Snorkelling on Thoddoo: from the shore and on boat trips

You can snorkel from the shore on Thoddoo and join boat trips run by local operators. Here is what we could check: where to swim, which operators run trips, the seasons and what to ask before you pay.

Snorkelling from the shore

• Thoddoo has a house reef, and operator listings say shore snorkelling is possible near the bikini beach. Reef fish are common, and turtles are reported near the island. Thoddoo Diving Center also names Sunset Beach as a turtle snorkelling spot.
• At Relax Residence the reception lends masks, snorkels and fins to guests free of charge, around the clock, so you do not need to bring your own.
• We recommend that you check the current before you enter the water, do not snorkel alone, and do not touch or stand on corals.

Boat trips and operators

• Manta snorkelling with Relax Residence. We organise a boat trip to open water to look for manta rays and swim near them, with guides on board who explain manta behaviour, habitat and conservation. The price is USD 75 per person. The time and duration are confirmed when you book by WhatsApp +960 950-9961 or by email. Sightings are not guaranteed, the trip depends on weather and sea state, and mantas should be watched without touching or chasing them. Bring sunscreen and something against the wind. Manta snorkelling excursion
• The other operators below are taken from public directories and their own sites. Their listings are partly generic, so confirm what each one runs, what is included and the price.
• Thoddoo Marine Excursion lists snorkelling safaris, including Thoddoo Rangabeelu and the turtle spot Vella Ulhey Than, dolphin cruises, sandbank picnics and whale shark trips to South Ari. Site: take.app/thoddoomarineexcursion. Phone +960 947-2110.
• Amazing Trip and Watersports lists snorkelling safaris, manta snorkelling, whale shark trips, dolphin cruises, picnics and fishing. Site: amazingviewthoddoo.com. Phone +960 915-3344.
• Amazing Excursions Thoddoo lists reef snorkelling, dolphin watching, manta snorkelling and snorkel gear rental, besides water sports. Site: amazingviewthoddoo.com. Phone +960 731-9106.
• Thoddoo Snorkelling Point (Live Corals) is listed as a snorkelling and excursion operator; we found no site or phone for it.
• Tropical Beach Watersports (Bikini Beach, phone +960 912-1036) and Thoddoo water sport (phone +960 966-8820) list water sports and snorkel gear rental.
• The dive centers also arrange snorkelling: Dive Aetas Thoddoo lists PADI snorkelling and Thoddoo Maldivsk Divers lists a snorkel diver programme. Diving on Thoddoo

Mantas, whale sharks and seasons

• Operators describe manta encounters near the island and in North Ari Atoll, but sightings are never guaranteed. Our excursion page says mantas are found all year and that November to April brings warmer water and better visibility, which is not guaranteed. Other sources disagree on the best months, some saying November to March and others May to November.
• Whale sharks do not live around Thoddoo all year. Trips go to South Ari Atoll, and one operator puts it at about two hours by boat. December to April is generally calmer and clearer. The best season for the Maldives
• The speedboat from Malé airport to our island leaves at 16:00 daily except Friday, takes about 1 hour 15 minutes and costs USD 35 each way. How to get to Thoddoo A packing list is here. What to take to the Maldives

Reviewed by the Relax Residence team in October 2026.