Snorkeling in Malé: Nurse Sharks, Coral Reef & Sandbank

Three snorkeling sites in one morning: nurse sharks, coral, and turquoise shallows

A guided snorkeling activity from Malé that visits a coral reef, a nurse shark site with a 90% year-round sighting chance, and a sandbank. Includes speedboat transport, snorkel gear, safety equipment, mineral water, and pickup from Malé, Hulhumalé, Velana Airport or the cruise ship pier. A professional guide and lifeguard travel with the group. Children from age 5 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling and sandbank tour

• Pickup from Malé or airport
• Pass resort island without stopping
• Snorkel at coral reef
• Pass another resort island without stopping
• Relax at white sandbank
• Snorkel with nurse sharks

The experience

You board a speedboat with shaded seating and an onboard restroom, heading to three separate snorkeling sites across the lagoon. The boat carries a professional guide (English, Hindi or Bengali), a lifeguard, and all the gear you need: snorkel mask, fins, life jacket and mineral water included. The three stops are spaced to give you time in the water at each one without rushing between them.

At the coral reef, you enter the water to see tropical fish, various corals, and occasionally turtles and reef sharks moving through the shallows. The nurse shark site offers a 90% chance of swimming alongside these large, calm creatures in their natural habitat. Stingrays often appear at the same spot. The sandbank is a white strip of sand surrounded by turquoise water where you can swim in the shallows, walk the beach, or simply float in the clear lagoon.

Pickup is included from Malé, Hulhumalé, Velana Airport or the cruise ship pier, with drop-off at the same location. The activity runs about three hours total. Children from age 5 can join. Infants sit on an adult's lap. The guide watches the group throughout, and life jackets are available for anyone who wants one.

What’s included

• Snorkel mask and snorkel gear.
• life jacket and safety equipment.
• mineral water.
• professional guide and lifeguard.
• speedboat with shaded seating and onboard restroom.
• pickup and drop-off from Malé, Hulhumalé, Velana Airport or cruise ship pier.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

AgesAdult (10 to 90 years) · Child (5 to 9 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish, Bangla and Hindi

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Maldives Experiences

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to visit three separate snorkel sites (coral reef, nurse sharks, and sandbank) in a single morning with pickup from your hotel, airport, or cruise pier included.

Traveler reviews

4.25★★★★★★★★★★

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Hindi and Bangla.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 9 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the chance of seeing nurse sharks on this snorkeling trip?

The nurse shark site has a 90% year-round sighting chance, and stingrays often appear at the same location. You'll snorkel in their natural habitat with a professional guide and lifeguard present.

What snorkeling gear do I need to bring, or is it provided?

Snorkel mask, fins and snorkel gear are provided free. Life jackets are available onboard if you want one, and mineral water is available throughout the activity.

Where does pickup happen, and how long does the whole activity take?

Pickup is included from Malé, Hulhumalé, Velana Airport or the cruise ship pier, with drop-off at the same location. The activity runs about three hours from start to finish.