Corals in the Maldives - choosing a reef hotel

The "highlight" of the Maldives is the beautiful private beaches that are framed by a house reef, meaning you definitely won't need to sail by boat or motorboat to another island to snorkel.

The lagoon is a natural pool where you can safely swim without worrying about waves and currents. The fringing coral reef allows you to safely get to know the marine inhabitants: see bright coral fish, manta rays and even small reef sharks, colorful surgeonfish, tuna, parrotfish, turtles and even a hammerhead shark!

Not all islands have a house reef, so choosing "the one" resort is very important for diving enthusiasts. Ideally, this is a coral garden full of life and colorful beauty. Depending on natural factors, including climate, the reef can be very colorful, or, unfortunately, filled with dead colorless corals, among which almost no living creatures live.

Which hotels should you choose to explore the coral reefs of the Maldives? Some of the best places are below in the article.

Diamonds Thudufushi Beach & Water Villas

Baros Maldives

A paradise island overlooking a blue lagoon. Elegant and secluded villas in traditional Maldivian style frame the waters or rise above the turquoise ocean. The family resort Baros Maldives is especially famous for its impressive house reef, located so close to the shore that even children can easily see the fish. A PADI diving center, a spa with a tranquil water garden, several restaurants overlooking the sea and a gentle sea breeze - all this guarantees an unforgettable holiday!

Baros Maldives

Six Senses Laamu

The only resort in Laamu Atoll where you can easily meet dolphins! It is a paradise for surfers, and Yin, the most famous breakwater of the archipelago, is located just offshore. The house reef surrounding Six Senses Laamu impresses with a stunning coral garden. Here you can often see oriental sweetlips, parrot fish and even green turtles! 97 stylish villas in Maldivian style are equipped with upper decks, from where an impressive panorama opens up.

Six Senses Laamu

The Nautilus Beach & Ocean Houses Maldives

A luxury hotel where each villa has its own pool, and guests have access to butler service. Vibrant corals and abundant marine life make a trip to the Maldives unforgettable: dolphins, manta rays and other marine life can be spotted at every turn. And all within a few minutes’ walk from the shore!

Four restaurants are open 24 hours a day, offering fresh seafood and delicacies. Indulge in a spa treatment in a glass-floored pavilion. Or go on an impromptu adventure on the resort’s luxury yacht.

The Nautilus Beach & Ocean Houses Maldives

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

A luxury resort in the heart of the Indian Ocean stretches across two verdant islands surrounded by emerald tropics, crystal turquoise waters and powdery sand. The resort has 21 villas, each with its own private beach and pool. Of the 16 ocean villas, steps lead directly into the lagoon, to deep marble bathtubs filled with seawater. The resort's house reef stretches for 4 kilometers! You will get a mesmerizing experience of exploring the underwater kingdom of colorful corals and its inhabitants.

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

Milaidhoo

Luxury boutique resort Milaidhoo is located in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, near Hanifaru Bay. Milaidhoo is a tiny and very beautiful island, surrounded by vibrant greenery. It is framed by a lagoon with white sand, and the coral reef of the pristine island is part of the biosphere reserve, known for the best diving in the islands.

Milaidhoo

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

Explore the spectacular reef of the Park Hyatt Maldives. It surrounds the entire island, giving a 360-degree view. It is a kaleidoscope of reef fish and boulders, branching and stem corals. A great place to explore the underwater wonders of the Indian Ocean.

The hotel has 51 villas, designed in a minimalist style with maximum comfort and luxury. All rooms have panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, and some villas are equipped with a pool. Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, located in the remote Huvadhoo Atoll, will give you a secluded holiday on a private island surrounded by green tropical landscapes. In addition, here you will have the opportunity to touch the ancient Ayurvedic practices.

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

Anantara Kihavah Villas

An ultra-luxurious resort in the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve. Anantara Kihavah Villas are located on Kihavah Huravalhi, one of the most pristine islands in the Maldives. The house reef at Anantara Kihavah is so beautiful that you’ll spend most of your time snorkeling from the shore. Home to 300 species of fish!

Expect to encounter sea turtles and juvenile reef sharks. Some of the best dive and snorkeling spots in the Maldives are right on the “doorstep”. No trip to the Baa Islands is complete without a visit to Hanifaru Bay, home to hundreds of stingrays! Anantara Kihavah Villas also offers the rare opportunity to dine at an underwater restaurant that is completely surrounded by a living coral reef.

Anantara Kihavah Villas

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

An exclusive private resort located on the southernmost tip of the remote Raa Atoll, adjacent to a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The resort is in a unique location where manta rays live. You can watch manta rays right outside your villa, and they swim here all year round.

It offers 81 spacious villas and residences, six restaurants and bars. This resort was the first in the world to offer Club InterContinental benefits to all guests. For example, daily afternoon tea, evening aperitif, refreshments throughout the day by the pool or on the beach.

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

Soneva Fushi

The first Robinson Crusoe-themed hotel in the Maldives. Situated on the private tropical island of Kunfunadhoo in Baa Atoll, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Maldives Biosphere Reserve, this luxury island resort boasts the longest and most magnificent house reef in the Maldives.

In addition to crystal clear water, powdery beaches and a tropical climate, it boasts rich vegetation: fabulous luxury villas and private residences with several bedrooms are hidden among the dense foliage. And some of them are tree houses, which will make you feel like a real “Robinson Crusoe”.

Soneva Fushi

Kuredu Island

A family resort in Lhaviyani Atoll with a calm house reef, where even the smallest swimmers feel comfortable and safe. It pleases with excellent visibility and the length of bright corals. Huge schools of tropical fish can be explored not far from your overwater villa. Not far from the hotel there are two small sunken ships, which are of particular interest to divers. The coral reef of Kuredu Island is ideal for beginner divers. An important bonus - unlimited Neutrox refills.

Kuredu Island

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

Meet colorful fish, nurse and reef sharks, rays and turtles right next to your villa. This eco-friendly 5-star resort offers a luxurious holiday on a private island. The house reef with a 750-meter wall and several caves is one of the best in North Ari Atoll. The hotel has a marine center dedicated to ocean conservation and the protection of the most famous inhabitants of the region, manta rays. Not far from the island is the specially sunken dredger Rannamaari, which now serves as an artificial reef. It is easy to get to it directly from the shore and even see from the inside! Snorkeling equipment is provided free of charge.

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon

The 4-star Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon island resort is located in a quiet corner of North Ari Atoll. It is a great choice for divers looking for peace and quiet. One of the notable features of this island resort is the living reef that fringes the island. It is located just a few meters from the beach. Both divers and snorkelers can enjoy an underwater adventure at almost any time of the day or night. In addition, there is a sunken inter-island ferry close to the shore.

Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives

This small island with a wide lagoon is part of the luxury resort chain Centara. Its house reef is famous for the underwater Machchafushi ship, which you can swim inside! The ship was deliberately sunk in 1998 to create an artificial reef on the island. Today, it lies at a depth of 15 to 30 meters, making it an ideal place for divers of all skill levels and experience to explore. The ship has become a favorite among underwater photographers due to its dense coral cover.

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives

Mirihi Island Resort

The remote South Ari Atoll is a haven for whale sharks and manta rays. But the most stunning feature of the private island of Mirihi is just a few steps from its beach. This tiny resort boasts one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, ideal for divers and snorkelers. You can explore the underwater world during the day, but don't forget to go on a night snorkeling safari - it's a stunning spectacle! The holiday will be complemented by exquisite cuisine, an excellent spa, daily yoga and an idyllic resort atmosphere.

Mirihi Island Resort

Diamonds Thudufushi Beach & Water Villas

The reef with colorful corals and lush marine life makes the resort especially attractive. Manta rays visit this place from time to time.

A premium all-inclusive oasis located on the west coast of South Ari Atoll. Guests are offered a wide range of games, water sports and wellness services. Activities on the island include: Pilates, yoga, water gymnastics and a fitness room, beach volleyball, billiards, table tennis, table football and Nintendo Wii. Don't forget about the colorful snorkeling and water activities!

Diamonds Thudufushi Beach & Water Villas

Filitheyo Island Resort

Explore the white sand beaches, mangrove forests and jungles of a magical island.

Superb shore diving awaits you. The island has two beautiful house reefs. The coral gardens are easily accessible from the shore, and you can go for a swim day or night. The beauty of the atoll is that due to its remoteness, Faafu Atoll is less visited than neighboring dive areas. Therefore, it is a pristine corner of nature, where you will not encounter a stream of tourists near the most beautiful places.

Filitheyo Island Resort

Exclusive resorts, white sand beaches and endless turquoise seas - the Maldives is a diving destination that is synonymous with stunning scenery, luxury and adventure. There is more magic here than meets the eye. Take the plunge and set off on an adventure!