Your guide to Maldivian marine life: what lies beneath the waves
Dip below the still, azure water of the Maldives, and you’ll find a wonderland of lagoons and coral gardens in our archipelago, bursting with life that moves a little faster than the island’s laidback, on-land rhythm.
The Maldivian waters are some of the best dive sites in the world, promising a marine adventure filled with color—but whether you're a certified deep-sea diver, or a first-time snorkeler, there’s something for everyone in this underwater world. From rare sightings of the majestic manta ray, to the iridescent parrotfish, here’s what you might encounter under (and even above) the waves when you stay at Villa Resorts Maldives.
It’s a snorkeler’s paradise
One of the easiest ways to explore the aquatics of the Maldives is to don a mask and snorkel, and walk directly into the warm, shallow waters from our beach. You won’t have to swim far to find abundant reef ecosystems—and it’s arguably one of the most relaxing ways to while away a few magical hours in the morning sun.
Tucked into the swaying sea anemones, you’ll find clownfish dancing orange above the seabed, schools of powder blue surgeonfish, graceful Moorish idols flitting among the reefs, and an array of technicolor parrotfish crunching their way through coral with their infamous, toothy beaks. There are also 32 species of butterflyfish to be spotted!
Eager for your first Maldives shark encounter, but not quite ready to brave the deep? Reef sharks are often seen cruising just below the shallows near to our resorts—they’re as harmless as they are curious.
Top tip: don’t forget to pack a GoPro or waterproof phone case!
Dive into the deep
For certified scuba divers, the archipelago is a veritable dream: there are 83 top dive sites in the Maldives, including world-renowned destinations of Kandooma Thila and Maaya Thila. So whether you're looking to complete a PADI open water certification in the Maldives, or you’re gearing up for your first after-dark dive, the chances are you’ll see some of the most extraordinary creatures the planet has to offer.
From large barracudas to sea turtles and a fascinating array of macro creatures like the colorful and charming sea slug, the Maldives has also become a renowned destination to spot whale sharks. During the southwest monsoon (between the months of May to November) is when plankton peaks, beckoning whale sharks and manta rays. If you’re hoping to swim alongside these gentle giants, head to South Ari Atoll and Baa Atoll for your best chance.
After dark, expect to see nocturnal wonders like lobster, octopuses, moray eels, the beautiful but deadly lionfish, and even sleeping fish taking a rest in the reef. Under UV light, the coral glow in colours reserved only for the night—perfect for your first Maldives night diving experience.
Sea-life from the surface
If you prefer to stay dry, then dolphin-watching tours, sunset cruises, or glass-bottom boat rides along the Maldives' glassy, turquoise waters are an unforgettable way to get closer to the Maldives' rich biodiversity without getting wet. These trips are perfect for families, couples or nature-lovers alike.
Keep your camera nearby for acrobatic spinner dolphins as they travel inside the atolls during the day, flying fish (known locally as fulhan'gi)—and if you’re lucky, four-metre manta rays can occasionally be witnessed in the cleaning stations of Dhigu Thila in Baa Atoll, Maaya Thila in North Ari Atoll, and Rasdhoo Atoll.
Our commitment to our ocean home
The Maldivian coral reefs are some of the most diverse and vibrant on the planet—but it's our responsibility to keep them that way. That’s why at Villa Resorts in the Maldives, we’re committed to protecting these fragile ecosystems with marine conservation programmes like coral planting and beach clean-ups. If you’d like to get involved in these initiatives during your stay, we’d love for you to help us preserve this paradise for many years to come.
But protecting these coral homes also starts in the small, everyday steps we can take. We encourage our guests to opt for sea-friendly sunscreens, avoid single-use plastics and always respect the local wildlife.
Ready to explore the Maldives? Come on in, there’s a whole world below the surface waiting for you.