diver and snorkeler's paradise.

Hanifaru Bay

Hanifaru Bay is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and internationally famous for its seasonal whale shark and manta aggregations. If your Maldives holiday falls between May to November, it's a snorkeller's heaven.

Ellaidhoo Reef

With its extensive and long house reef, Ellaidhoo is also suitable for beach snorkelling. Its marine life and coral gardens are in fine condition and easy and rewarding to discover.

HP Thila

HP Thila is more suitable for thrill-seekers, with hard and rough underwater terrain laden with corals of such colors, and overhangs and caves. It's most suitable for individuals who look for something more adrenaline-inspiring snorkelers.

When traveling to the Maldives trip, your experience will be missing quite a bit without snorkeling to discover the real treasure of the island, which is the abundance of sea life. The Maldives is actually a paradise above the water as well as below the water, whether you are just floating on the surface of the banana-shaped reefs or swimming with the manta rays, or simply watching the turtles swim by. With a well planned vacation package you would not only be able to snorkel at these amazing snorkelling locations but you can enjoy the beautiful beaches, the luxury hotels and Maldivian hospitality the Maldives is world renowned for. Just pack your snorkelling gear and jump into the experience of a lifetime where every minute just goes away like swimming in heaven.