Here is a dreamy selection of 8 resorts with the best house reefs for snorkeling in Maldives. All of them boast vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life just steps away from their shores and villas. It’s nothing short of perfection !
You’ll find that these resorts cater to all budgets, from the affordable and amazing Vilamendhoo to the exclusive Kudadoo Maldives Private Island. Regardless of where you stay, snorkeling in the Maldives promises a truly wonderful experience.
in cover : Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences, an incredible resort and a paradise for snorkeling.
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8 MALDIVES RESORTS WITH DREAMY HOUSE REEFS FOR SNORKELING
One of the most beautiful house reef we’ve seen in Maldives : W Maldives.
These resorts cater to all budgets and share one common asset :
a nearby house reef that allows for easy and dreamy snorkeling experiences.
Dreamy selection of the best House Reefs for snorkeling in Maldives
If you’re planning a trip to the Maldives in 2024 and are looking for the best resorts for snorkeling, you will love this curated, updated and Dreamy list of the top resorts in the Maldives right now that offer unparalleled snorkeling experiences.
This list comes to complete our previous and personal snorkeling experiences in more resorts here.
About the choice of photos
- For each resort I chose to feature an aerial view so you can appreciate the beauty and proximity of the house reef. This element is crucial when chosing a resort that offers excellent snorkeling opportunities directly from the beach shores or from your water villa.
- To make you dream even more, you will also find a photo of each of the resort’s house reef ! Above or under the water.
Here are, in video, the fishes you will surely meet while snorkeling at these resorts !
You will redirected to our YouTube Channel.
A quick note about chosing the perfect Maldives resort for snorkeling.
The quality of the snorkeling experience in Maldives can vary depending on the location of the resort within the atoll, the condition of the surrounding reefs, and the presence of marine life around the island.
Some resorts have house reefs that can be accessed directly from the beach, while others may offer snorkeling excursions to nearby reefs or atolls.
My tip before you book your favorite resort : It’s always a good idea to research the specific resort and its snorkeling options before booking a trip to ensure the best possible experience.
These resorts offer a different experience, with various standards and categories.
If you’re on a budget, don’t worry, —there’s something here for everyone, and they all have one thing in common : spectacular snorkeling opportunities, perfect for exploring the breathtaking underwater world of the Maldives !
From world-class marine life to stunning coral reefs, the Maldives offers an unforgettable underwater experience for snorkelers of all levels and all budgets.
Happy snorkeling !
Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa
An affordable Dream
Vilamendhoo Island Resort is the most affordable resort for snorkeling in this list. Located in South Ari Atoll, this stunning island boasts a spectacular house reef just a short swim away from the beach shores and the water villas. Vilamendhoo is also located at a close reach to SAMPA, a hotspot for whale sharks, and one of the best resorts to stay in Ari Atoll to spot them.
Vilamendhoo’s house reef
Vilamendhoo boasts a spectacular house reef just a short swim away from the beach shores.
The island offers a dreamlike setting for diving and snorkeling and good services at an affordable price.
This 4.5-star, mid sized resort is ideal for couples and honeymooners thanks to its adult only areas but also accessible for families with their family-friendly areas.
Good to know
Vilamendhoo also offers an all-inclusive package that includes lunch and dinners, unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, minibar, Sunset cruise, snorkelling lesson, windsurf lessons and boards as well as free use of kayaks.
Book Vilamendhoo
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NOVA Maldives
Laid-back, with good vibes and versatile
Also nestled within South Ari Atoll, NOVA Maldives is a beautiful all-inclusive resort surrounded by a dreamy duo : a stunning house reef and superb beaches.
The resort, formerly known as Vakarufalhi for the Maldives old-timers, has undergone a complete refurbishment and a fresh rebranding resulting in a modern and stylish club-style concept.
NOVA Maldives’ house reef
You can start snorkeling around the reef of NOVA Maldives directly from the beach or from your water villa.
NOVA Maldives is a chill spot, a natural island nestled in lush greenery and surrounded by a killer house reef. There are ten different kinds of villas dotted around the place – you’ve got options on the beach or over the water.
The rooms are decked out with some pretty cool handmade furniture and a laid-back vibe that’ll make you feel right at home. And when it comes to dining, they’ve got you covered with an excellent full-board meal plan. Plus, there’s an all-inclusive option that’s totally up your alley if you’re a millennial traveler looking for a good resort with a fairly low budget for its standards.
Good to Know
NOVA Maldives is renowned for its incredible diving spots, including the opportunity to swim with whale sharks all year-round, making it a paradise for marine enthusiasts.
BOOK NOVA Maldives
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Kandolhu Maldives Resort
Tranquil and turned to the sea
Kandolhu Maldives is a true heaven of tranquility and serenity located in North Ari Atoll, Maldives. This tiny perfectly formed island is a gem.
The resort is home to one of the most colorful and lively house reefs in the Maldives.
Kandolhu’s house reef
Kandolhu is very small and its house reef is so perfect that it is accessible from almost every part of the island.
With just 30 villas well spaced from each others, its boutique size gives it an exclusive and private feel. We stayed in a beach villa but absolutely love their dreamy bathrooms in the water villas.
Despite its small size, this peaceful paradise has a lot to offer in terms of places to eat and stay, which might surprise you. It’s like the best of both worlds—small and cozy, but with all the amenities you could want.
Good to Know
The resort is best for couples and friends, I would not recommend the resort with children, due to its very romantic and quiet atmosphere.
Second, Kandolhu recently launched an Inclusive Plan.
BOOK Kandolhu Maldives
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with booking.com
Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences
One island for all Maldives Dreams
Located in Baa Atoll, Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences is a one-of-a-kind resort surrounded by a surreal house reef.
This eco-friendly private paradise is one of my absolute favorite in this list. It’s highly personalised, versatile and naturally gifted by a stunningly beautiful nature.
Amilla’s house reef
Snorkeling on Amilla’s house reef is as easy as that ! The Reef Water Pool Villas have one of the most incredible house reef access of all in this list.
The 5-star luxury resort offers extraordinary private Residences ( available for sale too ), a tree-top house and contemporary villas located on the beach or overwater. Food lovers will adore the choice and quality of dining, and for the superactive, a myriad of top-notch activities awaits.
It doesn’t end there. Amilla boasts one of the most striking snorkeling and diving opportunity in the Maldives !
A Dream.
Good to Know
Incredibly beautiful and versatile, Amilla is also a top resort for a family holiday in the Maldives.
For an ultimate snorkeling experience, choose a Reef Water Pool Villa !
BOOK Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences
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Baros Maldives
For lovers.
Baros Maldives is a small luxury resort known for two main reasons : the beauty of its house reef and its idyllic atmosphere for a honeymoon.
Ideal gateway for diving in North Male Atoll, Baros Maldives is at close reach to some of the Atoll’s best spots and offers great snorkeling sites a few meters away from the beach villas or from the water villas.
Baros Maldives’ house reef
Baros Maldives house reef is extremelly rich in fishes. Close to Male, the resort is ideal if you want to snorkel and stay in style, without having to travel too far into the archipelago.
At Baros, The Maldives underwater dream stands at 20 mns by speedboat only from the airport !
Our Video of Baros Maldives
Dreaming of Maldives channel : Subscribe to our Channel for more videos !
Located in North Male Atoll, at a short distance by boat from the airport, Baros Maldives represents the quintessence of the Maldives.
The superb resort simply encapsulates the essence of the destination with its natural beauty, its typical Maldivian design, its services and genuine Maldivian hospitality.
Staying at Baros Maldives is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and luxury that the archipelago is known for.
Good to Know
Baros Maldives is one of the most romantic resorts of the destination. The resort is very quiet and dedicated to couples and honeymooners, so I would not recommend it for a family with children.
BOOK BAros MAldives
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W Maldives
Sophisticated, fun and glamorous.
Known for having one of the best house reef in the Maldives, W Maldives is a dream for snorkeling. The super stylish luxury resort, which is located in North Ari Atoll on a heart shaped island, defines itself as a natural playground. And it really is.
W Maldives’ house reef
W Maldives house reef is accessible from almost everywhere around the island and the villas. Can you see the corals at the feet of this water villa ?
Our Video of W Maldives
Dreaming of Maldives channel : Subscribe to our Channel for more videos !
At W, you can spend your days relaxing in your villa, pampering yourself at the superb overwater spa, or choose to get adrenaline and fun-fueled by the endless things-to-do at the resort with playful top-designed villas, fun activities, curated DJ sessions from around the world, top dining options, cocktail parties, multiple watersports and last but not least, an underground night-club.
W Maldives is undoubtely one of the most sophisticated and fun luxury resorts in the Maldives.
Good To Know
W Maldives is one of the very Maldives resorts to own a desert island where you can spend a few hours or several nights. Called Gaathafushi, the small dreamy island is a pure tropical fantasy.
The resort also features an amazing Let It Glow Design.
BOOK W Maldives
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Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort
Two luxury islands in one.
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo is another paradise for snorkeling. Nestled in the heart of the virgin and secluded Gaafu Atoll, the resort is an exceptional sanctuary where the unmistakable Raffles butler service adds an extra layer of sophistication, ensuring that your stay is nothing short of unforgettable.
Raffles Maldives’ house reef
Raffles Maldives house reef is so perfect that it is accessible from almost everywhere around the island and from the villas.
Spread across two islands, thirty-eight opulent beachfront and overwater villas and residences provide an abundance of space. Indulgent spa treatments in the overwater spa restore vitality, while the resort’s three restaurants and two bars offer an array of the freshest local and international cuisines against the breathtaking backdrop of nature.
Good to Know
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo spreads across two secluded islands. Each island offers a unique experience to guests.
BOOK Raffles Meradhoo Maldives
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or
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Kudadoo Maldives Private Island
A unique private island in all-inclusive and for adults-only.
Just by looking at Kudadoo‘ aerial view, it is easy to see why it’s a paradise for snorkeling. This very exclusive hideaway is located right at the edge of a stunning house reef. Plus, it is very close to a Manta Ray hotspot, so if you dream of swimming with mantas and staying on a private island, there is no better choice in the Maldives.
Kudadoo Maldives’ house reef
Kudadoo house reef is accessible from the Water Residences.
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island is an all-inclusive adults-only offering 15 overwater private residences located right at the top of the house-reef, allowing a prime access to snorkeling right from your villa.
Entirely powered by solar panels, Kudadoo is a shining example that opulence and sustainability can beautifuly coexist.
Its strategic location, coupled with its design and the beauty of its surroundings, makes it an excellent choice for a luxurious snorkeling stay in the Maldives.
Good to Know
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island boasts an amazing private sandbank, perfectly named Dream Island. The idyllic white-sandy island can be completely yours with your butler to arrange a picnic, a candlelit dinner or a family get-together.
The private island is very close to its sister island of Hurawalhi where you can dine at the resort’s underwater restaurant.
BOOK Kudadoo Maldives Private Island
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