Best hotels in the Maldives for swimming with whale sharks and manta rays

Where, if not in the Maldives, you can meet sea giants swimming in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Huge whale sharks and manta rays are amazing marine creatures that, despite their impressive size, are absolutely safe for humans. If you set out to see the largest representatives of the underwater fauna of the Maldives, choose the atolls and islands where you are definitely lucky.

For example, on the South Ari Atoll, whale sharks are found all year round. And on Baa, these giants and a huge number of manta rays can be found during the plankton bloom season - from May to October. So that diving trips during your vacation in the Maldives are not in vain, we advise you to take a closer look at the following resorts.

Deposiphotos

Lily Beach Resort & Spa

A luxurious resort located in the southeastern part of Ari Atoll, created for an unforgettable vacation filled with impressions. Lily beach Resort & Spa provides all the opportunities for a carefree holiday on the exclusive Platinum Plan.

• 120 rooms
• 4 restaurants and 3 bars
• 2 swimming pools
• SPA-center
• kids club
• Diving center

The coral reefs around the island are among the most stunning underwater spots in the Maldives. Therefore, homemade snorkeling is top notch here. The resort has a prestigious dive center Prodivers, where experienced instructors work. If you are a beginner but have always dreamed of diving, this is where your dream is destined to come true. Lily Beach will be a suitable starting point in search of the amazing inhabitants of the Indian Ocean.

• Atoll: South Ari.
• Transfer: 25 minutes by seaplane or 20 minutes by domestic aircraft followed by a 30-minute boat trip.

Lily Beach Resort & Spa

Dusit Thani Maldives 

Exquisite 5-star Dusit Thani Maldives on the pristine Baa Atoll offers a thrilling swim experience among manta rays and spotted sharks. These amazing animals gather in the local waters during the season, from May to October. To meet a huge stingray, it is not necessary to go on snorkeling excursions. It will be enough to dive on the house reef of the resort.

• 94 villas
• 3 restaurants and 2 bars
• Swimming pool
• SPA-center
• Diving center
• Gym
• Water entertainment center

Baa is the territory of the biosphere reserve, protected by UNESCO. The world famous Hanifaru Bay is located here, where several hundred manta rays gather at the same time during the season. This is a breathtaking sight, only 15 minutes by boat from Dusit Thani. You will find the most mesmerizing snorkeling safari in the Maldives right here. Certified diving center Ocean Padi offers a wide range of nautical adventures.

• Atoll: Baa.
• Transfer: 30 minutes by seaplane or 20 minutes by domestic aircraft followed by a 10-minute boat ride.

Dusit Thani Maldives

Amilla Fushi

In the heart of Baa, on a relatively large green island, there is another fashionable resort Amilla Fushi. It will be an ideal accommodation for comfortable access to the best dive spots of the atoll. Diving and snorkeling are very popular here at any time of the year. To be sure to see whale sharks and rays, it is best to book dates from May to October. Hanifaru Bay is a short boat ride from the hotel.

• 67 rooms
• 2 restaurants, 2 bars and a wine cellar
• 1 swimming pool
• Spa complex
• Diving center

Diving center resort Amilla Fushi certified by PADI (Professional Association of Diving instructors). Diving courses of all levels are held here, after which you can get a diver 's certificate and go in search of sea adventures in the company of experienced guides.

• Atoll: Baa.
• Transfer: 30 minutes by seaplane or 20 minutes by domestic aircraft followed by a 10-minute boat ride.

Amilla Fushi

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

The picturesque island of Landaa Giraavaru has a luxury hotel for discerning guests. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is another tourist mecca of the reserved Baa atoll. The resort guarantees a first-class holiday with all modern amenities. Large selection of water activities , including a trip on the world 's first three - seat submarine and trips to the best snorkeling in Hanifaru Bay.

• 103 numbers
• 4 restaurants and 4 bars
• 3 swimming pools
• SPA-center
• Interactive Maritime Center
• kids club

A short trip on a speedboat will take you to places so desired by snorkelers from all over the world. From May to October, Hanifaru Bay turns into a feeding station for manta rays and whale sharks, which rush here for plankton. This is an amazing sight that opens under the surface of the ocean. Recall that the bay is a protected area where diving is prohibited in order to preserve the ecosystem.

• Atoll: Baa.
• Transfer: 35 minutes by seaplane.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives

Baa Atoll there is a stunning island Kanifushi, with a gorgeous lagoon and pristine sandbanks. This is a modern resort with elegant overwater and beach villas, gourmet restaurants and a wide range of entertainment activities - land, water and underwater.

• 125 villas
• 4 restaurants, snack bar and beach club
• SPA-center
• Diving center
• Gym
• Multifunctional court
• Swimming pool

Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives has an excellent dive center. Here you can order a fascinating sea voyage - snorkeling in Hanifaru Bay, which is only 30 minutes by boat from the resort. You can start with an introductory tour on the beautiful house reef with experienced marine guides. As for diving, the center conducts courses for all levels of training and organizes tours to the most picturesque corners of the atoll. Meetings with sea giants during the warm season (from May to October) will not keep you waiting.

• Atoll: Baa.
• Transfer: 30 minutes by seaplane.

Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives

Milaidhoo Island Maldives

Travel to amazing snorkeling in Hanifaru Bay is also offered by a fashionable boutique hotel on a small island in Baa Atoll. Milaidhoo Island Maldives is listed as Small Luxury Hotels of the world. This is a romantic place in the middle of the ocean, with the infrastructure and service of the highest level. Enjoy exquisite world cuisine, luxury suites, high-end overwater treatments spa center and exciting sea adventures.

• 3 restaurants and 2 bars
• 1 swimming pool
• SPA-center
• diving center

The stunning home reef of Milaidhoo will be no less interesting for divers than underwater safari tours. Three times a week, the resort organizes trips to Hanifaru Bay for swimming among the amazing manta. The season of successful trips lasts from May to November. Private excursions to snorkeling points of the reserved atoll are possible.

• Atoll: Baa.
• Transfer: 35 minutes by seaplane, or 15 minutes by local airlines to Dharavandhoo Island, followed by a 15-minute boat trip.

Milaidhoo Island Maldives

Dhigufaru Island Resort

The cozy Dhigufaru Hotel is also located on the territory of the Maldives Biosphere Reserve, where the nature of the ocean has a special pristine beauty. A rich, long reef and incredibly picturesque beaches are successfully combined with the luxurious infrastructure of the resort.

• 83 numbers
• 1 restaurant and 2 bars
• Swimming pool
• SPA-center
• Aquatics Center
• kids club

The resort has its own diving school, licensed by the prestigious PADI organization. Here you can take a full or partial course in scuba diving skills. The location of the resort is the main advantage among diving connoisseurs.

Dhigufaru Island resort is located on the territory of a marine reserve, where the underwater world of the Indian Ocean is a real delight. If you want to meet amazing marine life while diving or snorkeling, dive school Fulhangi will be a suitable guide.

• Atoll: Baa.
• Transfer: 45 minutes by seaplane, or 20 minutes by local airlines to Dharavandhoo Island + 30 minutes by boat.

Dhigufaru Island Resort

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

Ideal place to see whale sharks and manta rays will be a 5-star resort Anantara Kihavah Villas, located literally at the edge of Hanifaru bay. An exquisite boutique hotel with all the benefits of a comfortable tropical coastline experience - stunning nature, luxurious beach and overwater villas, world cuisine and a carefree atmosphere.

• 79 rooms
• 6 restaurants and an underwater wine cellar
• Infinity pool (49 meters)
• Spa complex
• Diving center

Anantara Kihavah Villas boasts amazing house reef swimming spots. Here is the legendary diving point - Golden Wall. This is a wall of the most beautiful corals with a golden tint, where a huge number of underwater inhabitants of the Indian Ocean are found.

The main entertainment that the resort offers is swimming with stingrays and whale sharks, just 15 minutes by boat from the island. To enjoy swimming to the fullest, book your holiday during the migration season of animals through tropical waters (May to November).

• Atoll: Baa.
• Transfer: 35 minutes by seaplane or 20 minutes by domestic flight to Dharavandhoo + 20 minutes by speedboat.

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

Sun Island Resort аnd Spa

Reefs of South Atoll Ari are very rich in underwater fauna. Among the small fish and turtles, whale sharks and huge manta rays can be found here all year round . Modern resorts of the atoll offer to look at large fish as a dive safari. One of the most popular - Sun Island Resort and Spa.

• 458 rooms
• 5 restaurants and 5 bars
• Diving center
• Adult and children's pools
• SPA-center
• Gym
• Conference hall
• Aquatics Center

The hotel is located on the large green island of Nalaguraidhoo, with landscaped biking trails through dense jungle. Here you will find comfortable accommodation in a cozy beach or overwater villa, as well as all the benefits of the resort of the Maldives: an excellent choice of restaurants, water and land activities, excursions and services of a prestigious spa.

The resort offers all levels of dive courses for beginners and experienced divers. The instructors of the local dive center create exciting underwater routes that open up the rich ecosystem of the Indian Ocean to tourists.

• Atoll: South Ari.
• Transfer: 20 minutes by domestic plane to Maamigili Island and 10 minutes by boat.

Sun Island Resort аnd Spa

Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa

Green island of Vilamendhoo in Ari Atoll has a stunning hotel with a welcoming atmosphere and excellent infrastructure. 4-star Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa will be the perfect option for a romantic getaway. In view of the excellent and convenient reef, snorkeling and diving on Vilamendhoo will be in preference.

• 184 numbers
• 4 restaurants and 4 bars
• 2 swimming pools
• SPA-center
• 2 conference rooms
• Water sports and entertainment center

The island opened a diving center company Euro-Divers Maldives, which is an old-timer in the Maldives. Exploring the underwater flora and fauna on the stunning house reef is a lot of fun. Dive safari around Vilamendhoo and nearby sites will give you every opportunity to meet with whale sharks and amazing manta rays.

• Atoll: South Ari.
• Transfer: 25 minutes by seaplane.

Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa

LUX* South Ari Atoll

The idealistic island of Didhoofinolhu is the longest landmass in Ari Atoll. It has stunning beaches, lush tropical vegetation and a stylish 5-star resort LUX* South Ari Atoll. A tropical oasis in the middle of the ocean, which has a luxury tourist infrastructure.

• 193 villas
• 2 swimming pools
• 5 restaurants and 5 bars
• Night club and cafe
• Elite spa complex
• Diving center

The resort is favorably located among places rich in underwater inhabitants. Thousands of reef fish, sea turtles, dolphins, rays and whale sharks swim here. Encounters with huge spotted fish are organized by local dive center instructors. You will enjoy dhoni boat trips to scuba diving sites, wrecks and caves, as well as snorkeling among manta rays.

• Atoll: South Ari.
• Transfer: 20 minutes by domestic flight to Maamigili Island + 10 minutes by boat, or 25 minutes by seaplane.

LUX* South Ari Atoll

Bliss Dhigurah

On the South Ari Atoll, where whale sharks are found all year round, you can also choose a budget vacation. On the local island of Dhigurah, there are several popular guesthouses that tourists most often choose for their convenient location. Bliss Dhigurah, in turn, is famous for its welcoming atmosphere, delicious food and excellent living conditions.

• 15 rooms (double and family suites)
• Restaurant and coffee shop
• Tour agency

Dhigurah Island is surrounded by a beautiful lagoon with a good house reef. So not only offsite scuba diving, but also snorkeling on your reef will bring a lot of impressions. In the vicinity of Dhigurah, you have every chance to see large whale sharks. Local dive centers offer exciting underwater trips to the atoll's most spectacular dive sites, including Manta Point, as well as all types of diving courses from a certified PADI club.

• Atoll: South Ari.
• Transfer: by speedboat (2 hours journey), by domestic aircraft to Maamigili Island followed by a speedboat (20+20 minutes) or by public ferry (6 hours journey).

Bliss Dhigurah

Angsana Ihuru

One of the leading resorts in North Male Atoll - Angsana Ihuru provides many opportunities for first - class diving. A small boutique hotel offers guests as many as 5 packages of all inclusive, with an emphasis on varied food, spa and, of course, for divers of all levels. You can diversify your vacation at the neighboring resort partner Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.

• 45 beach villas
• 1 restaurant and 1 bar
• 1 swimming pool
• SPA-center
• Conference hall
• Diving center
• Gym

The stunning coral reef of Ihuru Island allows you to enjoy the diversity of the underwater world of the Maldives to the fullest. For dive safaris, certified PADI Gold Diving Instructors Palm offer excursions to the most incredible points of the Northern Male. You will be able to meet reef sharks, turtles and even manta rays. For beginners, Discover courses are held here. Scuba Diving, during which you can appreciate the beauty of the house reef, located a stone's throw from the hotel.

• Atoll: North Male.
• Transfer: 35 minutes by speedboat.

Angsana Ihuru