The clear, warm waters and shallow reefs make the South Ari Atoll perfect for snorkellers, who can immerse themselves in the house reef or join spectacular snorkelling excursions for big marine life.
Vilamendhoo Island Resort is a real favourite with our clients. The island is characterised by a picture perfect palm-fringed beach and surrounded by a beautiful lagoon.
The spectacular house reef will keep enthralled thanks to the wonderful soft corals and the huge range of marine life that calls the reef home. It is also possible to join a boat and head to snorkelling sites further afield to get the very best out of your Maldivian snorkelling adventure.
Two of the most exhilarating and exciting snorkelling sites are manta point and whale shark point, which offer the opportunity to snorkel with these magnificent pelagic animals.
Suggested Itinerary
Day1: Depart the UK for Malé
Day2: Arrive Malé and transfer by seaplane to your resort
The seaplane journey to Ari Atoll is one of the many highlights of your holiday, allowing breath-taking views of the Maldives many islands and atolls. On arrival, check in to your resort for a one week stay. Guests can choose from garden, beach and water villas. The remainder of the day is at leisure to settle into you surroundings.
Days3-8: Ari Atoll Snorkelling Experience
Enjoy unlimited house reef snorkelling during your stay, with ten entry and exit points around the island.
Boat snorkelling trips can be arranged locally for a small supplement, along with thrilling full day excursions to search for manta rays, turtles and whale sharks.
Day9: Return to Malé and depart
Transfer by seaplane back to the airport for your flight back to the UK, arriving home later today.
Please note: There are other resort options in the South Ari Atoll. Contact our Dive team to discuss.
Key info
Our trip ideas are offered to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your requirements.
Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 9 daysfrom £2,495 pp
The central region comprises Malé and Ari Atolls, Felidhoo, Faafu and the smaller Rasdhoo Atoll. It is the most popular area for both dive resorts and liveaboards, with excellent shore diving from house reefs and large pelagics on drift dives.
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Ideal for viewing: whale shark, grey reef shark, Napoleon wrasse, spotted eagle ray, reef manta ray
Excellent for: Liveaboard diving, Resort based diving, Group diving, Shark diving, Whale shark, Manta ray, Learn to dive, Shore diving, Snorkelling, Underwater photography
Suggested accommodation options are shown below.
Please
contact us
for further recommendations.
Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, swaying palm trees, a 900 metre long white sand beach and a turquoise lagoon, this resort in the South Ari Atoll is popular amongst the diving community.
Find Out More about Vilamendhoo Island Resort
Ideally located at the southern tip of South Ari Atoll, this intimate dive resort of just six rooms is a great option for those looking for excellent diving with a local twist. It's in a perfect spot for whale shark encounters.
Find Out More about Boutique Beach
Nestled on the charming island of Nalaguraidhoo in the South Ari Atoll, this fun, relaxed, family friendly resort is ideal for divers who like their marine life big and their holidays in paradise.
Find Out More about Villa Park Resort
