Snorkeling Lhaviyani Atoll
Considered one of the top snorkeling destination in the Maldives, Lhaviyani Atoll's underwater world is something not to miss. Located just north to Malé Atolls, it hosts some stunning and pristine snorkeling spots. From reef sharks, eagle rays and sea turtles sightings, to displays of coral in crystal-clear water just under the surface, there's so much to experience when snorkeling Lhaviyani.
World	Maldives	Lhaviyani Atoll
Lhaviyani Atoll (also known as Faadhippolhu Atoll) lies just north to North Malé Atoll. It is made of 54 islands, of which only 5 are inhabited and 5 are resort islands. On the inhabited islands, shore snorkeling can mostly be done in Olhuvelifushi (fringed by a lagoon on its southern side) and Kurendhoo. The 5 resort islands, bordered by lagoons and/or house reefs, are all great for snorkeling. With its 2km-long white sand beach, Kuredu is certainly the most popular resort island on the atoll. Fringed by reef drop offs, it offers some of the best shore snorkeling in Lhaviyani. Kuredu is also the main departure point for boat snorkeling tours to Fahigili, a wonderful reef lying less than 2km from Kuredu's coast.
Green sea turtle and blackspotted puffer in Kuredu
The Maldives hosts an incredible diversity of sea life, with more than 2000 species of fish, ranging from colorful reef fish to pelagic fish, such as whale sharks. Lhaviyani Atoll, in particular, is a top spot for snorkeling with sea turtles, rays and sharks in shallow water.
When to go snorkeling Lhaviyani Atoll?
In the Maldives, the year is divided into two seasons determined by the monsoons. The northeastern monsoon, from December to April, corresponds to the dry season. This is the best period for snorkeling, because the sunshine is exceptional, but it also corresponds to the peak tourist season (high visitor numbers and high prices). The southwestern monsoon, from May to November, corresponds to the rainy season. Rains and storms are brief but intense, and are sometimes accompanied by very strong winds.
All through the year, average temperatures vary between 79 and 93°F (26 and 34°C), with more heat in the dry season. With a water temperature permanently around 82°F (28°C), the Maldives have ideal conditions for snorkeling all the year round.
New snorkeling spots to share in Maldives?
Green sea turtle
On all spots, abundant in Kuredu
Blacktip reef shark
On all spots, on both reef flats and reef drop offs
Blackspotted puffer
Maldive anemonefish
On reef drop offs
Our favorite spots	in	Lhaviyani Atoll
Renowned for its long white sand beach, calm and clear waters, Kuredu is Lhaviyani Atoll's most popular resort island. The reefs fringing the island are easily accessible to snorkelers and filled with a diverse range...
North and South Malé atolls consists of more than 80 low coral islands. Some 13 of which are inhabit...
Ari, with its thin ring-shaped atolls rising from the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean, is recog...