Roland Lefevre
As Asia's premier snorkelling hub the island archipelago of Maldives is home to some of the most verdant underwater landscapes in the region. The country's top snorkelling venues are as follows.
Tipped to be one of the most popular things to do in the Maldives snorkelling hubs don't get any better than Ellaidhoo. With its seabed covered by a stunning coral reef it is little surprise the area is ranked among the best snorkelling spots in the entire archipelago. With a well-known shipwreck littering its shallow waters this engaging underwater landscape is divided in to not one but 3 Protected Marine Areas. Serving as the breeding ground and habitat for countless fish species and marine creatures what lies beneath the ocean's surface in Ellaidhoo is a pristine landscape unharmed by human activities or development. Featuring a solid drop off the snorkelling conditions in Ellaidhoo are ideal for beginners as well as experts. Water sports enthusiasts based in the W Retreat & Spa Maldives can book a snorkelling tour of Ellaidhoo via the hotel to enjoy the best snorkelling experience the country has on offer.
Ranked among some of the finest house reefs the archipelago has on offer a snorkelling expedition in Angsana Ihuru is a snorkelling enthusiast's dream come true in the Maldives. Tranquil as it is breathtaking, the stunning reef is as captivating above the surface as it is below. Home to an unblemished underwater landscape snorkellers exploring the vibrant reef in Angsana Ihuru is teeming with multi coloured fish belonging to more than 140 species. Shark varieties and wrasses are also known to occupy this popular reef which also boasts a sharp drop off. Frequented by snorkellers from around the world the area is a not-to-miss highlight for underwater explorers vacationing in the Maldives.
In spite of its disassociation from any resort hub in the Maldives Kandolhu is also deemed to have some of the best snorkelling conditions in the country. The captivating house reef in Kandolhu is found just off the mainland area of the atoll and is renowned to offer snorkellers hours of engaging underwater experiences. Sprawled across several miles the magnificent coral reef is home to a number of coral species as well as marine life. Encompassing a series of steep drops and slopes snorkellers exploring Kandolhu's house reef can expect to come across parrot fish, sharks, clown fish, triggers and countless other marine creatures.
Renowned as the finest venue for snorkelling activities in the southern atolls of the paradise archipelago Gaafu Alifu is another well-known snorkelling heartland in the Maldives. Boasting an array or coral varieties within its verdant confines the locale is a popular stopover and training ground for diving and snorkelling lessons in the area. Housing a whopping 1200 varieties of marine wildlife within its reef some of the most frequently encountered dish species at the locale include porcupine fish, trigger fish and sea turtles.
A must-experience highlight for all snorkelling enthusiasts touring the Maldives Vilamendhoo is a prime snorkelling hotspot that should not be missed. Home to a whopping 200 varieties of fish this engaging submerged coral garden is located near Ari Atoll. Known to host the highest number of adolescent whale sharks on the planet snorkellers swimming across the drop offs at this breathtaking space will encounter unicorn fish, napoleon wrasse, butterfly fish sharks and trigger fish.
