Snorkeling around Maafushi Island delivers some of the Maldives’ most accessible marine encounters. The crystal-clear waters host an impressive array of sea life – nurse sharks, manta rays, and dolphins are regular sights.
The half-day tours work well for beginners, while full-day excursions let you reach more remote reefs and hidden shipwrecks. I’m particularly fond of the small-group tours that include sandbank BBQ lunches; they offer great value and more personal attention from guides.
The coral gardens near Arena Beach are especially rewarding for underwater photography. Let’s explore the standout snorkeling tours worth your time and money.
Good To Know
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Maafushi offers a variety of snorkeling experiences, including shipwreck and nurse shark snorkeling, full-day snorkeling and island hopping, and half-day snorkeling trips.
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Snorkeling in Maafushi provides the opportunity to observe diverse marine life, such as whale sharks, manta rays, and dolphins, in their natural habitats.
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Snorkeling tours in Maafushi include essential amenities like snorkeling equipment, BBQ lunch, and return transfers, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.
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Smaller group sizes, up to 20 travelers, on Maafushi snorkeling tours ensure a more personalized and intimate experience.
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Maafushi also offers a half-day private snorkeling tour with air-conditioned transportation and a professional local guide, catering to travelers’ specific needs.
Maafushi: Ship Wreck & Nurse Shark Snorkeling With Dolphin Watching
The Maafushi: Ship Wreck & Nurse Shark Snorkeling With Dolphin Watching tour offers travelers a chance to explore the underwater wonders of Maafushi Island. This excursion, suitable for up to 15 participants, provides snorkeling equipment, a BBQ lunch, and return transfers from your hotel in Maafushi.
During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel around a shipwreck and encounter nurse sharks in their natural habitat. Plus, you’ll be able to spot dolphins in their natural environment, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience.
The tour starts at 8:00 am and lasts for the duration of the day. Underwater photos and videos are included, allowing you to capture and cherish the memories of your snorkeling adventure. With a 4.0 rating from 8 reviews, this tour is a must-try for anyone seeking an unforgettable snorkeling experience in the Maldives.
Read our full review: Maafushi: Ship Wreck & Nurse Shark Snorkeling With Dolphin Watching Review
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Maafushi: Full Day Snorkeling and Island Hopping Experience
Boasting an array of enchanting marine life, the Maafushi: Full Day Snorkeling and Island Hopping Experience offers travelers an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking underwater world of the Maldives. Priced at $99 per person, the tour includes a speedboat transfer, snorkeling equipment, a BBQ lunch, and the services of an experienced crew.
Guests can look forward to capturing underwater photos and videos, as well as enjoying an evening tea with short eats. The tour departs at 9:30 am from the Maafushi Marina, with a maximum of 20 travelers per group. While some reviewers have found the experience expensive for the activities provided, most have praised the enjoyable snorkeling and the fantastic guide who made efforts to photograph the participants.
This tour is best suited for casual snorkelers seeking a well-rounded island-hopping and snorkeling experience in the Maldives.
Read our full review: Maafushi: Full Day Snorkeling and Island Hopping Experience Review
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Maafushi: Snorkeling in Maldives Half Day Trip
Although offering a shorter duration compared to the full-day snorkeling tour, the Maafushi: Snorkeling in Maldives Half Day Trip still provides travelers with an immersive underwater experience. Operated by Tuktukdude Maldives and based in Maafushi Island, this half-day snorkeling excursion includes the essential amenities, such as snorkeling equipment, lunch, and hotel pickup/drop-off.
Guests can look forward to a BBQ lunch on a sandbank and the opportunity to capture memorable underwater photos and videos. With a maximum group size of 15 travelers, the tour ensures an intimate and personalized experience. However, it’s important to note the non-refundable cancellation policy.
The tour starts at 9:00 am, and an additional surcharge applies for pickup from Male city. The Maafushi: Snorkeling in Maldives Half Day Trip offers a convenient and well-rounded snorkeling adventure, perfect for those with limited time in the Maldives.
Read our full review: Maafushi: Snorkeling in Maldives Half Day Trip Review
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Maafushi: Whale Sharks & Manta Rays Snorkeling With Dolphin Watching
For those seeking an unforgettable encounter with the marine wonders of the Maldives, the Maafushi: Whale Sharks & Manta Rays Snorkeling With Dolphin Watching tour offers an unparalleled experience. Departing from the island of Maafushi, this guided excursion takes adventurers to the natural habitats of whale sharks, manta rays, and dolphins.
Snorkelers will have the chance to observe these majestic creatures up close, with the use of provided equipment and a picnic lunch on a nearby sandbank island. The tour includes return transfers, underwater photos, and videos to capture the magic of the moment. With a maximum of 15 travelers, this intimate experience ensures personalized attention and expert guidance throughout.
Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a first-time explorer, this tour promises to immerse you in the breathtaking marine life of the Maldives.
Read our full review: Maafushi: Whale Sharks & Manta Rays Snorkeling With Dolphin Watching Review
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Half Day Private Snorkeling Tour in Maafushi Island
Set out on a half-day private snorkeling tour in the enchanting waters surrounding Maafushi Island. This experience provides modern, air-conditioned private transportation and a professional local tour guide to ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey. The tour includes pickup and drop-off at the city center or your hotel, and there are no entrance fees required.
Spend your time exploring the vibrant marine life beneath the surface, with the convenience of a private tour tailored to your group’s needs. Witness the colorful coral reefs and diverse array of tropical fish that call these waters home. The tour is suitable for most travelers, and infant seats are available for those with young children.
Secure your spot while staying flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This half-day private snorkeling tour in Maafushi Island promises an unforgettable adventure in the stunning Maldives.
Read our full review: Half Day Private Snorkeling Tour in Maafushi Island Review
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The Sum Up
Maafushi Island offers some of the best snorkeling experiences in the Maldives. From exploring shipwrecks and spotting nurse sharks to encountering whale sharks and manta rays, there’s something for every level of snorkeler. With a range of full-day and half-day tours available, visitors can tailor their snorkeling adventure to their interests and schedule. Whether you’re a first-time snorkeler or an experienced underwater enthusiast, Maafushi’s diverse marine life and stunning natural beauty make it a must-visit destination.